Tips

You know the definition of insanity, right? Not the Webster's version, but the other ...?

Who say it is crazy to do the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

I always thought that word was the most fun, and just a little bit true. But now I have a suspicion that this definition is based on the majority of people are at least a little crazy (including myself). And small businesses tend to suffer from this kind of madness even more than most.

Let me give you an example ...

I worked with a client who recently took me because he was not enough new customers. I have spent hours learning about their businesses and create a marketing plan for their needs. I also contains a number of ideas that he is already planning to put into action.

When I mentioned that he really needs a strong Unique Selling Proposition define (you know, something special, that all this would, ceteris paribus decide for myself, here to do business) rather than with the man on the street.

Now, mind you, I am not saying that he change how he works. Only that he needed to improve the quality and performance, mark it differently than its competitors.

You know what was the first thing he said ...?

"I would not change anything."

Of course, I have the ominous phrase from the lips of her clients to shoot many times before heard. But still never ceases to amaze me.

Finally, he presented me to him with their marketing support, for what he is doing now and not getting results. But if I have a very small change in the way he presents an operational which will certainly increase his income, he suggests that strikes you on the brakes.

Why? Well, like most people, it is simply not comfortable with change.

But if he continues to do the same, we all know what will happen ...

He will continue to get the same poor results.

If he wants to be successful, he must let go of this insane way to work and stop doing things the same for none other than that, as he always has.

Finally, the only thing you can change to always on.

The fact that you have two options, leaves ... Did you happen to bring about change or changes.

The first is to work like most people. They will not change until and unless they feel forced. Now sometimes, you can not help me. Something happens ... New competition, regulatory restrictions, patent infringement, the list is endless.

But even if the catalyst for change beyond your control, you still get to decide how to handle it.

Avoid inevitable as long as possible, hoping that a solution will appear in a miraculous way? Or do you have a plan and take action as quickly as possible?

Successful people and businesses realize the need for early changes. They hug. And they seem to go for it. For this reason, they are fast, as a rule, to see if something is not working and not afraid to change it.

Poor people are placed, products or promotional campaigns, changes that are not on stage, improved or replaced. Life goes on. And almost always they end up better for them in the long term.

Now I am so not saying that you have to go crazy with changes in either (although sometimes a bit like a business-ectomy is complete) in order. But you have to be open so you ready to become, and always looking for ways to change for the better.

How do you know when you need to change anything?

Sometimes it's just gut feeling. But I want to use these three rules of thumb ...

1. If I have a number of months of data, which shows me that I do not know the correct way to reaching my goal, I must change something.

2nd If I complain about the same problem three or more times, I know it's time to change something.

3rd When I presented a better idea, or a system for my company, I am always at least take account of changing it.

If you really are uncomfortable with change, or are difficult to place things or ideas, start small.

Running a different way to work. Try a new restaurant. Anything other than the usual at your favorite spot. Rearrange your office. Enter a new color.

Whatever you do, have fun. Before you know it, your business and life and growing for the better!