Not Every Business Can Be Saved—But Most Can Be Fixed

failing business Apr 17, 2025

There’s a tough truth I’ve had to deliver more than once: not every business can be saved. But I’ll tell you this—most of them can be fixed if the owner is willing to look at what’s broken early enough.

Too often, I get calls when the doors are about to close. But I’ve also been brought in just in time—when a company’s been hit with a lawsuit, bad press, or a massive customer drop-off.

The businesses that survive don’t do so by luck. They survive because the owner was willing to do three things:

  1. Face the real problems, not just symptoms.
  2. Stop blaming external forces and take accountability.
  3. Ask for help—before it’s too late.

That’s why I created Ask Darlene LIVE—to give business owners a chance to bring their real issues to the table and walk away with real guidance. It’s not theory. It’s based on what works—because I’ve lived it.

If you feel like something in your business is off but can’t pinpoint it, don’t wait for a breakdown. Sometimes one strategic adjustment is all it takes to course-correct. Click here to learn more about Ask Darlene Live events.

Written by Darlene M. Ziebell

Announcing The 1% Edge 

If you like this blog article, check out my newsletter The 1% Edge. Designed to help business owners who want to thrive and reach their next 7 figures in business. 

Click to see The 1% Edge