Author: Niall McGinnity, CEO @ Nuvem9
In this blog post, I shared a process of analysing and dissecting your frustration with your business: how to categorise it, identify the symptoms, and trace that back to the root cause. However, recognising the problem is only the first step. The real challenge? Breaking the cycle and making meaningful changes that last. The key is essentially taking the right action.
I observe many business owners falling into a similar pattern: they spot an issue, attempt a quick fix (a safety plaster), and then find themselves frustrated again a few months later when either the problem repeats or it has knocked on to unearth a new issue. The issue is that most of the time the solution wasn’t deep enough. Therefore, the smart view is shifting from awareness to action, from frustration to transformation.
Quite often the response is either “this is too hard to do” or a tendency to focus on the easier immediate action rather than the right action with optimal long-term impact. That is completely understandable when there are a million things you are juggling. But it is the right action that will address the million things awaiting your attention,
Just Do It
In the late 1980s, Nike was struggling. Reebok was dominating the fitness market, and Nike had lost its edge. Sales were stagnant, and their brand lacked a clear, compelling identity. That’s when they made a bold move – refocusing their entire message around a simple but powerful idea: “Just Do It.”
The slogan was inspired by an unlikely source; the final words of a convicted criminal facing execution. Ad executive, Dan Wieden, who was crafting Nike’s new campaign, reworked the phrase into something universal, something that could speak to everyone, from elite athletes to everyday people pushing past their limits.
The result? A marketing masterstroke. Nike didn’t just sell shoes anymore; they sold determination, resilience, and action. Within a decade, their revenue skyrocketed from $877 million to over $9 billion, cementing them as the global sportswear leader.
The Lesson: Nike didn’t just react to a business slump. They went deeper and took the right action; identifying their core brand identity, refining their message, and executing with total clarity.
Let’s Just Do It today, making the right deep diagnosis and taking the right action, moving from frustration to transformation, making strategic changes that last.
Step 1: Commit to Solving the Right Problem
It’s easy to get caught in reaction mode – cutting costs when cash flow is tight, hiring more staff when overloaded, or pushing for more sales when revenue dips. But are these solutions addressing the real issue? Are you treating the symptom or fixing the system? Making the right strategic decisions, rather than just firefighting, leads to long-term success.
“The trouble in America is not that we are making too many mistakes, but that we are making too few”
~ Phil Knight, Nike Founder
Step 2: Set Measurable Changes, Not Just Goals
Ambition is great, but execution is everything. Instead of broad goals like “I need more profit,” focus on clear, measurable steps:
✅ Increase project pricing by 10% for new clients.
✅ Reduce turnaround time by implementing a structured workflow.
✅ Hold a monthly financial review to track performance against targets.
“The best companies don’t just react—they proactively shape their future.”
~ Niall McGinnity, CEO Nuvem9
Build Systems to Prevent the Problem from Returning
The ultimate goal is to ensure you don’t find yourself back in the same frustration loop in six months. Ask yourself:
✔ What process can I put in place to prevent this from recurring?
✔ Who is responsible for maintaining this change?
✔ How will I measure whether it’s working?
“Fail fast, Learn faster”
~ Phil Knight, Nike Founder
Final Thoughts
Your Action Plan: The 90-Day Fix:
1️⃣ Revisit the frustration you identified last time.
2️⃣ Define one key change that will permanently fix the root cause.
3️⃣ Set a 90-day target to implement and measure progress.
4️⃣ Build accountability—who will keep you on track?
Just Do It – good luck!
Main Image Credit: Photo by George Pagan III
Helping leaders and businesses drive success forward
Here at Nuvem9, we do things a bit differently – we’re not your traditional accountants or financial advisors.
We utilise our knowledge, years of hands on experience and expertise with technology and a proactive approach to leverage the best support for you that spans your whole business. So whether you’re in need of an outsourced bookkeeping or accounting team, help to scale up your business or planning for an exit, we’re here to support you each step of the way.
Get in touch for a free no obligation chat with one of our Senior Advisors to explore how we can support your accounting, financial planning and business strategy.
