Have you noticed that every once in a while a television show or a movie comes along that is extremely fresh and original? If it’s a television series, you make time to watch each episode every week. If it’s a movie, you can watch it over and over and over again. Usually, television shows and movies are just recycled plots with different actors. The cast of a TV show or a film can make all the difference too even if the writing isn’t as fresh or original. Many films today are updates of a famous movie released years (even decades) earlier or inspired by a famous TV show. Whether it’s a comedy or a drama, if it can grab and maintain your attention, then it certainly isn’t boring – which is what makes it a success.
Whether it’s a movie on a big theater screen, on a small screen such as a television or on your smartphone when something new and original comes along you find that everyone is talking about it and encouraging others to see it.
But not every movie or television series can maintain a profitable audience of viewers long term. Eventually, movie formulas and long running shows lose their originality, sharp writing and audience. The television shows and movies become boring to its potential audience.
How does this relate business – especially to your company?
As a CEO, president or business owner, ask yourself:
After being in business for however many number of years, has business become boring in any way?
CAUTION! Don’t answer this question too quickly! Really think about the many facets related to your business. Your conclusion could be nothing, one particular element or many factors all colliding together which affect the success of the company. Boring isn’t always obvious in business. Yet it can eventually affect the branding and bottom line or profits of the company. In other words, the company’s long term lifeline. When a television show, for example, doesn’t achieve specific audience ratings, it is often cancelled. You don’t want to hang an “out of business” sign on your company, do you?
Now take the concept of a “boring business” a step further.
Ask yourself:
- Have I become boring as a CEO, president or business owner?
- If so, in what way?
- How has it affected the company?
- Have I been in the business for so long, doing it day after day, that it’s just a routine?
- Do I put any original thought into my business on a daily, weekly or even a monthly basis?
- Or am I just going through the motions every day – like a television rerun? Doing the same things over and over and over again, expecting the same or better business results, but not really getting what I want from the business?
You may think, regarding your business, that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That can be true.
But…
- Can your business be improved?
- Can you improve your management and leadership role?
- Can you motivate and re-energize your employees?
- Do your customers find you, your staff and product or service to be what they need in today’s business marketplace – or is your business being left behind due to technology, customer service, communication, branding or something else?
Your company’s marketing materials may be stale and boring. Not visually exciting to hold a potential customer’s attention. The company’s website may be stagnant, boring and dated looking. Not interactive enough or offering enough information to the company’s business audience. Think of social media as social business to be actively engaged with customers online. Your sales people and manner in which your company’s product or service is presented may be outdated, boring and too hard sell for today’s customer.
Sales are everything to a business. If a movie doesn’t bring in the expected box office dollars, it quickly vanishes from the theaters. You don’t want your business to not be top of mind with your customers, do you?
Remember: Business changes yet it stays the same. The basics of business never change but the strategy for success and profit does change to remain a viable company customers gravitate towards.
Take a fresh look at your business. Determine what’s become boring at your company. Renew your commitment to the business. It will bring your company sales, dedicated employees and happy customers.
To your success!
Howard Lewinter guides – focuses – advises CEOs, presidents and business owners to MORE success – MORE profit – less stress throughout the United States. Get MORE from your business! Talk with Howard: 888-738-1855.