Further conversations and conditions have been presenting actions or reactions associated with this. Today, I want to simple outline a few I am seeing. Not in an effort to aggravate the issue but to maybe provide a little comfort to let you know it's a real thing.
I will point out a few things that I see as causes at the end. But here are a few reactions that are stemming from burnout or hitting the PAIN LINE:
1. Selling I see more and more super qualified and dedicated restoration and disaster specialists feeling somber in the game that they are selling or listening to offers. They have admitted this isn't bringing as much passion and fulfillment as it once did. Being challenging isn't what causes this, it's a seemingly rigged game that all efforts prove to have little effect on. So with all the Private Equity traffic, restorers are looking for an exit.
2. Sabotaging This one is harder to see and realize. Burnout and constantly hitting a wall causes one to lose focus on the most important things and start to chase shiny objects. Maybe these are new service offerings. Maybe new company bolt-on's (plumbing), new marketing tactics and more emotionally driven decisions. While change is great, the act of change needs to not be expressed under a fight or flight (this is my only choice) mindset. These reactionary decisions seldom work out.
Deep down, there is a part of us that know it but it's a survival instinct. More Hustle and Grind and less planning and strategy.
We venture into these waters and might be sabotaging.
Sabotage also occurs when you grow beyond you and your teams current capabilities. You got here with what you know but beyond pushes you into more failure and that is tough. So you might subconsciously sabotage efforts to go back to safety.
Maybe you decide you want a smaller easier company. But if you have cast a vision with your team, this might appear to be limiting their future options. This will cause good people to leave. It's ok to self realize, but you need to really communicate clearly.
3. Stall
You may hit your ceiling, even see it coming, and stall. Take fewer risks, make longer decisions and do what you have always done. It's safer.
But staying in place is hard. Not impossible but it takes lots of competing efforts and a strategy all of its own.
There are long standing and new disruptions that have occurred in the past 4 years that are making not only our industry tough, but many industries big and small.
Political issues Staffing/ work ethic Insane inflation imbalance Shopping habits Insurance disruption Changing client types Many many more
If you look at commerce over a really long period, you will notice that these waves always come and go. But if you really study them, you will see the characteristics and leadership types that weather the storm and stay in the game.
Are you experiencing Entrepreneurial Depression to any degree?
If you are....don't wallow in it. reply back and let's chat. Not a business transaction, but a friendly ear and assuring voice.
We literally are all in this together.
Klark
About Klark Brown
I spend a larger amount of my time than I should doing my small part improving this industry. I give people ideas and inspiration. Why? Because the momentum of 12,000 people working towards one thing is stronger than 1 person.
In exchange I ask that if you would like to get experienced and successful help from people who have DONE it, you reach out to us. We love what we do, and you will to.
If you are a Restoprenuer™️ and want a guide (think Yoda to Skywalker) to help, thats what we do. www.restorationadvisers.com or simply reply to this email.
