I have a very interesting job, I work and network with clients from all over the world and in all shapes and sizes and yet I am constantly amazed at how we look at our own business and the ideas that CEO’s have about their own business.
When meeting some it’s the next Facebook, GM or even WalMart and they are not going to stop until they get there. I often wonder if they understand the times we live in and the resources needed (not just passion) to get to that scale. While it’s always satisfying to see if get to those levels it’s just a fraction of those even get past First Base.
And for MANY other’s its’ the limiting belief that pre-wires them of why they can’t grow because they don’t they right people, the right equipment or it’s just a bad time. I just had a conference call with someone who had that exact belief and I called them out – not because I wanted to be mean but just wanted them to hear another perspective.
We Talked about Meaningful Scale
What exactly does that mean?
For many, it’s not always about overcoming a need for significance but rather the need for contribution – whether to a family unit, a business unit or anything else. Rather than the focus on the next milestone it becomes a focus on delivering one more thing, one more unit, a few dollars on every sale and contributing to the overall goal of the organization.
For a service business it may be the ability to deliver more timely or just ONE more client service visit per day.
For an ecommerce business it’s that extra 1% of conversions or 3% of optins for a lead magnet
For the CFO it’s an incremental efficiency that can make a difference in a unit’s performance.
For the CEO it’s the ability to say no to a non-contributing project (or better yet that ego driven ‘branding’ stuff!).
For a local contractor it’s getting 1 more project completed per year and adding an extra $15,000 to a household budget.
It’s NOT just about going public, being acquired or even raising money – its’ about solving a problem that a customer needs in come meaningful way.
For all of our Fathers, Grandfathers, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Aunts and Uncles who stood for something other than themselves – we say “Thank you” to everyone who served our great country.
Just stop and thank someone who thanklessly served – regardless of their own belief.
Author & 3rd Base Coach at “Stuck On First” – The 9 Positions of a Playoff Ready Business
Every bleary eyed sports fan, casual or not, watched or is now learning about the historic comeback win for the Cubs.
This article isn’t about the win, not even about the organization – team – or even coaching – it’s about Ben Zobrist. If you don’t know who he really is, I’m going to share some highlights about why he is the ultimate team player. As a lifelong baseball fan I’ve dedicated all of my work tying baseball to business and how you need to have teammates, coaching and a plan. It’s called “Stuck On First” (more about that later).
Ben Zobrist is often called the “super utility man” and I’ve personally seen him play just about every position on the field except for pitcher and catcher. For the Cubs he was their 2nd Baseman until Javier Baez came along. Guess what Ben said? “I just come here to play baseball” and no whining about the position itself. Oh did I mention he’s a switch hitter and just won the World Series MVP? Oh and he’s won Back to Back World Series titles – just the 4th player ever to do this when switching leagues.
I’ve only met Ben as a fan while signing autographs so I can’t comment directly on what his work ethic is but I have no doubt following traits.
Tireless work ethic – you can’t be a switch hitter without hard work
Not afraid to fail – every player makes errors it’s how you bounce back that matters
Playing for a purpose – Ben always talks about his team, the organization, his coaches and his family. It’s NEVER about HIM.
Give it 100% – There is no tomorrow and always enter every situation like it’s the top of the 10th and he needs a hit to win.
Every player and owner dreams about hitting the winning run in extra innings but it’s thousands of hours of work shown in the result split second decision and hit.
Chances are YOU are the super-utility man in your business and that means you do everything. You are the super sales guy, the accounting department, the delivery guy and the guy actually doing the work. Now imagine a business where all of that happens but you have Ben Zobrist clones – your staff, colleagues, partners, suppliers & contractors fill that role.
Did you see the others on the field, dugout & bullpen? I did.
That’s how you build a scaleable business – you take EVERYTHING that Ben does and break up the pieces and processes. Teach & Coach YOUR team to do all the things you do and get out of their way. Chances are really good they are capable (if you have the right players) and want to please their coach. They can’t do that without some training and guidance. Spend the time to break down their swing so they can replicate it. Let them fail and support them.
In a previous business we had a process for EVERYTHING. Client intake, Marketing, Sales, Production even Billing. Guess what? 80% of everything that went on did so without me. When you have 26 employees and hundreds of contractors that’s a feat in itself. I knew EVERY part of our business – BUT I DIDN’T do everything I let my team take care of it.
Be a Super Utility man just like Ben Zobrist – 2016 World Series MVP – just don’t be afraid to let others up to the plate too.
If you want to learn more about how I did it I would love to send you a FREE copy of my book. Just click this link and I’ll get one out to you but I asking you to pay some shipping. If that’s an issue just message me here and I’ll mail you one for free.
