Turning weaknesses into superpowers – a guide for business owners

Hey there, fellow small business owner! You know the journey of entrepreneurship is like a rollercoaster ride – it’s exhilarating but filled with twists, turns, and the occasional loop-de-loop. Along this thrilling path, one valuable skill you can master is the art of turning your weaknesses into strengths. Trust me; it’s like discovering hidden treasure in your own backyard. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew, settle in, and let’s explore how we can make this transformation together.

Trip Down Memory Lane

First things first – take a trip down memory lane. Reflect on your past projects and client relationships. Remember the highs and lows, the wins, and the not-so-great moments. This exercise isn’t about dwelling on past mistakes; it’s about embracing the learning opportunities they provide.

As you flip through your business history, you’ll start noticing patterns. Patterns are like neon signs pointing out your weaknesses. If, for example, you regularly face challenges with keeping projects on track or miss out on important details, bingo – you’ve spotted your Achilles’ heel.

Unmask the Culprits

Now, let’s unmask the culprits behind those hiccups. Are you a bit disorganized? Perhaps you sometimes rush through tasks like a whirlwind? Or is it the opposite – you may “procrasti-plan” forever to avoid taking real action.

To get to the root of your weaknesses, you need to identify the why behind the what. For instance, if you’re often lost in the big picture, you might find that you’re an idea enthusiast but sometimes overlook the finer details. If your sales are lagging, you may reflect on your reluctance to self-promote. Whatever it is, come to terms with where your natural strengths lie, and where there’s a gap – we all have them!

Here are our four favourite ways to turn a weakness into a strength as a small business owner:

1. Automate

Look for clever software which will allow you to automate the aspects of running your business which aren’t your strong suit. For example, if remembering to off-board clients is a blind spot, set up an automated email flow which begins when you tag your customer as ‘offboarded’ and includes a review request and more.

2. Delegate

Delegating tasks which are not in your zone of genius to someone who will do a better job than you is the ultimate way of turning a weakness into a strength. If detail-oriented tasks are not your bag, find someone internally who thrives on precision to handle this part, or hire a virtual assistant.

3. Get rid of it

If there’s something your organisation offers to customers which is, frankly, sub-par for any reason, consider deleting this product or service. It’s likely causing you and any staff you have undue stress, underperforming from a profit perspective, and attracting poor reviews. Focus on nailing what you do well and jettison offerings which expose your weaknesses.

4. Learn a little

Is your weakness more of a lack of knowledge on a particular topic? Could it be rectified by learning? Micro-credentials like those offered by the Australian Writers Centre can give you confidence to tackle gaps in your business, and the know-how to turn them around. You could end up being quite the expert on a topic you used to avoid discussing at all costs.

Remember, turning weaknesses into strengths is a journey, not a destination. It’s a bit like tending to a garden. You plant the seeds, nurture them, and watch them grow. Keep checking your progress, make tweaks when necessary, and keep growing.

It’s not about erasing your imperfections but embracing them and turning them into valuable assets. Just like in life, our quirks and imperfections are what make us special, but there’s no reason to let them hold you back in your business growth.

Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash