I’m not sure if it’s because I spent the formative years of my career immersed in a technological landscape that was rapidly progressing or not, but I have been for the most part receptive to change. I traveled 3.5 hours to attend college (not too far), moved to North Carolina not knowing anyone in 2007, lost a job in 2009 and started a business in 2011. I know what change feels like. That doesn’t even touch the relationships, family situations and additional life happenings that have been mixed in along the way.
Now a days, change can be both intriguing and exciting.
There are two types of change. Forced and preemptive. Both are okay and necessary in life and business. It’s part of the game when it comes to staying relevant.
We see a problem, we react by making changes. We see a problem down the line, we start tweaking the plan. What do we adapt to? There are a number of things. A shift in your audience, employee turnover, availability of new technology or a change in your financial situation are just a few. In every case, your goals remain consistent. Adapt in order to be as efficient as possible and to remain in a place of relevance.
As a small business owner, it seems like change is lurking around every corner. One of the worst lines out there is, “That’s the way we do it because that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Not a good thing to hang your hat on in most cases. The reason that line usually comes up is because something is not working as well as it should or is on the brink of being broken.
I am not advocating that you change your entire look or plan just for fun, but be aware that change can be a great thing. Firing on all cylinders most of the time takes focus and self-evaluation. Don’t let complacency get in the way of healthy change. Change is the only way to reach your growth potential.
