You’re Not Crazy . . . Running a Business Is Getting More Expensive
June 19, 2026
AI Summary
5 min readYou’re Not Crazy . . . Running a Business Is Getting More Expensive
Seventy-seven percent of small and mid-sized businesses are currently experiencing higher costs. That number comes from the episode itself, and it frames everything that follows. The problem isn't just that costs are up—it's that most business owners are responding the wrong way. They're making decisions from fear, not from leadership. And fear-based decisions turn a manageable problem into a full-blown crisis.
The Three Mistakes That Feel Right but Aren't
The first mistake is panic. When you panic as a leader, you either jump to the worst possible conclusion or start playing the blame game. Both are useless. Blaming the economy, tariffs, or the Middle East might make you feel better momentarily, but it doesn't solve anything. Meanwhile, your team is watching you. If you panic, they'll panic, and morale goes "one place—the toilet." Worse, they start losing faith in you as a leader.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:05) **The Core Problem: Rising Costs & Emotional Responses** - 77% of SMBs face higher costs; most leaders react with fear instead of leading wisely.
- 2 (01:14) **The Brutal Reality for Business Owners** - Everything costs more (COGS, utilities, fuel, insurance), and customers are scared to spend.
- 3 (02:43) **Mistake #1: Panicking** - Panic leads to either paralysis (worst-case thinking) or blame-shifting, both of which destroy team morale.
- 4 (04:00) **Mistake #2: Hasty Layoffs** - Payroll is a big target, but cutting people without a plan cuts the muscle you need to recover.
- 5 (05:31) **Mistake #3: Slashing Prices or Quality** - Cutting prices is a "race to the bottom"; cutting corners on materials destroys your brand.
- 6 (06:47) **Action #1: Cut the Fat, Not the Muscle** - Slow down and intentionally look at processes, systems, tools, and personal expenses.
- 7 (07:14) **Sponsored Segment: Healthcare as a Cost-Cutting Lever** - Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) as a more predictable, affordable alternative to health insurance.
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
💲Enter the EntreLeadership® Small-Business Sweepstakes for a chance to win $4,500 to host a company retreat for your team: https://ter.li/entreleadershipsweepstakes
Everything costs more right now—and small business owners are feeling squeezed from every direction.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to respond to rising costs without making fear-based decisions that hurt your team, damage your reputation, or put your business at risk.
Next Steps:
· 🎯 Figure out your business's next steps in a free consult call with an EntreLeadership® team member: https://ter.li/cjk4u0
· 🎥 Watch our video The 4-Part Framework to Creating a Bulletproof Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtP4QtEV3S4
· 📈 Make a plan to increase your profits with the EntreLeader's Guide to Business Finances: https://ter.li/1m79gr
· 📞 Have a question for the show? Call 844-944-1070 or send us a message: https://ter.li/ask-us
· ✉️ Become a better leader in six minutes a week. Get tactical tips sent to your inbox every Friday: https://ter.li/enl
· 📌 Don’t wing it. Get a coach that helps you lead and grow with confidence: https://ter.li/eqlowqqk
· 🏢 Attend EntreLeadership Summit: https://ter.li/summit-leadership
· 🎤 Attend EntreLeadership Master Series: https://ter.li/masterseries-conference
· 📖 Order Dave’s book, Build a Business You Love: https://ter.li/b4kru2
Connect With Our Sponsors:
· Go to Belay Solutions or text ENTRE to 55123 for their free resource!
· Go to Christian Healthcare Ministries and use code ENTRE for a 50% credit toward your first month of membership.
· Visit NetSuite today to learn more.
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