Used to be that you stayed in the same community, at the same job, in the same industry for years! We are taught to prepare for a long term career in the same place, because that creates “security”.
Enter the NEW ECONOMY, NEW CONSUMER AND NEW WORLD-PLACE!
I think back to not even six (6) year ago and nothing looks, feels or is the same except for life and business go on.
I and many others have been transitioning over the past five years on an on-going, constant basis and it’s not going to slow down, it’s going to accelerate. Are you ready for “on-going change in your life and business? Most people I speak to are NOT. They are falling behind and not willing to keep up. Big mistake and bad mindset.
I have moved four times in 3 years, keep evolving my business model every six months and am continually creating and exploring ways to be innovative and relevant.
Here are five practices that I know work really well in today’s warp speed changing “world-place.
1) Study trends and know what is driving business, the consumer and social networking. There are several sites that you can follow and subscribe to.
Two of my favorites
www.trendwatching.com
www.hbr.org
2) Focus Groups and Customer Surveys keep you and your company in the “bunker and trenches” with the real peeps, not at 30,000 feet. A very different view from each. The “bunker and trenches” are where the real truth and answers are.
3) Innovation, collaboration and flexibility add so much value to the consumer. It is far more interesting and exciting to offer several products, services, ideas, resources to the public, not to mention the branding it accomplishes. Take the words “we can’t do that” out of your vocabulary. Even if you can’t do something, learn to “say it” in a different way, so that your customer feels like they got what they wanted or needed anyway. Make customer sevice happen by negotiating and over-delivering. Do something unexpected.
Quick Story..I just held an event at a prominent hotel in Ft Lauderdale. I got agreement from them to pay the total split in three payments in writing. They didn’t and charged the entire amount in one charge. They dropped the ball and that is not OK with me. I will NOT hold any additional events there.
4) Shifting what “roots and anchors you“, because priorities can, do and will change constantly. Just because certain things were important to you a year ago doesn’t mean that they hold the same value or priority now. I am shedding 50% of my stuff that is just stuff I’ve been haling around with me for the past 4 years and it is now a hindrance to my mobility.
5) Continue to re-invent and re-brand yourself and your business. Stay consistent and fresh. Most business that I see today are constantly and on an on-going basis are tweaking, changing and trying new services, products, promotions, events and engagement, to secure the retention of their hard fought customer loyalty now.
Change is On-going now, are you armed and ready?
