How Business Growth is Tied to a Willingness to Change

By: Jon Dwoskin

Change can be hard, especially in business. Adaptability and the right perspective are key to leading your business through change in order to grow. Too often, complacency leads to practices that keep us comfortable but stagnant.  “We’ve always done it this way” can be a dangerous statement when it comes to business growth, scaling and success. 

Clinging to the old ways can hinder your ability to grow and develop. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to reinvent the wheel to succeed. It’s more about being able to broaden your horizons with updated services, processes and strategies. Businesses that experience tremendous growth typically embrace change and are able to adapt to new market conditions.

Recognizing Industry Shifts

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that business resilience lies in the ability to adapt. Countless industries shifted to offer online and virtual services to accommodate the changing needs of their customers. Companies began offering delivery services for customers who didn’t want to – or couldn’t – make purchases in person. Many businesses learned how to operate remotely and offered goods and services that met with the new challenges and requirements of a pandemic world. The ability to recognize shifts in your industry can help you adapt to changing customer needs. This recognition and response is what will keep you moving forward and succeeding even during the most extreme of industry shifts.

Embracing Technology

The rapid advancement of technology has touched every business segment. Businesses that continue to operate without updated technology will fall behind. How effectively you manage business operations, handle customer service and attract new customers will depend on your willingness to embrace software solutions and tech-based developments in these areas.

Consider the introduction of the internet and the subsequent need for businesses to have dedicated websites. At one time, websites were seen as digital phonebook listings that had minimal information and interactivity. Fast forward 20 years, and your company website allows you to generate leads, connect with vendors, network and grow your business in a global market.

Other tech advancements have evolved in a similar fashion, including mobile apps, e-Commerce, streaming video and even internal software systems.  Embracing these advancements where possible can significantly increase your business’s growth potential.

Identifying When the Old Way No Longer Works

If production is lagging, processes are inefficient, employees details are hard to manage or you’re having a difficult time connecting with and obtaining new clients, it could be a sign that the old way needs to change.

Your business survival and future success depends on your ability to objectively recognize where change is needed and to take the action necessary to modernize and improve. Periodically audit your business operations department by department to identify where improvements can be made. Finding and recognizing that there could be a better way is a great step toward embracing the change that will propel your business into the future.

Business continues to evolve and change, and it always will. How – and if – your company stays relevant will depend on your willingness to change. What areas of your company could you improve today? What efficiencies could you streamline? What new audience could you be attracting? Asking and answering these questions will help you stay on the path of growth and success.

If you are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of change and need help getting unstuck from a dangerous perspective, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together, push forward and always…

THINK BIG! 

Jon