An online business can be a rewarding and interesting career path, but it also requires a certain set of skills that are often overlooked. Problem-solving is one of the most important skills you will need to succeed in an online business. No matter what industry you’re in or what type of product you're selling, being able to identify problems quickly and come up with solutions is essential.
Problem-solving is much needed for any business owner, but it's often neglected by rookie online marketers. When you think about it, it's a no-brainer; being able to identify and solve customer issues in an efficient and timely manner is key for many businesses today.
Experienced customer service representatives understand this - they know how to use problem-solving skills in a way that makes the customer feel valued, respected, and heard. But you don’t need years of experience to master this art: with the right tools and tips, anybody can become a problem-solving whiz.
Did You Know?
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Requirement: According to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking and problem-solving top the list of skills employers believe will grow in prominence in the next five years.
- Education and Problem-Solving Skills: A study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that students in the top-performing countries in problem-solving scored approximately 2.5 years of schooling above the average.
- Impact on Employment: The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) identified problem-solving skills as one of the top attributes employers look for on a resume.
- Innovation Link: 85% of business executives surveyed by McKinsey & Company believe that problem-solving skills are closely linked to business innovation and improvement.
- STEM and Problem-Solving: In STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, problem-solving skills are considered a prerequisite, with over 90% of STEM professionals highlighting their critical importance.
The Skills Are Indispensable
Users expect the quickest and most efficient solutions from a business, or they may take their business elsewhere.
Your skills build relationships with users. You want them to remember your business and may even tell others about their positive experience, don’t you? This can lead to repeat business and even referrals, which are both very valuable for any business.
So you want to be able to handle the paying customers’ issues quickly, keep them happy and come back for more.
Affiliate Marketing and Problem-Solving Skills
Affiliate marketing is all about solving users' problems by recommending products that they are looking for. In order to be successful in this field, you are required to know exactly what people are looking for and how to solve their problems.
Only then will you be able to recommend products that they will actually find helpful. Keep this in mind, because randomly promoting any products to the general public will be a waste of time. There is no point in hoping someone will pick up your recommendation and work out the product may help. You must boldly address the problems that they may have, and address the solutions that the product can offer.
When you can do this, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful affiliate marketer.
How to Use Problem-Solving Skills in Online Business
These skills are critical for any business owner, and it's especially important when running an online business because you don’t see them and they don’t see you face to face. Here are some tips for honing your problem-solving skills in online business:
Be Open-Minded
Be willing to consider different solutions to problems. Don't get stuck in a rut of thinking there is only one way to do things. Be creative in your solutions. With an online business, there are often many ways to solve a problem. Get creative and explore all the options before settling on one solution.
Be Flexible
Be prepared to change your plans if a better solution presents itself. Don't be afraid to try something new if it seems like it could work better than what you're currently doing.
Did You Know?
- Teamwork Efficiency: Teams that possess strong problem-solving skills are 30% more efficient compared to teams that do not, as reported in a study by the American Society for Quality.
- Digital Age Demands: According to LinkedIn's 2020 Skills Survey, problem-solving is among the top five soft skills that companies need most in the digital era.
- Graduates' Skills Gap: A survey by the Association of American Colleges & Universities found that while 59% of students felt they were well-prepared in problem-solving, only 26% of employers agreed.
- Career Advancement: Individuals with advanced problem-solving skills are 25% more likely to be promoted within their first five years of employment, based on findings from the Institute for Corporate Productivity.
- Creativity and Problem-Solving: 75% of people believe they are not living up to their creative potential, which is directly linked to problem-solving abilities (Adobe's State of Create study).
Use The Cracker Box Method
The "cracker box" here refers to a box that contains firecrackers, not crackers to eat. Such as box is designed to store the firecrackers safely, providing information on usage, safety precautions, and the manufacturer. This can be used as a problem-solving skill.
When you're trying to open a cracker box and it just won't budge, don't toss it aside. Keep working at it, trying different angles and approaches. Just because there are some safety risks, you shouldn't give up at the first hint of resistance. Just like with that stubborn box, exploring various methods could reveal the right way to pop it open, revealing the goodies inside.
Pause and Evaluate (Like Studying a Cracker Box)
Before you tear into that cracker box, take a moment to look it over. Is there a special tab or a perforated edge you're missing? Assessing the situation carefully can often make the task much simpler.
Similarly, understanding the root of a problem by stepping back can illuminate solutions that might not have been apparent in the heat of the moment. It's all about taking that pause to inspect the box thoroughly before taking action.
Seeking Assistance
Imagine you're struggling to open a cracker box and it feels like you've tried everything. It might be time to ask someone else for a hand. Maybe they've opened a similar box before and know just the trick to get it open without a hassle.
In professional scenarios, reaching out for help or a fresh perspective can be just as beneficial. Admitting you're stumped and consulting with someone more experienced isn't a defeat; it's leveraging the collective know-how to crack the box open, so to speak. Sometimes, an outsider's view is exactly what's needed to make the opening effortless.
Examples of Problem-Solving Skills in Action
Here are some examples that will help you to better understand the problem and find a resolution.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming involves generating a list of ideas or solutions to a problem. This can be done either by yourself, with someone, or with more than one person. Brainstorming can help to generate new ideas, identify potential problems, and find creative solutions to challenges.
It’s important to keep an open mind and not censure any ideas. All ideas should be welcomed and explored. Once a list of ideas has been generated, the next step is to evaluate each idea and choose the best solution.
When you deal with customers, you can talk through the problem with them and come up with potential solutions together. This can be helpful because it allows you to get a better understanding of the issue from their perspective. It can also help to build trust between you and the customer because they know that you're working together to try and find a solution.
Did You Know?
- Remote Work Challenges: A Buffer report on remote work showed that collaboration and communication, key components of problem-solving, were the biggest struggles for 20% of remote employees.
- Entrepreneurial Success: Among entrepreneurs, 95% attribute their success to their ability to solve problems creatively and efficiently, as per a study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.
- Global Rankings: According to the PISA 2018 results, students from four Chinese provinces (Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang) ranked highest in collaborative problem-solving skills.
- Leadership Development: A Harvard Business Review article highlighted that leaders with strong problem-solving skills are 4 times more likely to be high performers.
- Customer Service: In customer service, problem-solving skills are directly linked to customer satisfaction, with a reported 70% of unresolved problems turning into opportunities when solved effectively.
Ask the “Right” Questions
Especially when you face more than one issue at the same time, the last thing you want is to open your mouth before you know what the exact issues are so that you can explain to others and ask them the right questions.
You don’t want to simply ask as many questions as possible in an attempt to gather as much information as possible. This will not help when you are not quite sure what the problem is. You’ll only be confusing yourself by trying to have a general sense that more information is needed.
You should be more specific in your questioning. This means that you already have a good idea of what the problem might be and you are looking to confirm your suspicions or gather additional details. either way, being specific with your questions will help you focus your search for a solution and avoid wasting time on irrelevant information.
Think Without Prejudice
It’s also important to keep yourself unprejudiced when asking questions. It is easy to get fixated on one particular solution but if you are open to other possibilities, you may find an even better solution that you never would have thought of otherwise. So, don't be afraid to explore all of the options and ask plenty of questions along the way.
Listen carefully to what the customer is saying. They may give you clues about what's going wrong or what they need in order to resolve the issue. If you can understand their needs, it will be easier for you to provide an effective solution.
By using these skills in action, you'll be able to better understand the customer's needs and provide a resolution that works best for everyone involved.
Breaking Problems Down Into Smaller Pieces
Break problems down into smaller pieces. What are all of the different aspects of the problem? This can help you better understand the problem, and figure out what steps you need to take to solve it, such as developing a plan of action.
The Ability To See The Big Picture
In an online business, it's important to be able to see the big picture. This means being able to understand the overall goal of a project and how each task fits into that goal. It also means being able to see potential problems and brainstorm solutions.
Being able to see the big picture is a valuable problem-solving skill because it allows you to make decisions that are in line with the overall goal. It also helps you to find creative solutions to problems that might otherwise seem insurmountable.
If you're having trouble seeing the big picture, here are some tips:
- View the overall objective from a distance. What is your end game? What do you want to achieve?
- Break down the project into smaller tasks. What needs to be done in order to complete the project?
- Identify potential problems. What could go wrong? How could something derail your plans?
- Brainstorm solutions. Once you identify a problem, think of several ways to solve it. Be creative.
Did You Know?
- Software Development: For software developers, problem-solving skills not only affect code quality but also innovation, with 80% of developers agreeing that it's a top requirement for their role.
- Marketing Strategies: In marketing, 65% of professionals say that solving problems creatively is essential to creating effective strategies and campaigns.
- Project Management: Project managers with proficient problem-solving skills are 40% more likely to deliver projects on time and within budget, according to the Project Management Institute.
- Financial Decision Making: A study by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) found that individuals with higher problem-solving skills are 33% more likely to make sound financial decisions.
- Mental Health Benefits: Engaging in problem-solving activities can reduce stress and anxiety levels by 25%, improving mental health and well-being, as reported in a study by the American Psychological Association.
Generate Creative Solutions
One of the best ways to overcome an obstacle in your online business is to generate creative solutions. This problem-solving skill involves looking at a problem from different angles and coming up with original ideas to solve it.
- When you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself these questions to get the creative juices flowing:
- What are some alternative ways to achieve the same goal?
- Who else has faced this problem before? How did they overcome it?
If you’re still struggling to come up with a solution, take a break. Go for a walk, take a nap, or watch a funny movie. Sometimes the best ideas come when you step away from the problem and let your mind wander. This is particularly important for affiliate marketers to avoid failing to help others and end up quitting
Be Patient and Don’t Give Up
Sometimes the solution is not immediately obvious and it takes time to figure it out. If you give up too easily, you'll never find the solution and your business will suffer as a result.
So if you're facing a problem in your business, be patient and don't give up. The solution might take some time to find, but if you keep at it, you'll eventually find a way to solve the problem.
Gather Data and Analyze It
Get data - if a problem is about a website or IoT-related issues, a web analytics tool will help you see where people are getting stuck or what pages are causing the most problems. You can also use surveys and customer feedback forms to get specific information about what's not working for your customers.
Analyze the data by looking for patterns. What do all of the problematic pages have in common? Are there any common themes in the feedback you're getting? By taking a closer look at the data, you can narrow down possible causes of the problem and formulate a plan to fix it.
Generate Possible Solutions
When you're faced with a problem, the first step is to generate possible solutions. This can be done by brainstorming on your own or with a group. Once you have a list of potential solutions, you can start evaluating them to see which one is the best fit for your needs.
Don't be afraid to come up with unusual or out-of-the-box ideas – sometimes those are the ones that work best. And don't forget to consider all of the resources that are available to you, including online tools and services. With a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you should be able to come up with some great solutions to whatever problem you're facing.
Evaluate the Possible Solutions
Evaluating potential solutions objectively means considering the pros and cons of each solution, and taking into account factors such as feasibility, cost, and time frame.
Test the solution on a small scale before rolling it out more widely, or making sure that all the necessary resources are in place before proceeding. Having strong project management skills can also be helpful in this regard.
Monitor and Adjust the Solution
As your online business grows, you will inevitably face problems. Some of these problems will be small and easily solved, while others will be more difficult and require more time and effort to resolve. Regardless of the size or severity of the problem, it is important to have good problem-solving skills in order to effectively address and resolve issues as they arise.
When faced with a problem, take some time to consider what the best course of action may be. Once you have a plan of action, execute it and then monitor the results. If the solution is not working as expected, adjust your plan accordingly and continue monitoring until the problem is resolved.
With practice, you will become better at quickly identifying and addressing problems in your online business. By polishing the skills, you can keep your business running smoothly and avoid potential disruptions or setbacks.
Did You Know You Already Have A LOT To Sell?
So What's Your Problem?
