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Business Tips From the Editor - "The Mountain Looks Too High To Reach the Top"

BUSINESS TIPS FROM THE EDITOR

August 2026

Richard T. Hendee, Editor
The Silver Fox Advisor

                          “The Mountain Looks Too High To Reach The Top"

Too often, business owners get frustrated with all the issues facing their businesses that they know need to get done, some of which might even save time or generate more bottom-line profits.

I often suggest to business owners a few things they should consider doing to help reduce some of their frustrations and maybe get them into a better place emotionally and hopefully financially. 

The first thing I suggest is to make a list of the issues they think they are facing. Next, rank these issues according to importance to the business’ bottom line (usually making more money, or in some cases even making money, is a key driving factor). Then, put the less important issues on a separate list, labeled just that (“Less Important Issues”). The list hopefully now is much shorter (keep in mind if everything is important then nothing is important). Now, grade the remaining issues by the degree of importance, then make the most impact to the bottom line. 

Starting with the Number One issue, begin breaking down what needs to happen to get that issue resolved and work to focus on that issue, and that issue mainly, over the next 60 to 90 days. If after the 60 to 90 days is over and the issue still is not resolved, it might be a good idea to bring some level of expertise to the table. 

Let’s think positively and assume the issue is resolved in the 60-to-90-day period; now it’s time to move on to the next issues on the priority list and repeat the process until the list has been reduced to a manageable level. If that can not happen in a year, the business just may need a full-time advisor, coach, consultant, or mentor to assist in the process. 

If you are a small business owner and your business issues are getting to be overwhelming, think about tackling the bigger issues first and one at a time and not trying to herd all the cats in the neighborhood into one room at the same time. Think about seeking advice from one of our professional Silver Fox Advisors who can guide you as you work on your list of issues. We encourage you to visit our website at www.silverfox.org.  There, you can learn more about selecting a Silver Fox Advisor whom you can engage to assist you.