Have you done anything bold in your business lately? You know, have you tried something that seems like it's, well ... out there? I know what you're thinking: Who can afford to be bold in economic times like these (I hate the phrase "economic times like these" and have tried to avoid using it)? Perhaps you're thinking you need to take a conservative approach with business decisions. Because, after all, every dollar counts. I agree that every dollar counts, but I don't agree on the conservative approach to making decisions.
Staying the course got us where we are today ... in debt, nobody buying our products, and feeling like we need to get a night job frying chicken. Not that there's anything wrong with frying chicken (except that you smell like fried chicken to everyone you meet). Staying the course means sitting on your thumbs, doing nothing, and hoping for success. There is a better way.
I believe the way to be successful is to offer up something new and desirable. Redbox offers a $1 movie rental -- not $5 like everyone else. Toyota offers a car that gets 50 mpg --- not 25 to 30 mpg like everyone else. Apple's iPhone is a computer and communicator in your pocket.
Always look for ways to improve. Offer more than your competitor. Offer a better product. Offer better service. And don't get greedy with your pricing. Be nice. Live and breathe your product or service. Mainly, don't give up. Don't get the night job frying chicken. Or, get it temporarily if it helps you keep your business open while you revamp it. And do just that. Revamp your business. Rethink how you've been doing things. Redo shoddy work or products. Refund when you can't fix a problem. And reward yourself by enjoying your life.
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