Monday, June 1st, 2009
Unconventional wisdom is that process of thought that challenges conventional thought. For example, conventional thoughts says, “if it isn’t broke, don’t break it”, unconventional thought says ”if it an’t broke, break it”. Just because something has worked for so long, doesn’t mean it will continue to work, and it may need to be changed.
You might want to look at your business/product/service like a Martian. If such a faraway visitor were to review your business/product/service they would probably ask “99 questions” about “what you do.” Real basic questions such as; “What is that?’ Why do you do it?” What is it for?”
Think like our Martian friend. This way you will be more open to change, and to looking at things with a new perspective. You won’t be locked into your old way of doing things, and will be better equipped to anticipate and see change coming.
There is no doubt that we are facing unprecedented difficult economic times. Change is occuring more rapidly that any of us could imagine. Banks and businesses that seemed “rock solid” a few months ago are now on the verge of disappearing.
A new way of thinking that makes change a friend and forces us to change when we don’t have to might be the ticket to a new competitive advantage in your business. Use a bit of unconventional wisdom, rather than simply holding on to the old “tried and true” methods.
Posted in 50+, Business Info, Economy, General Business, Success Principles, entrepreneurship | No Comments »
Thursday, July 24th, 2008
I am asked many times “When should I quit the business, change my product line and/or services”, or “Should I continue to “plug” along doing things with the same old products and services”?
The answer to this question is ”that depends”.
If your product/service has great long term potential you should probably stay with it, that is, as long as it is fulfilling your needs for starting the business in the first place.:
If you are making “gobs” of money and are unhappy, you should think about making changes (quitting).
If you are enjoying the business but not making any money, you should think about changing (quitting).
“That depends” also includes many factors such as: market conditions, type of product/services you are offering (are they obsolete?), viability of your short term strategy, your ability to handle the stress of operating the business, and are you progressing towards achieving your goals (having fun, making money, saving the world).
Bottom line: If you are enjoying what you are doing and it is meeting your financial and intrinsic needs - then stick with it.
Posted in General Business | No Comments »
Sunday, July 20th, 2008
Looking for that million dollar idea?
Seeking a creative solution to a problem?
Try thinking with the “brakes off”; that is with a mind that is free to think and freely thinking. What do I mean?
When the brake is on the car can’t move, or move as easily as when the brake is released. Our minds are many times, like the emergency brake, locked into a mode of thinking that limits our creativity. They become locked due to a subconscious way of thinking developed over time through influences by parents, peer groups, education, observations, and perhaps the fear of failure.
In order to unlock our mental brakes we have to be willing to let go of our old way of thinking and be willing to adapt to new ways of thinking. You have the ability to change and look at and do things differently.
Here’s a couple of tips:
- wear your watch on the other wrist for awhile
- write a sentence with the opposite hand
- periodically rearrange your office
- try a new food and write a brief description of how it tastes
source
Posted in General Business, Management | No Comments »
