Business success problems often are rooted in past achievements. These are the times when things went right, you perfectly addressed a market need, and found your business on the road to steady growth.
Celebrate these moments but understand that things can change. It might be a pandemic or simple market disruption.
While it’s important to celebrate success, don’t let it be an anchor that keeps you from taking your business to new places.
I’ve talked before about how your success can become your big fish story. It’s often a tale that grows in size over the years and may keep you from looking forward. After all, it’s more fun to celebrate the good times than to dip your toe into dark waters.
But today’s leaders need to have a future focus, so they can handle the inevitable oncoming challenges. Here’s a mindset makeover to help you prevent business success problems.
Are You Equipped to Handle a Change?
You may realize that your business needs to evolve due to market changes but can your existing team make the pivot?
Netflix started as company that provided DVDs by mail. Later, company leadership decided their future was in providing content through streaming.
This was a major switch and making it happen required employees with different skill sets and equipment. You couldn’t simply walk in one day and tell employees, who were involved in mailing DVDs that they are now working in an online business.
Changes may be needed but you need the right people or training to support the move.
Do You Think Your Fishbowl is the Ocean?
Business success can keep you from looking outside your comfort zone. Are you actively looking to improve and how will you manage that process?
For some, it’s about reading trade journals, attending industry conferences, or being an active member of your local business community.
You don’t get a broader perspective if you’re only looking down. Staying up on your industry takes an ongoing commitment. You can’t play catch up at the last minute.
Understand Possible Pain and Permanent Failure
It can be painful to realize your business problems are waiting for your action. Who hasn’t been humbled by realizing that you’re not as good as you thought?
But how does that discomfort measure up to the pain of your business dying? Suddenly, getting a little uncomfortable sounds like a much better option.
When undecided about a change, ask yourself, “What’s the price of doing nothing?”
Ken Okel Performs Virtual Keynotes Too
