Going Against the Grain: Why Listening to the Business Outlier Might Be the Push You Need

by | Aug 23, 2017 | Planning

These days business just isn’t about playing it safe or going with the status quo. Chances need to be taken. Such is the case for what is commonly called the business outlier, or in other words a professional who doesn’t follow the standard model of business in any given industry or market. Some might even call them trendsetters, whistle blowers, or even “contrarians.” I, of course, call them the hidden gems. The ones who might have an idea that’s never been tried before — and you never know, you just might be the first person to score a new niche, tap into a new market, or penetrate a brand-new revenue source no one ever thought existed.

So Here’s Some Strong Advice for You: Listen to That Business Outlier. And Take Some Chances.

The challenge, though, is the fact that oftentimes the outlier or contrarian might push a few buttons or ruffle a few feathers, because let’s face it: going against the grain can cause issues. And sometimes going against the grain means you’ve got that loud voice that yells out into the crowd that the old way of working just doesn’t work anymore, and you’re all stupid, when that’s also not true.

So exercise caution — and listen to that enthusiastic business outlier. You might pull some really clever golden nuggets out of that business networking conversation.

Think of the landscape we’re currently in. Changes are aplenty. Think of the fact that we have so many ways of borrowing money at 2% to 5% or even no interest on 6-month credit cards, but even now companies are going with 12-20% requirement for returns while passing on other opportunities.

I implore you: don’t. Never assume, especially on outdated stuff. Try something new. You never know if it’ll work if you’re not testing it in your business model.

So Are You, In Fact, Testing Out Any New Business Ideas and Challenges?

If so, fantastic. If not, please reconsider. Chances are pretty darn good that even if it doesn’t work, you just knocked another low card in the deck, which gets you to that ace in there. After all, good business is like a deck of cards. A numbers game. Keep going through all of them until you land the full house.

Dr. Bert Shlensky, President of The Startup Connection, directs all small business clients toward maximum sales and profit thanks to his 40 years of high-quality experience. He does this through technological, social, and online integration, supercharging your business success into the next level, so don’t hesitate to sign up for a free consultation RIGHT NOW.

 

 

Business Culture: Don’t Underestimate Its Importance

by | Jul 10, 2015 | Planning Templates

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Business culture:  know about it, and just as important, don’t underestimate its importance

I read an interesting article in Harvard Business Review (Pisano; June 2015) about the need for better strategies in executing innovation in organizations. While the article has some great recommendations, it ignores one critical element of innovation: the importance of a business culture that nurtures the creative environment.

Here’s one way I could explain “business culture.”  And, forgive me; I do like to use the “shipping” metaphor.  So, let’s pretend that Ship A and Ship B have been given the assignment to go find a new route to some new place that will bring in lots of money.  Ship A is run by a captain that seeks perfection, that likes to follow the path that other ships have taken before, and will not think about the point when his crew has reached the “fork in the sea,” and has to tell the guy who steers the ship which way to turn. Throughout this voyage, he has taken the safe route, has not considered the idea that taking a new route entirely may be the best way to go.  He may either doubt his ability to lead in some way, or does not have the ability to think outside the box.  I’m not feeling too good about Ship A’s chances. (more…)