Growing a small business takes grit, hard work, strategic planning, and a willingness to adapt. There’s no other way. That looks different for everyone though. Buzz words like hustle, pain points, magnetic messaging… they’re everywhere. We read them and think, am I doing that? Do I have that? But sometimes, the most common habits that business owners think are helping them can actually hold them back in the long run. I’ve been there. By recognizing these bad business habits, you can make small changes that lead to better results and real business growth.
Let’s look at three habits that might be slowing you down – and what you can do instead to create meaning and purpose.
1. Trying to Fit In
Many business owners fall into the trap of trying to blend in with their competitors, thinking it’s the best way to attract potential customers. We try to copy thinking that’s the best way to compete, but here’s why it doesn’t: It’s flat out silly to try to mimic what someone else is already doing, has built an audience for and filling a demand. Not only do you need to do all the work to try to match it, but then you’ve got to out-do them in every other aspect as well to move a customer from them over to you. And today’s customers don’t just want another cookie-cutter brand- they’re looking for businesses that stand out with unique value propositions and strong personal branding.
One of the easiest ways to break this bad habit is to take a different angle. Instead of mirroring other companies, focus on the good work habits that make the most successful entrepreneurs thrive – like authenticity, storytelling, and staying true to your mission. Social media is a great way to showcase your unique voice and build trust with the right people. It allows you to try things, adapt quickly, and engage and receive feedback (if you ask for it!)
Here’s a better way forward:
- Define what makes your brand unique and use it as a competitive advantage.
- Focus on long-term goals rather than short-term trends.
- Test new products or services that align with your business goals.
2. Trying to Do Too Many Things
It’s tempting to say “yes” to everything, especially in the early days of your business. But trying to do too much – offering too many services, running every aspect of the business alone, or spending much time on tasks that don’t drive revenue is a surefire way to slow your progress. One of the best pieces of advice I received in my business is just this simple: learn to ask for help.
Look at largest of organizations and how they prioritize focus and efficiency over doing it all. There’s never one person doing all the tasks. And I know what you’re thinking. I’m a tiny brand, I can’t afford that. Yes, perhaps that’s true. But as you start to grow consider the cost of hiring some help and you spending your time on bringing in more clients and growing your business. Instead of juggling everything, delegate tasks, streamline your workflow, and implement processes that support business growth. Most successful entrepreneurs know that doing a few things really well beats doing everything at an average level. Start with one person when you’re able and you’ll notice your productivity and business scale because the efforts multiply. And if you do it right, your revenue will rise offsetting the labour cost.
A tiny and simple step forward:
- Identify your main reasons for overextending yourself – are you afraid of missing out, relinquishing control or do you struggle to say no? For some people, when they really dig deep the answer is that they’re afraid to succeed.
- Acquired insights from fellow entrepreneurs can help you focus on the important things. Ask questions, join support groups and networks to learn faster and build connections.
- Prioritize good habits like time blocking, automation, and saying no to tasks that don’t align with your business plans. Saying no will set you free.
3. Expecting Perfection
Perfectionism is one of the most common mistakes that holds brands back. You might think waiting until everything is just right is the best way to create high-quality work, but in reality, it often leads to frustration, delays, and missed opportunities.
The first goal of an innovator is action – not perfection. Steve Blank, Michael Schrage, and James Clear (author of Atomic Habits) all emphasize that tiny habits and small, consistent improvements drive long-term success.
A protected space for progress
- Accept that uncertainty of new ideas is part of innovation.
- Instead of striving for perfect, focus on progress.
- Launch new business models or test ideas in a timely manner to see what works. Heard of the fail-fast method? This is an approach in business and creative fields that encourages rapid experimentation and learning from failure as quickly as possible. Instead of spending excessive resources the goal is to validate assumptions early, identify what doesn’t work quickly and improve on it without major losses.
Breaking these bad habits doesn’t require an overhaul—just small things done with great focus on a daily basis. By shifting your mindset, you can build a brand that attracts decision makers, earns trust, and stands out in a crowded market.
If you’re ready to refine your website and branding strategy, The Good Canvas can help. We specialize in crafting websites that are beautiful, professional, and aligned with your brand’s unique vision. Let’s create something extraordinary – without the stress of bad financial habits or long hours spent on the wrong things.
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ABOUT THIS POST
This post is written by Donata Delano – A Web Designer, Professional Artist and Architect based in Burlington, Canada. She specializing in visual communication and web design, creating branding solutions and websites that are thoughtful, unique and aesthetically pleasing.
