I get questions from time to time from small business owners who have been in business for a number of years, and find their businesses aren't growing - or worse, that they are in a steady decline. All of them are looking for suggestions to improve business, but some are so entrenched in their own way of doing their business and thinking about their business that they can't conceive of doing things differently.

Typically, the change-resistant business owner goes on the defensive, responding to every suggestion for business improvement with a sentence that starts with "I can't because..."

"I can't... because that's not the way we do things"
"I can't... because my customers won't like it"
"I can't... because I don't have the time"
"I can't... because it costs too much"

The reasons that they "can't do" whatever has been suggested all sound plausible to them. But what they fail to realize is that the one thing that's holding them back from improving their business is their internal "I can't because" filter.

If your business isn't living up to your expectations, ask yourself whether your "I can't because" filter could be kicking in too often. Are you really as open to change as you think you are? Do you need to change what you sell, how you sell, or who you sell to? Are you using your time as wisely as possible in your business? Have you changed anything about your business or the way you do business in the last year?

Be honest with yourself. If your "I can't because" filter has kept you from making needed changes to your business, it's time to set it aside. Write out a list of ways you could change the parts of your business that need changing. Write down as many things as come to mind. If need be, ask others for suggestions, too.

Whenever you think or say "I can't because" stop yourself. Ask yourself if you are you basing your objection on hard, proven facts or just think you can't do something.

When you're done with your list, identify the changes that could potentially make the most difference in your business and, try them one, by one. Stay with what works. Get rid of what doesn't. And watch your new "can do" attitude turn your business around.

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