How To Get Better Results

In just a few days it will be Groundhog Day. We all know that predicting the next six weeks of weather is wishful thinking. After all even Punxsutawney Phil, one of the most famous groundhogs, has only been right 39% of the time. This particular groundhog is featured in the movie, Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray is forced to relive the same day until he realizes that he must change his attitude towards others in order to reach tomorrow. It was just a movie, but the general lesson holds true for all of us: if we continue use the same strategies we cannot logically expect different results.

Consider your business for a moment. If you were not reaching sales or profit goals for two years in a row, would you continue using the same strategies you had been using those two years? Of course not. As a smart businessperson, you would analyze what was working and what was not. Then you examine ways to change unsuccessful strategies to create a more successful outcome.

In some cases, it can be unclear what is causing the lack of success. Find two solutions you think will be effective and test each on a portion of your customer or potential customer base. Then, determine which was more effective.

Do not be discouraged if you cannot quickly find the solution to an issue. There may be more than one variable affecting your results and it can take time to find the answer. If you are struggling with this, ask around. Find other people who have had the same issue and learn what they did to resolve it.

Remember, this is not a one-time procedure. Strive for continuous improvement in all aspects of your business. Here are the steps broken down:

6 Steps to Get Better Results:

1. Determine what strategies you have been using.
2. Determine which are not producing the desired results.
3. Determine variables that may need adjusting.
4.  Test two options and determine what option is more successful.
   1. Research other options if you do not like the results.
5. Implement new strategies across your business and measure success with new strategy.
6. Repeat the process.

A common rule I have always lived by is, for every “no” you receive, it means that you are that much closer to a “yes!”

NOTE: This is dependent on strong and accurate analytics. If you do not have a quantifiable objective and a way to measure your progress, there is no way to determine your results.

Please tell me in the comments what alterations in your strategies have led to greater success? I’d love to hear!