Playing with Creative Change

PLAYING WITH CREATIVE CHANGE

Too often we see business owners working with what “already is”. Keep on doing much of the same. If it ain’t broke- don’t break it.

The norm is comfortable. Complacency is easy. Business and life is good. (?)

As consultants to SMEs we witness business owners falling into the well of doing what has worked in the past.  A business owner’s baby refusing to grow, with an owner too stubborn to change. As the well becomes ever so slippery and deep that grasping at the edges is an exercise of desperation –too little too late – owners see their dreams evaporate and their business quickly evaporating.

Business, and success within, does not have to be overly complicated (which owners tend to do), nor does it always require vast amounts of capital to move ahead.  Yet we witness time and again owners who try and do it all- are reluctant to allow others to help, advise, take the reins, and who then struggle with their ultimate incompetence in various areas of business operations and management only to say – “We tried, but failed”.

Really?

So aside from the entrepreneur’s dilemma of often thinking and believing (self righteously) they are the only ones who know the direction and path of their business- is the notion that thinking about, focusing on, driving …”change” can bring renewed vision, and sustainable growth to a languishing business.

Creative change.

Amazing how effective a new way of doing things, and active creative thinking can bring a business into a new level, or phase. Its “phase3” if you will. So how can one bring about change?

An exercise that may help is to begin by “thinking right.” Flexible, fluid thinking that looks at an object and lists alternative uses regardless of the possibility, the outcome, and the “it would never work” syndrome. Take a toothbrush.  Aside from oral hygiene and scrubbing tile grout, what other uses, no matter how wild or off the wall can one envision the use of a toothbrush?

A tire, pen, piece of string….anything really. In the pace of today’s connected world we often lack the time to award ourselves the freedom to simply…think. Differently without barriers. It is an area where creative change can thrive; in fact it is what is required to survive. By listing, and brainstorming alternative uses away from the obvious or norm one can begin to train and exercise thinking flexibility. Improvisation and intuitive thinking all forces change to the norm.

So, if you see your business in that stagnant, old and tired mold, try giving yourself the time and freedom to begin to force creative change into your daily life – or at least your business life.  

Once we can begin to train our thinking to become more flexible, and more creative we can then begin to help a business move 2Phase3.

And as quoted by Sir Richard Branson…”If it ain’t broke…break it!”

2Phase3 - Retailoring Required Rapidly

THE CONCEPT OF OUR “RETAILORING”

“Retailoring” – With the increasing influx of e-commerce into the retail landscape, modern day retailing has become more competitive, more immediate and certainly more challenging to operate, sustain and grow than in any time in our past. Our retailers have the world at their door; expanded markets mean greater exposure, expansive sales channels, and competitive distribution models. It has also created stiff competition from competitors who are faceless yet very often fearless. Even for those retailers with little or no online presence, one can be certain a competitor is targeting their customers.

How can store front merchants become proactive to now develop a business that thrives and grows in a “Main Street” environment while developing a strong, impactful online presence and open their markets to not only the Ottawa consumer but to consumers regardless of location?  How can one change a physical retail location and appearance to influence  customers to stay longer and to buy more? How does a retailer benefit from the traffic and consumer behaviours that are being sought after with the help of their local BIA? In retail neighbourhoods, the right retailoring blend can produce immediate and sustainable results. Influential customer centric staging in retail contributes to increased traffic flow and a more engaged client base; one that is more readily positioned to be retained as a long term customer.  More customers, increased sales and an interesting, engaging atmosphere for employees will further develop a merchant district that delivers customer excellence from the store floor to the street and into the online world.

A mindset change. Engage, acquire, retain. Service is more than a smile. Smarter environments - savvy consumers. Store floor to world stage. Movement – non static. Progressive – Proactive - Profitable

This is our retailoring.

In need of some assistance? Looking at how you are to survive let alone thrive in today's marketplace...?

Connect With Us

www.2phase3.com 

Free Consultation Services to Hub Ottawa Members

2Phase3 Free Consultations at Hub Ottawa Begins in January 2014

2Phase3 will begin offering free consultations on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Hub Ottawa beginning January 15th.

Take advantage over of consultation expertise and advisory services as we provide over 50 years of combined expertise as business owners - entrepreneurs.

Our philosophy is fairly simple. If you are starting or trying to grow your business- you cannot do it alone- in isolation and without neutral third party advice and mentoring. We have seen this time and again where entrepreneurs think too small- and never drive for the big picture - goals are scattered and implemented in a shotgun approach- and within a year or two- the mission is over.

And often - they do this on their own- or within their small team.

We say - look beyond - think in a positive manner and work with others who have nothing but your best interest at heart.

We are passionate entrepreneurs and consultants (yes they do exist!) and have been at the grass roots many times and survived to tell the tales. Now we wish to work with you in your venture and help drive a positive experience into a successful long term business.

Give us a shout at solutions@2phase3.com or drop by Hub Ottawa on the third Wednesday of each month and ask for us.

Carole & Micheal