Change the way you think, change the way you see your business
Possibility is present in everything we do. But too often in business we leave our potential on the table. We need to shift our thinking. To show up in our business. To get it into top gear and don’t take the pedal off the metal.
Some businesses seem destined for great things, but they fizzle out like fireworks in the rain. Others appear to be uninspired or mediocre – but surprise everyone by their soaring success.
I’ve been involved in brand launches and projects backed by some of the most influential industry leaders, yet they never managed to make inroads. They never realised their potential, even though all the elements stacked-up. Even though the offering was well-aligned with markets needs and wants. And even though the product was superior, and its pricing represented excellent value – the businesses didn’t gain any traction.
Yet soon after, we re-launched a ‘copy-cat’ brand which continues to be a success. How can this be? What distinctions are at play?
The game change
Business success often comes down to the fundamentals of business practice that we so often learn in text books. It may look like the three Ps: People. Product. Process. Or other business principles that are scribed in best practice business, and even in self-help’ books. But while they all have a role to play, the real game changer is in language.
All phenomenal, sustaining success is driven by language. How we communicate with ourselves (our mindset) and how we enrol others in our ideas.
In a fast paced, highly technical society, driven by likes and hashtags at times, the power of our personal touch and communication style can be diminished. Don’t hide behind automated tools that can numb your success. Engage in meaningful, constructive communication. You’ll be amazed at the results.
You are the big differentiator. Not price or product features. That’s right. It’s you.
We lose sight of our core purpose
Many business owners that struggle are in ‘copy-cat’ industries and are not playing to their advantage. We all have an innate ability to make a difference, not only in our own lives but also the lives of others. Sometimes we get so consumed with the daily grind of businesses activities, we lose sight of our core being - our core purpose. Your business is merely a vehicle to achieve your full potential. It’s not just a job or an occupation. It’s a privilege. It’s an opportunity to make a difference on a grand scale.
Think about the time when you first launched your business and opened the doors. You opened yourself to possibility, even though the uncertainty of success may have weighed heavily on you. “If I build it, will they come? Can I survive the tough competition? Have I got what it takes to be successful? Am I enough?”
12 months, 5 years or even 10 years down the track, you could be making a good go of your business. You achieve success on many levels . You show up. Do the work. Get customers, and feed your bank account – while mitigating risks along the way. It all becomes familiar ‘comfortable’ territory! Over years in business you can gradually lose your mojo, or resign yourself to a level of mediocrity.
We sabotage our success
Too often in business we get in the way of success. We create our own speed humps. At times we even sabotage our own success. Our business culture, particularly in SMEs, is around scarcity. Never having enough. Not enough sales. Not enough customers, Not enough hours in the day. Not enough staff, or resources. Not enough income, margin, profit. Not enough drive, not enough support.
Sometimes we engage in behaviours that are inconsistent with who we want to be, with how we want our businesses to look.
When we’re being authentic with who we are, success, recognition and approval are not the values that drive our businesses. Being courageous – showing up and being seen – playing on centre stage, is what counts.
Look inward not outward
But all these are looking outward. Let’s look inward to see what’s really going on.
Move away all these roadblocks so you can get clear on why you are doing what you’re doing. What first ignited your drive to be an entrepreneur and start a business. Reconnect. Take another path. Or maybe take a new approach. As in the 80/20 rule, a little twig can get great results. But you can only achieve this by doing the work.
It’s only when you connect with your true inner self - your true potential – that you can thrive. Sure, external factors may be at play. The business landscape could have changed. New competitors may have entered the market or a new way of working could disrupt your operations. But this was already at play in a different format when you first kicked-off your entrepreneurial journey. The big distinction was that you were oblivious to it. You were in your ‘potential’, you were in the zone.
This burning flame, your burning desire and endless possibilities were at play at the very start. And they can be reignited again and again. We all know what to do. We’re all experts. We know our industries inside out. Sometimes we just need the tools and insights to make the shift. And this shift isn’t found from external factors. It comes from within.
Language drives business success
Business success is driven by language – how we communicate with ourselves and how we enrol others in our ideas. Too often as business owners, we hide behind the tools and the processes. To grow and thrive we need to stand out and showcase ourselves. We need to stand proud and acknowledge that we are enough. That where we are right now in our business lifecycle is fine. We’re at this stage for a reason and it serves us. As an entrepreneur, it’s incredible how our mindset can determine our business success and direction.
How we enrol others is essential to the success of any business. Too often our limiting beliefs may cause us to stop short of fully participating in our business. And that means really giving our customers an opportunity to buy from us. Sometimes we just simply get in our own way. The more enrolling, genuine conversations we have with our customers as real, living and breathing people, the more we tap into our true being and the better our success.
How we show up
Lastly, how we show-up in our business from day to day has a huge impact on our business outcomes. How we ‘show-up’ means how we communicate with ourselves and how we present ourselves to others. The power of our presence can be incredible. Our way of being can transform our business.
For example, by being an inspirational leader, we can achieve so much more than merely being a business operator. Or by being more compassionate for society’s disadvantaged, we can make a big difference. ‘Our way of being’ can mean different things for different people. But when you get present to your authentic self – your most powerful way of being transforms your life..
We all have an amazing ability to make a massive contribution – both in business and in life.
Our true potential is realised only when we present our authentic imperfect self to the world. When we stand out to be seen!
