3 Reasons Your Business Struggles to Survive (and What to Do About It)

Many businesses fail, while others thrive. But what separates the two? It’s not just luck or talent—it’s focus, fear, and fees. If your business isn’t growing, chances are you’re making one (or more) of these mistakes.

Elon Musk, the richest man alive, understands this well. His ability to build successful companies isn’t just about innovation—it’s about understanding the core principles of business success.

Today, we’ll break down three critical reasons why businesses struggle and how you can avoid these pitfalls.

1. Lack of Focus: Are You Paying Attention to the Wrong Things?

One of the biggest reasons businesses fail is because they focus on the wrong things. Instead of investing in what actually brings results, many business owners obsess over vanity metrics—things that look good but don’t actually generate revenue.

A Real Example: How Focus Changes Everything

Recently, I posted two videos on my channel. One received hundreds of views, while the other struggled to reach 100. At first glance, it would be easy to assume the more popular video was the more valuable one.

But here’s the reality: the video with fewer views brought in more leads and sales.

Most business owners would get discouraged by low views, thinking their content isn’t performing well. But if that content is converting customers, it’s more valuable than a video with thousands of views but no action.

Instead of focusing on how many people see your content, focus on whether your content is bringing in the right people. Business owners who thrive understand that quality leads matter more than quantity.

The Wrong Focus Can Kill Your Business

Many businesses fail because they focus too much on:

1. Social media engagement instead of conversions.
2. Brand awareness instead of actual customer acquisition.
3. Getting attention instead of delivering value.

The businesses that succeed focus on:

1. Creating valuable content that serves their audience.
2. Building a reputation based on results, not just recognition.
3. Providing solutions that people are willing to pay for.

If you’re constantly chasing views, likes, or followers but not generating revenue, you’re focusing on the wrong things. 

2. Fear: The Silent Killer of Business Success

Fear stops more businesses than competition ever will.

Many business owners fail to grow because they are afraid—afraid of failing, of being judged, or of putting themselves out there. They hesitate to create content, charge for their services, or launch their products because they worry about what people will think.

I recently spoke with a high-level business owner who shared an interesting story. He had just purchased a product from someone he didn’t even like. He didn’t agree with their personality, style, or values—but he still bought from them because they solved his problem.

This proves something powerful:
✅ People don’t need to like you to buy from you.
✅ They just need to believe you can solve their problem.

So, imagine all the people who actually like you, believe in your values, and resonate with your message—but they can’t buy from you because you’re too afraid to put yourself out there.

This is why fear is so dangerous in business. It stops people from taking action, and as a result, they miss out on opportunities that could change their lives.

If you’re afraid to create content, sell your products, or market yourself, realize that people are already paying someone else—even people they don’t like. Overcome your fear, and start showing up for the people who need you.

3. Not Charging for Your Value: Why “The Fee” is Essential

Another major reason businesses fail is fear of charging what they’re worth.

Elon Musk bought Twitter and immediately started charging for services that were previously free. Many people criticized him, but he understood something most business owners don’t:

If you don’t charge for your services, your business won’t survive.

Many entrepreneurs struggle to ask for money because they feel guilty or unsure if their service is valuable enough. But imagine this:

• You’re at the beach selling cold water on a hot day.
• People around you are sweating, thirsty, and looking for relief.
• Instead of selling the water, you hesitate because you’re afraid of charging.

Does that make sense? No! You have something people need. They are willing to pay for it. Your hesitation is costing you business.

If you know your product or service solves a real problem, then charging for it is not only right—it’s necessary.

Successful business owners:

• Confidently charge for their services.
• Understand that their work provides real value.
• Know that without revenue, they can’t continue to serve their audience.

Imagine walking down a street where people are holding up signs that say they need your help—and you stay silent. That’s what happens when you’re afraid to sell.

Your audience is waiting for you to offer them a solution. If you don’t, they will pay someone else—someone who may not even care about them.

How to Ensure Your Business Survives

Many businesses struggle not because their idea is bad, but because their execution is weak. If you want your business to thrive, you need to:

1️⃣ Shift Your Focus – Stop chasing vanity metrics and start focusing on conversions.
2️⃣ Overcome Fear – Stop worrying about what others think and start serving your audience.
3️⃣ Charge for Your Value – If you solve a problem, you deserve to be paid for it.

The businesses that succeed in 2025 and beyond will be the ones that stay focused on what truly matters, push past fear and take action, and confidently charge for the value they provide.

If you’re struggling with creating content that converts into customers, watch this video on how to make content that makes money without begging to sell. Go win, and God bless!

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