The Quantum Leap

The Quantum Leap

- Sherryl Dever, January 2011

Everything's changed.

The demands placed on business owners have changed dramatically since 2007.

We have been effected by:

The worldwide economic shift

New technologies

Government regulation

Millennials are entering business as employees, clients and customers

This isn't all bad news. With every shift in the economy there are changes in cultural sensibilities and needs, therefore greater opportunities.

This may seam like a quantum leap. It means facing a lot of unknowns. Like physics, a quantum leap only appears to be "discontinuous."

Our future seems uncertain, because change means having to let go of our old way. It’s time to embrace the new way.

Without experience or proof, the leap to the new way feels like stepping off a cliff.

Science tells us, that the method of observation or perspective makes all the difference. A quantum leap cannot be observed with the naked eye, only with the help of a microscope. As business owners, we are facing the need for a quantum leap in our thinking. The new economy requires a new perspective.

We don't have to examine our business practices under a microscope, but we do need to take advantage of new information that will shape our destiny over the next few years.

Here are some "new way" frames of reference:

Things have changed, but gravity has not been suspended.

You get what you create by design or by default.

Your years of leadership and courage are essential skills in shaping the future of your business.

Focus is the key to doing the right thing for your business. 
Business is currently moving at the speed of life.

Old school trial and error marketing methods waste time and money.

Everything you need to help your business succeed today is available to you.

When sales have slumped seek specialized talent who can objectively meet your needs and create a strategy for success.

Get Your Space In Shape. Start by asking your clients and customers what they want from your business.

Get organized, with an eye toward the future.

Keep it simple, welcoming and inviting.

When customers visit you, it's an opportunity to build a relationship.

Make your public space represent what your clients and customers want. You don't have to spend a lot of money to do it.

Learn to Share. Develop strategic alliances that get things done.

Partner with other businesses to cover the cost of professional

services, share space and supplies.

Put your ideas on line as a way to garner attention for your business and brand.

Barter for better leverage. If you cannot afford to pay cash look for businesses that have what you need of the right quality and scale. Pair your prioritizing with what you can offer.

Measure the meaningful. Einstein once said "Not everything that counts can be measured. Not everything that can be measured counts."

Be sure your business is structured to allow you to organize your day, by the week, month and year into meaningful data that helps you better anticipate the future.

When every penny counts hindsight is no consolation.

MAKING THE QUANTUM LEAP 
-Sherryl Dever, January 2011

Growing sales and your business can be more like a math equation than you might think. You'll want to add these criteria for developing a smart business strategy. Build them into key marketing decisions.

Everything has changed. We need to adapt quickly, if we are to thrive in the future.

The old way of doing business will not return

The economy will recover over the next decade.

Frugality is the new status symbol of the middle class.

The Internet has changed the old way of doing business forever. 
Simply transferring what we are doing in real life to our website is not enough. 
A two-way conversation is crucial for growing sales. 
Competing on price doesn't work. There will always be a "cheaper" solution.

Your story is your brand. It needs to be vital and interesting, transparent, and pervasive.

Delivering on the promise your story holds, is key to future success.

If you are a bricks and mortar business your retail space will be key to your future success.

Everything we can do to find out what people want and give it to them, will give us the edge.

Consumers are more concerned about the value they receive for their dollar.

We need to address the needs of four generations of client/customers.

Every client/customer has a predominant learning style.

Every client /customer has a preferred communication style.

Clients and customers expect us to look, act, walk and talk it their way, or they won't come in or come back.

We must promote ourselves in all media all the time.

We thrive when we learn to conduct business based on our customers wants and needs.