I got an email today that has gone the rounds many times before, but I actually took the time to read it today and was amazed at what it had to say. You know the one…kids in high school today never knew a world without cell phones and mp3 players…that email. It was full of really interesting information; things that I grew up with that my folks didn’t have (yeah, the story “when I was your age I walked 10 miles to school each day and it was uphill both ways), and things that were new in their time. Our world is an amazing place.
Unfortunately, recently I’ve come across an attitude that scares me a bit as it is the antithesis of this email. It is an attitude of “I don’t want to change”. “I’ve done it this way for 18 years, why should I change now”. True not only for personal lives, but for us in the business world as well. I understand that with the world in such a precarious spot right now (and with the economy still in turmoil), we take comfort in doing the things that we’ve done in the past. Things we know how they’ll turn out. But, one thing I can attest to is the fact that we do NOT live in stagnation. From looking at the email I saw clearly that the world is not standing still. There are enormous changes that have occurred in the near past and many more that will be happening in our futures. Just because we did something one way before, doesn’t mean that it will have the same impact tomorrow.
For example, a great many of us grew up without the benefit of computers, tablets or iPods. Yet, today who among us doesn’t have a cell phone (many holding smartphones where they access their emails, the web and many apps for different things). I know I couldn’t get along without my iPhone. Laptops are everywhere: McDonalds, Starbucks, even hospitals have wi-fi for folks to log onto and surf while waiting for tests, or loved ones’ surgeries and more. It’s just not our parents’ world any more.
The world is moving ahead at tremendous speeds – but if we don’t jump on board we’re going to be left in the dust. For businesses, that might be all right if you have all the customers you want, and if you’re happy with where you are on the success ladder. But for many people who say, “I’ve been doing it this way for X years”, when the question is asked – How’s it working for you? The answer is, “I REALLY need to get more business coming in the door.” If what you’ve been doing for X years isn’t bringing in the work that you want it to, then perhaps it’s time to think about looking at new ways and new techniques.
Why not find a business support group that will share ideas, leads, contacts? How about being part of a program that connects you with the community, getting out and helping others while building your own reputation and brand. There’s a lot to be said for groups like the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association and Business Success Unlimited. They’re all there to help businesses in the community grow and prosper, and perhaps, by looking at things a bit differently than you have in the past, you will grow and prosper too.
Nancy Becher works with small business owners that want to get more clients NOW, make lots more money, and enjoy their success.
