One of the aspects I love most about my business is engaging in conversations with a diverse range of business owners to help create the business + life to which they aspire.  One of the most unique and impactful was with the owner of a pet grooming business.

When I began collaborating with the owner, we had a pivotal discussion about the studio’s operating hours. She shared her deep passion for showing poodles and her desire for them to participate in agility training, which was only available on Tuesday afternoons. Despite her enthusiasm, she was reluctant to close the grooming studio during that time, fearing her regular Tuesday afternoon clients might not return if she disrupted their schedules.

I posed a simple question: “How do you know you will lose clients if you can’t accommodate them on Tuesday afternoons?”

The owner paused, realizing she had not asked her clients about their flexibility or how they would react to this change.

Motivated by this insight, she decided to close the studio on Tuesday afternoons from the following week.

A month later, I checked in to see how her decision had affected the business. To her delight, the studio had been closed on Tuesday afternoons for four consecutive weeks, and every one of the regular clients had rescheduled their appointments to other days without issue.

The takeaway for business owners is that seeking an outside perspective, such as from a coach, can uncover simple yet overlooked solutions to persistent challenges. A fresh set of eyes can prompt new questions and strategies that lead to positive change, all without sacrificing customer loyalty or growth. This example highlights that the path to creating a thriving business and balanced life often starts with stepping back, reassessing assumptions, and embracing adaptability.