Sometimes it's absolutely the right time to do something big, new and bold. Other times it makes sense to just move things a little bit. But you do need to move - onwards, upwards, sideways, longways, anyways :)
Standing still might seem like a good idea if you're having a wobble or a panic or just not sure about something, but actually it's very rarely the best plan. If you stand still you can't see what's possible, you can't tell if something is a good idea (or not) until you try it. Keeping yourself in one place (literally or metaphorically) isn't always a safe plan. No one wants to be a sitting duck!
You don't always need to be innovating and coming with elaborate plans of new mega programs, products and services however (see my post on keeping it simple ), but you do need to be moving, evolving, adding something new or testing testing testing.
Now if you know (and you'll know) if you've been doing the same thing for a little too long, then time for a refresh, time for something new, but don't throw the baby out with the bathwater!
I see lots of business owners do something great then just when it's working well and selling, they think 'right, time for the next new big thing' and that's not necessarily a good plan. Of course if you see a brand new niche, a new market you can step into boldy, then do it and take the competitive advantage. But sometimes all you need to do is something really close to what you're doing now... just a small step away.
Look at what you sell the best, look at what you love to do the most... now who else can benefit from that?
- Have you sold to every person in your current market that could benefit? Go back to your list and change your messages and test some new 'angles' on what you already do.
- Have you added something 'extra' you know would improve what's already there? (and this 'extra' doesn't have to come from you it could be a complimentary product or service - start flexing those Joint Venture muscles!)
- Have you sold AGAIN the exact same service or product to people who bought in the first place (I can't tell you the times I've pointed that out to clients - which is closely followed by a head slap for being so obvious!).
- Have you upgraded (or downgraded) current or previous buyers to something similar?
- Have you tried a different flavour/colour/time/location/(insert your variable here) version of what you do?
- Sell the 'new improved' version of what you do. It will be new and improved with all the things you've learned and got feedback on since you first sold it. Even if you've been adding these elements as you go along, think about what's different in what you 'do' now than you did on Day One and 'sell' the benefits of that.
- Where else can you sell what you do - literal location geographically (go global!) or market with different media, if you're not already, use social media or direct mail, or speak on stages, or get a PR campaign going - add something new to your marketing mix and see what happens.
There's LOTS more you can do that's just a 'step away' from what you're doing now. But of course all these suggestions can easily be applied for big bold leaps too.
Write down all the 'things' you're doing now that you weren't doing a year ago, or 6 months ago, or even a few weeks ago in your business and see how you've added to or edited down what you offer. Focus on what works, do more of it, and add a little step to the left too (or right!).
Just keep on moving!
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