In the world of business, the most successful companies are those that solve real, tangible problems. If you’re building a Christ-centered business, you already have an incredible advantage: you’ve been called to offer solutions that impact lives on a higher level. By partnering with God, you can create a business that not only serves people but also reflects His divine purpose for you.

However, before diving into your business journey, it’s crucial to be clear on the problem your business is solving. The more precise your understanding of this problem, the more effective your services will be, and the better results you’ll achieve.

But here’s the catch: many entrepreneurs, especially in the early stages, struggle with clarity. They often don’t know exactly what problem their business is solving or who they’re serving. So, let’s change that.

I want to share three questions with you. These are the exact questions you need to answer in order to get clear about the problem your business solves. Let’s dive in!

Section A: Understanding the Problem Your Business Solves

1. How Do Your Potential Customers Describe the Problem?

This is the most important starting point. Why? Because your customers are the ones who are experiencing the pain. They already have their own words and phrases to describe the struggles they’re facing. So, it’s essential to get familiar with the language they use.

Think about it: when your potential customers describe their problem, they’re speaking from their heart. These are the words they use when they’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck. If you understand how they express their pain, you can connect with them on a deeper level and craft a solution that truly addresses their needs.

For example, let’s say you’re in the business of helping people start service-based businesses. Your potential customers might describe their problem like this: “I don’t know where to start,” “I feel overwhelmed by all the information out there,” or “I don’t have a clear plan.”

If you understand these pain points and the specific language your customers are using, you can tailor your messaging and services to speak directly to their hearts.

How do you get these answers? One of the best ways to gather this information is by conducting a simple customer interview. This could be a conversation with people in your circle, on social media, or in any community you belong to. Ask them to spare just 5 to 10 minutes of their time to talk about the challenges they face. Listen closely to the words they use, and take note of them.

This will be an invaluable resource for you as you create a problem statement that accurately reflects what your customers are dealing with.

2. How Do Your Potential Customers Address the Problem Today?

Okay, so now you know how your customers describe their problem. But here’s the next important question: how are they currently trying to solve it?

This is where you really get to understand what they’re doing to cope with their pain points—whether it’s effective or not.

For instance, in my own experience, many of my potential customers are overwhelmed with all the information available online about starting a business. Some try to DIY by researching on Google University (yes, I call it that!), but they end up even more confused because of the overload of information.

Others may invest in courses, e-books, or online programs that promise to help them start their business. But without a clear execution plan or accountability, they often struggle to follow through and end up back where they started—frustrated and stuck.

Now, how are your customers addressing their problem? Are they trying to solve it on their own? Maybe they’re using online resources or trying to “figure it out” by trial and error. Or perhaps they’ve bought into a solution that’s just not working for them.

Understanding how your potential customers are currently handling the problem will help you design a solution that’s more effective. You’ll be able to position your services as the better alternative, one that truly addresses their frustrations and offers a clear, actionable plan.

Crafting Your Problem Statement

3. What Problem Will Your Business Solve?

Now that you’ve answered the first two questions—understanding how your customers describe the problem and how they are addressing it—you can confidently craft your problem statement. This is where you clearly define what problem your business solves and how your solution is different and more effective than what’s already out there.

A problem statement is simply a clear explanation of the pain point your business addresses. It’s the value that you bring to the marketplace. It’s what will set you apart from your competitors.

Let me give you an example. Based on what I’ve learned from my customers, I know that many women, especially Christian entrepreneurs, struggle with the clarity and know-how needed to start, manage, and grow a service-based business. They’re unsure where to start, and the overwhelming amount of information out there only adds to their confusion.

So, here’s my problem statement: My business helps Christian women overcome the lack of clarity and know-how they face when starting, managing, and growing a profitable and sustainable service-based business from scratch.

By crafting this problem statement, I’ve clearly defined the exact problem I’m solving for my customers. It’s not just about offering a solution; it’s about offering a solution that speaks directly to the specific frustrations they are experiencing.

Now it’s your turn! Answer these three questions:

1. How do your potential customers describe the problem?
2. How do they currently address or solve the problem?
3. What problem will your business solve?

With these answers in hand, you’ll have the clarity you need to craft your own problem statement and position your business for success.

Final Thoughts

When you’re clear about the problem your business solves, everything else falls into place. Your marketing, your services, and even your interactions with customers become much easier because you know exactly what you’re offering and why it matters.

Remember, this clarity doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes time and effort to really understand your customers, their struggles, and how you can provide the best solution. But once you have it, you’ll be able to move forward with confidence and purpose.

So, I encourage you to spend some time reflecting on these three questions. Get to know your customers’ pain points, understand how they’re currently trying to solve the problem, and then craft a problem statement that speaks to the heart of what your business offers.

It’s time to partner with God and move forward in your calling. Let your business be a solution to the problems people are facing, and watch how He uses it to bless others—and you!

Recap: The 3 Questions to Clarify the Problem Your Service-Based Business Solves

1. How do your potential customers describe the problem?
2. How do they solve the problem today?
3. What problem will your business solve?

Answering these three questions is key to gaining the clarity you need for your business. And as you continue on this journey, remember that God is with you every step of the way. Seek Him, ask the right questions, and trust that He will guide you to success.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into this process, be sure to check out the Business Clarity Blueprint available at startthatbusinesspodcast.com. It’s packed with questions and insights to help you gain more clarity and get your business off the ground with purpose and confidence.

Let’s Connect!

If you found this post helpful, I’d love for you to share it with someone who could benefit. Also, feel free to drop a comment below or leave a review to let me know how this information has helped you!

Keep moving forward, and always remember: You have all you need to start that business! 🌟