The Five Stages of Change for Small Business Owners

Change is a complicated thing. If you are someone contemplating the changes that will occur as you become a successful small business owner, it will help to have a bird’s eye view of where you are along the continuum.

To that end, Dr. James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente developed a transtheoretical model of change in 1982 that has been applied to everything from weight loss to drug addiction with great success and acclaim. Although his model has never before been applied to those considering starting a successful small business, it is a highly relevant model that will help relieve pressure from people who think they should be further from where they are and provide a compassionate understanding of where they are. is it so. each person is along the scale.

Three great things about the stages of change

Prochaska and DiClemente’s transtheoretical model of change identifies five stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance.

The precontemplation stage (currently not considering change)

This stage could really be called “the precursor stage of change.” This is the stage where people may not even be thinking about becoming a small business owner. In fact, at this stage, they may not even realize that it would be in their best interest to make a change, even though others around them may think they should. The motto of this stage is: Ignorance is happiness.

How to know if you are in the Precontemplation Stage:

1. You’re not really thinking about starting a small business.

2. You basically agree with how things are.

3.Others may be expressing concerns about the hours you work, the stress you seem to be under, or how much you need to take a vacation.

Those in this stage do not intend to take action within the next 6 months.

The contemplation stage (thinking about change and investigating options)

In the Contemplation Stage, people are aware that a change is needed and they really want to make a change. Although they are seriously thinking about the change, they do not have a clear plan of action because they feel ambivalent about the change. The motto of this stage is: just sit on the fence waiting to see what will happen.

How to know if you are in the Contemplation Stage:

1. You find yourself researching online and thinking about what it would be like to own a small business.

2. You seek the perspective of others who have “been there, done that.”

3. You are drawn to magazine articles on entrepreneurship and small business ownership.

Those at this stage are considering taking action within the next 6 months.

The preparation stage (ready for change and making plans)

This stage of change is evident by the amount of activity, decisions, and overt action that takes place in preparation for starting a small business. This is a time to plan how and when you will begin the commissioning process. The motto of this stage is: I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

How to know if you are in the Preparation Stage:

1. Your small business startup coach has become your best friend.

2. Your white board is getting a daily workout as you look at all aspects of small business ownership.

3. You are regularly experiencing both excitement and fear.

People in this stage intend to take action within the next month.

The action stage (make changes and take charge)

This stage is characterized by a considerable amount of constant forward movement. All necessary paperwork is completed, business checking accounts are opened, the business name is registered, business cards are selected, a website is developed, and strategic action plans are drawn up. The motto of this stage is: Carpe Deum.

How to know if you are in the Action Stage:

1. You are in full action mode.

2. He spends most of the day focused on his new small business and loves it.

3. You are committed to carrying out your actions.

People in this stage are taking action.

The maintenance stage (continuous forward movement toward the goal)

At this stage, people are firmly ensconced in the forward movement and momentum of launching their new small business. The goal of this stage is an ongoing commitment to keep your small business success moving forward. The motto of this stage is: Westward, ho!

How to know if you are in The Maintenance Stage:

1. Your business runs smoothly.

2. You have begun to work your way back through the stages of change to further develop and expand the growth of your small business.

3. You are actively looking for new opportunities for change and growth.

People in this stage continue their momentum.

In praise of Prochaska and DiClemente’s transtheoretical model of change

As has been shown, Prochaska and DiClemente’s Transtheoretical Model can be easily adapted to the stages of change that occur in the creation of small businesses. People who are considering whether or not they are ready to become a small business owner no longer need to be left with the “if” question. Rather, they can easily find a clear answer about where they are along the change process. As a result, they themselves become powerful and effective agents of change. In addition, they learn that change, while life-changing, can be life-affirming and life-enhancing.