Imagine that you are in a car, driving toward your intended destination.  You are keeping your focus forward because that is where you are headed. Suddenly, you are almost pushed off the road by a car that seemed to appear out of nowhere and swerved into your lane.  The offending car was traveling in your blind spot.

Every car has blind spots, but it also has mirrors. The purpose of car mirrors is to help the driver identify the blind spots and avoid potential problems.  Blind spots in the work and business environment, however, can be harder to identify.  How does a person avert problems in a work environment without the benefit of mirrors?

• Ask around.  Getting honest feedback from clients, customers and service providers can be uncomfortable, but it is invaluable.  Ask open ended questions, not just questions that can be answered with a yes or no.  Use this opportunity to really listen to and understand your customer’s point of view.  Only ask clarifying questions in response, and don’t get defensive with them or their comments. They are trying to help your business be better.
• Want to grab a cup of coffee? Chat with a colleague over a cup of your favorite hot beverage and encourage them to share their observations about what you are doing well and what needs improvement.  Again, only ask clarifying questions in response, and don’t get defensive with them or their comments.  Building a trusting relationship with a work friend can help you both meet more of your goals, both personally and professionally.  Over time, rather than just an occasional cup of coffee, this person may become a valuable accountability partner that you speak with daily.
• Seek professional help. Getting an objective outsider’s opinion can help you see what is going well or where improvements are needed.  Being so close to your own business can sometimes make it hard to see potential problems.  Also, we can’t all be experts at every aspect of our business so it is important to get advice from the following professionals:

o   CPA, accountant or bookkeeper can help your business become more organized and financially sound.  Over time working with this professional, you can learn more about financial matters and gain confidence to make critical financial decisions and avoid blind spots.  (Long term-relationships with professionals are important.  I have had the same CPA for 35 years.)

o   Business owners know with so many tasks demanding attention, chances are you’re not only bound to overlook some important considerations, but you may not fully understand the legal implications of your actions.  Having anattorney, you don’t have to guess about complicated legal issues like contracts, licensing, or employee/employer liability.  (I have had the same attorney for 24 years.)

o   Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just started your own business, a business coach can help you set and achieve more ambitious goals and improve your business confidence and relationships.  The right coach becomes a mentor, sounding-board, teacher and motivator.  What better person to talk with about potential blind spots and how to solve them?  Your coach only succeeds when you succeed!

Your primary, daily business focus should always be looking forward, out the front windshield, down the road, for new opportunities for growth and profit.  However, be proactive and build in a regular time to occasionally check your side mirrors so that you are not surprised by something hiding in a blind spot.

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