5 Ways Small Businesses Can Stop Declining Sales Before It’s Too Late

Written By Isaiah Cashwell-Doe

Even the strongest small businesses can hit rough patches. Declining sales, inefficient operations, and outdated processes can slowly eat away at profits. The good news? With the right strategies, struggling businesses can not only survive — they can thrive.

At Cashwell-Doe Consulting, we help underperforming small businesses diagnose issues, implement solutions, and get back on the path to growth.

1. Conduct a Business Health Check

Before making changes, you need a clear picture of your business. Review:

  • Sales trends over the past 12–24 months

  • Customer retention and acquisition rates

  • Operational bottlenecks

  • Profit margins by product or service

Why it matters: Knowing exactly where problems lie allows you to prioritize fixes that will have the biggest impact.

2. Streamline Your Operations

Inefficient workflows and outdated processes can quietly drain profits. Ask yourself:

  • Are tasks duplicated or unnecessary?

  • Are employees using tools effectively?

  • Can technology automate repetitive tasks?

Outcome: Small operational improvements save time, reduce costs, and improve service — giving you more room to grow.

3. Revamp Your Sales Process

Many small businesses struggle with inconsistent or outdated sales processes. Focus on:

  • Training your team in effective sales techniques

  • Updating pricing or bundling strategies

  • Following up with leads and existing customers

Outcome: A structured sales process ensures you maximize every opportunity.

4. Get Clear on Your Numbers

Financial clarity is key to making smart decisions. Track:

  • Cash flow and expenses

  • Gross margin per product/service

  • Customer acquisition cost vs. lifetime value

Tip: Simple dashboards or models can reveal hidden leaks and help you make data-driven decisions.

5. Invest in Ongoing Improvement

Turnarounds aren’t one-time fixes. Continuous improvement ensures long-term success:

  • Regularly review performance

  • Stay updated on market trends

  • Adjust strategies as needed

Outcome: Your business remains adaptable and poised for growth

Isaiah Cashwell-Doe