Are You Doing What Actually Grows Your Business—Or Just What You’ve Always Done?
Running a small business is no easy task. You’ve worked hard to build it, and you’ve probably figured out a rhythm that feels comfortable. You know what’s worked in the past, and you keep doing it—because that’s how it’s always been done. But what if some of those habits are actually holding your business back?
Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working on the right things. The key to long-term growth is identifying which actions truly drive value and focusing on them. Otherwise, you risk wasting time, money, and energy on tasks that don’t actually move the needle.
What Are Value-Driving Actions (And Are You Focused on Them)?
Value-driving actions are the specific activities that have the greatest impact on your business’s success. These vary by industry and business type, but they typically include things like:
Attracting and keeping customers
Improving efficiency and cutting waste
Creating products or services that people genuinely need
Building a brand that stands out
For example, if you run a small retail store, your most important actions might be improving your in-store experience, personalizing customer interactions, and making sure your inventory is stocked with what people actually want. But if you offer a service, your focus might need to be on client relationships, referrals, and delivering top-notch results every time.
The question is—are you actually spending most of your time on these things? Or are you stuck doing what you’ve always done, even if it’s not really working anymore?
Why This Matters More Than You Think
When you’re running a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. You’re handling customer requests, responding to emails, managing employees, and keeping everything running. But if you don’t step back and evaluate what’s truly driving success, you could be:
Spreading yourself too thin, trying to do everything at once
Sticking to outdated methods that don’t bring in new customers or revenue
Wasting time on tasks that don’t actually help you grow
Focusing on the right actions will:
Improve Efficiency – You’ll cut out busywork and focus on what really matters
Help You Make Smarter Decisions – You’ll have clarity on what’s worth your time and money
Give You an Edge Over Competitors – You’ll do what makes you stand out, not just what’s “normal” in your industry
Set You Up for Long-Term Success – Your business will grow because it’s built on intentional, high-impact actions
How to Identify What’s Actually Driving Your Business Forward
If you’ve been running things the same way for years, it can be hard to know what to change. Here’s where to start:
Look at the Numbers – What’s bringing in revenue? What’s costing you money? Review financial reports, customer feedback, and sales data to see what’s actually working.
Define Clear Goals – Do you want to increase sales? Improve customer retention? Expand into new markets? Your goals will shape which actions you should focus on.
Get Input from Others – Your employees, customers, and even business partners might see things you don’t. Ask them what’s working and what’s not.
Track & Adjust – Don’t just make changes blindly. Set key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress, then tweak your approach as needed.
It’s Time to Run Your Business with Purpose
You’ve put in too much effort to let outdated habits dictate your future. Identifying and focusing on value-driving actions can be the game-changer your business needs. Instead of working harder, work smarter—so your business grows in the right direction.
If you need help assessing where your focus should be, Exit Success Solutions offers tailored business strategies to help you maximize your potential. Let’s build a business that thrives, not just survives.