In his book The Sticking Point Solution Jay Abraham explained why businesses experience stagnation. www.abraham.com

 

Rather than post the negative, I will reword Jay’s 4 points as

 

 

1. Incorporate growth thinking into every aspect of the business
2. Measure, monitor, compare, and quantify results
3. Have a detailed strategic marketing plan with specific performance growth expectations
4. Know how to set appropriate, specific goals

 

No question, Jay’s advice is good advice.

 

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Some suggestions on how to go about getting your business humming:

• Concentrate on gross margin growth
• Measure the ‘net present value’ of new clients...ie, don’t underestimate the value of new clients
• Take simple tactical action and make simple strategic decisions…rather than doing one or the other*
• Use simple practical tools and processes…aiming for timeliness of action rather than perfection
• Learn simple measurement methods…if you are not convinced the action can work then don’t guess…don’t do it…only take action you think will work
• When goals are being set…intentionally set the bar on the low side
• Be open to ideas…that doesn’t mean act on all ideas…just be open-minded and consider many ideas
• Make decisions quickly…act, test, and repeat what is working
• Focus on the bright lights…some things will work better than other things…do more of the things that are working better
• Build on your human Strengths [where Strengths = Talent + Knowledge + Skills]

Enjoy your success.

 

Footnote: Strategy and tactics should not be treated as isolated things. Whether openly discussed or not, the tactics we have employed in the past tend to remain 'nearby' in our minds. Tactics guide action and action generates results….results, accurately measured results, feed and inject value into the planning process.