This isn’t quite a wash cycle on your washing machine but consider it a best practice cycle for businesses. The desire to move from 0-90 overnight is difficult to resist. We are a now society. But like all good things in life, they take time. How often have you heard that an overnight success was years in the making? Enjoy the process! I write this as much for myself as I do for you. 1. When you are approaching changes to your business or the potential to start a new business, allow yourself plenty of time to freely brainstorm. In one place, collect all of the ideas that flow through your mind. And please don’t stunt the idea generating process with negative words – but that’s another blog for another time.
Once you’re satisfied with your exploration, pick an idea on which you want to focus. Now, brainstorm various ways to bring your idea into the world in a way that will allow it to grow in the best way possible. This is where you allow the idea to germinate, let it grow in your mind and on paper/computer. Now you have the idea and a plan for it.
2. Let’s move onto nesting. This is an important step. Many either want to bypass it or linger here longer than they should. Neither are wise decisions. Once you have the idea and the plan, lay the groundwork. Take the time to make all necessary preparations for this new life to thrive. Deadlines are helpful in this phase. They prevent you from analyzing every detail ad nauseam before moving into action.
3. Act! Give birth to your beautiful creation! Welcome it to this world and tell your target market how wonderful and exciting it is. You’ve thought it through, laid the groundwork, and now you are ready to move. Sure, you’ll have to adapt and grow with it, but here you are…realizing what was once only a dream or a fleeting thought. Enjoy it and continue to take small steps forward with it.
4. Finally, analyze the realities that have played out with your idea. How does your audience respond to your business? Have you targeted the market appropriately? Analyzing successes, failures, launches, and existing programs/products/services is vital to sustain healthy growth in any business. Most people view this as a “nice to have” instead of a “need to have.” Companies that succeed here, succeed – period.
5. Now you are ready to repeat the process. Enjoy the vitality that comes from making this an ongoing part of your company’s evolution and growth.
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” - Colin Powell
