None of us like it when something unexpected comes up, like an unexpected health issue or hospital visit. I recently had one of these such experiences, and during my short stay, I learned a couple things that are perfectly applied to businesses looking to build their business.
We All Know What We Want…But Don’t Always Know How To Get It
When it comes to hospital visits, we all want to the same thing…to get healthy and get out. When it comes to a business, owners and executives all want the same thing: more business and growth. The challenge is, in both cases, we don’t always know how to get it. That’s why we surround ourselves with people who know more than we do, and can guide us toward our goals.
We Think We Know Better Than The Professionals
Think back through the last time you had a difference of opinion with your health care provider. Why was that? I have been noticing an uptick in my personal circle of friends where people, including myself, are more of these differences of opinions, and not wanting to do what their doctors recommend.
Now that gets into a very long conversation, but I want to direct it back to business. I have also noticed in business, we choose to partner with various other businesses, in part because they have knowledge we don’t have. However, then a lot of time, we want to debate and argue with them over what they’re recommending.
I’m not suggesting we follow people’s advice blindly, but I do find it intriguing that we choose to work with various people or organizations, but then we don’t trust them. If we don’t trust them, why are we working with them? If we do trust them, why aren’t we following their advice?
We’re Always Selling…Always
I think part of this disconnect is because of a lack understanding that we’re always selling. For instance, about a year ago, my doc said that I needed a new prescription for elevated uric acid. Not wanting to take any additional medications unnecessarily, I asked if there were other alternatives. He flatly said no. I chose to ignore my doctor’s advice at that time. Why? I wasn’t convinced that there were no other options available. I found that taking alfalfa supplements also helps reduce uric acid. At my next blood draw, sure enough, it had come back down.
How often do we work with people that think there is only one way to achieve our goal? In marketing, this is very challenging, because there are almost always a million ways to do something. The trick is to test to see which one gets the best result, not just some result.
The next time you find yourself at odds with someone you’ve partnered with, ask yourself why. Is it that you aren’t convinced that what may be a good idea is the right idea? If so, then there’s an opportunity to strengthen your partnership, and achieve something great.
***Shameless Self Promotion***
I can’t help but brag on the DirectiveGroup team while we’re talking about this. Our team is exceptional at wanting to see success for our clients, and working as a partner to our clients to achieve that end. It’s through a dedication to having an open dialogue about ideas and results that help our clients not only meet their goals, but blow them out of the water. Are you ready for a different kind of agency? If so, drop us a line.
