Why Update
I find this trait so prevalent
in small business today I see the need to write about it again with updates
since I wrote about it in 2012. A lot has added to the causes of this disease
that has infected small business owners.A quick review of the term “Half-Hearted Kamikaze”
It came from Tim Elmore a Christian Pastor and
Speaker. I think it is relevant in today’s service business. First let’s look a
definition of Kamikaze. As Tim Elmore puts it,” A Kamikaze is someone who (whether for
good or evil) puts everything into one purpose.” Wikipedia defines
the Kamikaze, literally: "God wind"; common
translation: "Divine wind", where suicide attacks by military
aviators from the Empire of Japan against Allied naval vessels in the closing
stages of the Pacific campaign of World War II. These attacks were designed to
destroy warships more effectively than was possible with conventional attacks.
Numbers quoted vary, but at least 47 Allied vessels, from PT boats to escort
carriers, were sunk by kamikaze attacks, and about 300 damaged. About 14% of
kamikaze attacks managed to hit a ship.
The Business Definition
So what is a
Half-Hearted Kamikaze? My definition as relating to business is a service
business owner who talks the story of improvement, change, and full commitment
but does not consistently strive to achieve the goal of an extremely successful
business with time for the owner to enjoy life.
So why are so many service business owners half-hearted?
My observations of
dozens and dozens of service businesses demonstrate several reasons.
1.
They may great
technicians but they are not knowledgeable business owners.
2.
Another reason is the owner just does not have
the drive to take the business to success but is satisfied with a paycheck
equal or less than they could make as a technician for a successful company.
Perhaps their spouse works and provides the additional income and benefits for
the family.
3.
Often an owner enjoy
technical side of the business so much they shy away from the hard decisions,
the “books”, margins, waste, and the changes needed to more the business to the
next level. Not necessarily larger but more profitable.
4.
A recent trend I am
seeing is business owners dealing with technology. They either get so involved
in technology that they forget about the fundamentals of operating a successful
business or they fail to grasp the opportunities that newer technologies offer
to improve the fundamentals of a business.
5.
Also a recent issue
is the red tape and regulations imposed by the government that stifle success
these include regulations that do not make sense for a small business, burdensome
paperwork, poorly trained inspectors, codes that change often, codes that do
work for existing structures, laws that vary city to city, and of course
government involvement in employee benefits.
6.
The last one I’m going
to mention is marketing. A business owner can no longer rely on a simple “Yellow
Pages” display ad to generate business. With websites, social sites, third
party advertising, customer online reviews, mobile marketing, and dozens of
other newer marketing places and technics, the business owner is lost so they
often give up.
The Consequences
The owner probably has
little or no retirement fund when he retires. He may take cash under the table
thus compromising his integrity. His business may be supported by his vendors
who provide credit too easily. He owes more than the business is worth. He may
have stress related illnesses such as heart trouble, high blood pressure,
diabetes or another health issue. He retires to a life much less than a
business owner deserves, if he is able to retire. Perhaps he works at a big box
store like Walmart or Home Depot instead of enjoying retirement, hobbies, and
the grandkids.
So what’s the answer?
Either become fully
engaged or work for someone who is and avoid the downside of being
half-hearted. Today there are dozens of ways to beat the half-hearted disease.
Contact me if you would like to discuss this more and move your business
forward.
Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to grow and prosper.
Contact him @ Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com
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