Protecting Your Business: Hard Calls Every Owner Must Make
Hey, Dealmaker! It’s your boy, Mark Evans DM, and today we’re getting real about something every business owner has to face: making the tough calls. You see, being the owner isn’t just about celebrating wins, it’s about protecting the integrity of your business — even when it means doing the uncomfortable stuff. 💼
I’m talking about firing that person who’s not cutting it, cutting ties with vendors who aren’t delivering, and making sure that everything happening inside your business aligns with the standards you’ve set.
Let’s dive into why making those tough decisions matters and how you can handle them like a true leader.
Why Tough Decisions Are Non-Negotiable
First off, let’s get something straight: you can’t avoid tough decisions. If you let the wrong people stay too long or avoid holding others accountable, your business will suffer. Sure, it might feel easier to “wait it out” and hope things get better, but trust me, that never works.
Every day you let someone underperform or fail to meet expectations, you’re letting them drag down the whole team. And as the owner, that’s on you. Your job is to make sure your company stays strong, even if that means doing the hard stuff.
Is Your Team Delivering?
Take a hard look at your team right now. Ask yourself: Is everyone pulling their weight? If someone’s slipping, you’ve got two choices — coach them up or cut them loose. Coaching works when someone shows potential, but if it’s clear they aren’t a fit, you’ve got to move on.
Here’s a little story for you — I once had a guy on my team who looked great on paper. He had the right skills, experience, and seemed perfect for the role. But once he got in, it became clear he didn’t fit the culture, and his attitude was toxic. I waited way too long to let him go, and that was a mistake. It cost me more time, money, and energy than it should have.
Moral of the story? Don’t wait. If someone’s not a fit, don’t let it slide.
Vendors Are Part of Your Team Too
Your vendors — whether it’s your marketing team, your software provider, or whoever else — are part of your extended team. And just like your in-house employees, they need to deliver results. If they’re slacking or making excuses, it’s time to have a real conversation.
A lot of business owners think, “Well, I’ve been with this vendor for years, I’ll give them more time.” But here’s the thing — your business doesn’t have time for “maybe.” You need results now. If they’re not stepping up, don’t be afraid to find someone who will.
Holding People Accountable: The Key to a Strong Business
Accountability is everything. If your team and vendors know that you’re serious about holding them accountable, they’ll step up. But if they think you’ll let things slide, guess what? They’ll start slacking. And before you know it, you’ll be dealing with a culture of mediocrity.
So how do you make sure accountability stays strong in your business? Set clear expectations from day one. Make sure your team knows what success looks like and what happens if they don’t meet the mark. Then, follow through. It’s not about being a jerk — it’s about protecting the integrity of your company.
The Power of Letting Go
Let’s be real — firing people or cutting ties with a vendor isn’t fun. It’s uncomfortable, and a lot of people avoid it because they don’t want to deal with the awkwardness. But here’s the truth: if you don’t do it, your business will pay the price.
When you make the tough call to let someone go or move on from a vendor, you’re not just protecting your business — you’re also sending a message to your team that you take the company’s success seriously. It’s a powerful move that creates a culture of accountability and high standards.
How to Make Tough Decisions Easier
I get it — these decisions aren’t easy. But here are a few steps to make it smoother:
Set Clear Expectations: Make sure everyone knows what’s expected from them. No one should be guessing.
Be Honest and Direct: When it’s time for that tough conversation, don’t sugarcoat it. Be real, be respectful, but be clear.
Take Action Quickly: Don’t drag it out. If you know a change needs to be made, do it before it causes more harm.
Follow Up: After the decision is made, make sure your team knows why it happened and what’s expected moving forward. This helps solidify the standards.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Business is Priority #1
At the end of the day, your job as a business owner is to protect your company’s integrity. That means making the tough calls, holding people accountable, and cutting ties when necessary. It’s not easy, but it’s the only way to ensure long-term success.
So, Dealmaker, who do you need to hold accountable today? Is there someone on your team or a vendor who’s been slipping? Don’t wait. Take action now and keep your business strong.
- Mark Evans DM