“Safe thinking never leads to great wealth.”
– Harlan Coben
Every business begins as an idea in someone’s mind, a notion that transforms into the vision and courage needed to make the business happen. Success requires a magical mix of intuition, insight, head-splitting thinking and the sheer will to see it, distil it and execute it. It’s a lot to ask, and those who succeed are the exception to the rule.
What is not the exception is where success begins. When you look back and explore how you got to where you are today, you will nearly always find the “gems”, the key passions and motivations that made all the difference.
Maybe you felt that the business of weight loss should, in fact, be a process and not a quick fix … so you put together a supportive program around the products. Maybe you were on a plane, skimming magazines with pictures of outdoor furniture when the category struck you as ugly and outdated … so you started your own design-oriented outdoor furniture company.
Exploring your origins leads to a rediscovery of purpose that then points the way ahead. To grow your business, your best bet may be to simply reconnect with that drive for quality and individuality.
Many companies crash and burn trying to expand their products and services into hot new markets. The 90% rule can help you identify your most natural opportunities, saving you money and time.
Your vision of the future starts with a well-planned rethink of your purpose, your history and your passion. And here’s the good news: you’ll find your next big opportunity will be 90% founded on what you have already built.
- Ken Tencer
December 7th, 2009 at 9:14 am
[...] Original post by The 90% Rule Network [...]
January 29th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Have you got any advice for when I do use this?
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:29 am
Look at history in three parts to develop a collective understanding of your company’s history and evolution: chronology, emotion and revenue. This then forms the basis for “blue sky thinking.
Part I: Chronological history
Your chronological history provides a foundational timeline that allows everyone to see clearly the growth and development of the firm. It gives you a record of key dates; changes and introductions of products and services; important points of reference; and major shifts in the company’s history.
Part II: Emotional history
Emotions are an underlying driver of a company and its culture. It’s essential that everyone understand the genesis of the company’s inspiration and emotional drive.
Part III: Revenue history
Revenue history reveals future potential and pitfalls. Understanding the source of revenues and profits across your history allows you to look forward and assess whether these sources are likely to grow or be gone in the future.
Background for blue skying
The historical record is the common denominator on which everyone can “blue sky” the future. While you are reviewing your history it is valuable to discuss and make notes on future “considerations” even before you get deep into exploring and blue skying.
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Hi,
Thanks for the comment. It is not a site template the site was developed by the design and web team at Spyder works.
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