Remember when encyclopedias used to be sold door to door? Maybe you don’t because the big sets of books have long been replaced by the Internet as a source of information.
Today it would not make sense to buy an expensive set of books that are almost immediately out of date. ?
With that in mind, is your business continuing to do things that are out of date? These tasks often fall into the category of: That’s the way we’ve always done it.
That phrase has become the kiss of death for many firms. In today’s world you must constantly search for ways to reinvent yourself. Otherwise you should name your company, Blockbuster.
Consider companies that have used newspaper advertisements for years. ?Do they take into account that newspaper subscriptions have plummeted or that their target market may not read newspapers anymore? ?Despite all of this, it’s likely that you’re paying more money for an ad than you did in the past.
It’s what you’ve always done and what feels comfortable. ?But is it the right thing for your business? Maybe it’s time to investigate new ways to connect with your customers.
It used to be that you’d never see Super Bowl commercials until the day of the big game. ?Now companies post them on YouTube a week before. ?For them it’s about using as many tools as possible to maximize the millions of dollars they’ve invested in the spots.
Look around your office. Where’s the messy section that everyone has learned to ignore? Is the clutter a sign that something is not right with your organization?
Remember what it feels like to go through your closet and throw out clothes that no longer fit or are out of style. ?Now do the same thing for you business. ?Streamline processes, question effectiveness, and bring in outside help if you know there’s a better way but can’t think of how to do it.
Otherwise you’re just selling encyclopedias.
Additional Content: For my thoughts about door to door sales challenges click here.
