Why Throwing Money at a Problem is No Solution

They say money can’t buy happiness; it also can’t buy solutions to real business problems—you know, the ones that keep you up at night. Sure, it can buy new accounting software or allow for a clever ad campaign, but what about the issues that arise during day-to-day business? What about the client who isn’t satisfied with the product, or the complications that can occur when you spread yourself too thin? How about finding ways to show buyers that your product or service is worth the expense, even in a down economy? Situations like this require creative thinking, not dollar bills.

The temptation to use money to solve business problems stems from several desires:

• To reach an easy, no-mess fix
• To reduce time spent in discomfort
• To avoid confrontation
• To get back to the “real” work
• To maintain a certain image to buyers, employees, and even yourself

Then there’s the fear of change. Using creative thinking to solve problems often means arriving at unexpected solutions—solutions that require a change in company structure, leadership style, employee rules, buyer expectations, and more. Many businesspeople are afraid of opening this door, but the result of leaving it closed is that problems aren’t solved; they’re simply concealed for a while longer. Next time you have a problem or difficult situation within your business, get together with your trusted team to brainstorm creative solutions. Do this before reaching for the checkbook and you might be surprised at the money saved, morale boosted, and problems solved.

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