Change is not easy, but it is required if…
Think back…..way back. Can you identify and count all of the changes you have made leading up to your accomplishments today? Many changes are instantaneous, likely due to the limited emotional tie to the decision and change. Often, the changes you decide against making, possess significant emotional weight. These are also the changes you absolutely must make!
Just because change has occurred in your life, doesn’t mean you know the actual process of change. Change is complex. If you learn and understand the process, you can successfully implement change throughout your life.
The Stages of Change for Small Business Owners
As you grow your small business, your journey will be full of pivots and challenges. Whether you’re thinking about expanding, modernizing your systems, or improving your work-life balance, change is inevitable—and often necessary. But making real change isn’t just about deciding; it’s about understanding where you are in the process.
The Stages of Change Model, developed by Prochaska and DiClemente, outlines how people make lasting behavioral changes. Here’s how each stage applies to small business owners, with practical examples to help you identify where you are—and where you’re headed.
1. Precontemplation – “It’s Not Even on My Radar”
At this stage, you’re not yet thinking seriously about making a change. You may feel everything is “fine,” even if others suggest improvements.
Example:
You’ve been using handwritten invoices or Excel for years. Someone suggests accounting software like QuickBooks. You shrug it off—”My current system works.”
Tip:
If you’re in this stage, stay open to feedback. Look for blind spots in your operations or habits that may be holding your business back.
2. Contemplation – “Maybe I Need to Change”
Here, you’re starting to realize a change might be beneficial. You’re weighing the pros and cons, but no action yet.
Example:
You’ve had several invoice errors and missed payments. You start researching accounting software and realize automation could save you time and reduce stress.
Tip:
Write down the benefits of making the change and the risks of staying the same. Start talking to other business owners about their experiences.
3. Preparation – “I’m Getting Ready to Make a Change”
Now you’re planning to take action soon. You may be gathering tools, setting goals, or creating a strategy.
Example:
You’ve chosen an accounting platform and watched tutorials. You’ve set a date to start using it in the next quarter.
Tip:
Break the change into small steps. Get support—whether it’s hiring a bookkeeper for setup or joining an online forum for business software users.
4. Action – “I’m Doing It!”
You’ve officially made the change and are actively working on new behaviors or systems.
Example:
You’ve integrated the software into your daily routine, sending digital invoices and tracking expenses. You’re adjusting to the learning curve and noticing improved cash flow.
Tip:
Celebrate small wins. Monitor your progress and reward yourself and your team for sticking to the new system.
5. Maintenance – “I’m Staying on Track”
This stage is about maintaining the change over time and avoiding relapse into old habits.
Example:
Six months in, your accounting system is a seamless part of your operations. You’ve trained your assistant, and your taxes were filed early this year!
Tip:
Keep refining. Consider other improvements—like integrating payroll or inventory tools—to build on your progress.
6. Relapse (Optional but Common) – “I Slipped Up”
Relapse isn’t always part of the model, but it’s common in real life. Something might derail your progress, and you return to old ways.
Example:
You stop using the software during a busy season and revert to old habits. Receipts pile up, and you feel overwhelmed.
Tip:
Don’t beat yourself up. Revisit what worked, assess what caused the slip, and re-enter the cycle—likely at Preparation or Action. Growth is nonlinear.
In Conclusion:
Change is hard—but it’s not random. Understanding where you are in the Stages of Change gives you a roadmap to move forward with clarity and purpose. Whether it’s improving time management, upgrading technology, or shifting your business model, small business success often comes down to knowing when—and how—to pivot.
So ask yourself: What change have you been avoiding, contemplating, or preparing for? Where are you in the cycle—and what’s your next step? Want to discuss this for free? Call me for a free 15 minute brainstorming session…that might be an important change to consider!
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