Some of you, by nature, are maximizers—you endeavor to get the most out of everything. You get the last remaining bit of toothpaste out of the tube…and then manage to squeeze out enough for 5 more brushings. And you enjoy the accomplishment.
And some of you are not maximizers. You don’t know it, but you often leave an awful lot of your life and work underutilized.
Regardless of where you fall naturally, now is a great time to consider areas where you take advantage of how much resource you already have.
Instead of working to build something from scratch, cold calling your way into the sales winners circle or looking for something new to bring energy to your work….consider mining the following potential gold mines laying right at your feet.
1 – Technology you already own or use. What software, hardware, gadgets, etc. do you already own that you are either letting sit, or are hardly using? What things have you invested in that you are only utilizing at a 10% rate? Get your technology to do more of your work…that’s why it was designed.
2 – Relationships you already have established. Is it easier to get more business, help or ideas from a stranger or from a friend? So, how could you invest more in those relationships you already have?
3 – Organizations where you are already known or a member. You pay your dues and occasionally go to the meetings…would you like to make your membership pay off? How could you participate in a different way or start to use the services they already advertise. Hint: revisit those organizations sites to see what features they are selling to potential members—then use them.
4 – Places where you will be already traveling. Take a look at the travel on your calendar for the next year and ask: What else could I be doing while I’m in Denver, Singapore, Tampa, etc. What other colleagues, customers, competitors or potential clients could you be calling on?
5 – Things you’ve already created. What processes, products or projects have been started or even finished, but are not yet in use? Scour your business for work that has already been done, that just needs to be scheduled or implemented.
6 – People you have already hired. This sounds a little odd, but I’m suggesting you remember the potential you were thinking of when you first hired that person…have you since forgotten some of the things you were hoping they would bring to or do for your business? Have a simple, specific conversation with your people: How could we make better use of your talents and skills?
7 – Stuff you’ve already learned. You’re smart. There is so much you already know about what choices to make and how to be successful. You’ve probably even been learning from what you read and from your years of experience. So the simple question is: what do you already know that you are not taking advantage of? Fill in the blank: I know it would be good for my business if I _____________. Now…do it.
Bottom Line: Make better use of the things you already have and you’ll give yourself an edge for which you’ve already paid.
(This post was previously published in the March 2011 issue of Business Leader http://www.businessleader.bz/ )
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Written by Tom Plake
Topics: Leadership, Uncategorized