Dear Richard…
Imagine sharing your personal problems with a stranger. You might find the concept either wildly liberating or utterly terrifying. How then do you find the idea that they will then share your issue (and their thoughts on how to solve it) with a huge audience? For me, it could be cold comfort or oddly reassuring.
After all, no one will know it is you; you don’t have to sign the letter or you can use a witty alias.
This is the premise of the problem page. The first page many turned to in many a print publication to hear what the agony aunt or uncle had to offer. Now you’d probably post your question in a Reddit forum or crowdsource an answer on your platform of choice.
Why do we like to read these? Part of it must be knowing that we are not alone in our experiences. Then maybe a bit of schadenfreude. Plus a feeling of smugness if we got the same/right answer.
It reminds me of people asking questions at training and workshops. There’s a very good chance that they’re not the only person in the room wondering, but the others are too shy to ask. So asking the question publicly and sharing the answer is helpful for everyone.
Interestingly, the outcome is the same whether you’re asking about your business or your personal affairs. You want to resolve an issue so that you can move forward and grow. You know that it’s not something you can do alone. So asking an expert to apply their knowledge and experience to your situation makes sense.
This has inspired me to create ‘Dear Richard’. I’m considering a future monthly post (so write in if you’ve got a problem!). Here’s what I think Dear Deirdre (of The Sun newspaper fame) might be like if their column solved business problems rather than personal problems.
DEAR RICHARD: Why are my customers cheating on me with other businesses? Don’t they like what I have to offer any more?
I’ve been running my business for a number of years and thought I was well established.
But in recent months, I’ve noticed fewer new customers. I’m sure that my older customers are getting what they need elsewhere.
When I run into them at networking events, they look embarrassed and turn away.
It’s interfering with my sleep and I’m wondering if it’s worth continuing.
RICHARD SAYS: Remember, no one is thinking about you the way you are.
In any business, customers come and go. Are your customers actually unhappy with your service or do they just have less to spend these days?
Start by seeking feedback from your current and recent customers. I’m sending you my 10 great questions to ask your customers and clients sheet.
Also, take the opportunity to look at who your competition is and what they offer.
It also sounds like you could do with some support to find a new purpose and direction for what you do. Consider working with a business coach or mentor (either privately or through a local programme). It’ll help you get your buzz and your customers back.
DEAR RICHARD: I’m not sure I’m in love with my business anymore.
I used to leap out of bed at the very idea of sitting at my desk.
Now I’ll do anything else, even the washing up, rather than work on my business.
We had a few happy years together; now I’m not sure what the future holds for us.
I’ve been looking at jobs, but I feel like I’m letting my business down by thinking about finishing it.
RICHARD SAYS: Don’t make a hasty decision.
It’s easy to look back to a time when everything seemed to be going well and compare that to the present.
It’s natural for businesses to go through rough patches, and the idea of escape might seem very appealing.
The good news is my Fog Buster process is absolutely designed to help you find your way forward and decide on the right thing.
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