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3 Warning Signs It’s Time to Rethink Your Business Model

by Darlene M Ziebell
Sep 16, 2025
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Every business model has an expiration date. What once fueled growth can eventually become the very thing holding you back. The reality is, many businesses plateau not because of lack of effort, but because they’re operating in a model that no longer works in today’s market. The sooner you spot the red flags, the faster you can pivot and protect your momentum.

Here are three warning signs it may be time to rethink your business model:

1. Sales Growth Has Stalled — Despite Your Best Efforts

If your sales are stagnant or shrinking, and you’ve already tried promotions, marketing campaigns, or hiring new sales reps, the problem may not be your execution. It may be your model. A product or service that once fit the market may now be outdated, commoditized, or poorly positioned against new competitors. Throwing more dollars at marketing won’t fix a flawed model.

What to do: Step back and evaluate whether your offering still solves the right problem for your target audience. Ask yourself: Are we still creating unique value, or have we become one of many?

2. Rising Costs Are Outpacing Revenue

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