Hitting the Mark!
Why do so few businesses "hit the mark" consistently?
In working with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders, I have heard many ideas and listened to many dreams of someone ready to start a business or work to grow an existing one.
Despite these great ideas and vivid dreams of success, most never reach them. Why?
In my experience, the difference between wildly successful organizations and the very average "grind it out to make a living" organization comes down to four areas:
Opportunities vs. Ideas
Successful leaders don't have ideas; they identify opportunities. Sure, they start with an idea, but they take it to the next step to ensure that it is an opportunity, not just one of the millions of good ideas that bubble up daily.?
We all have ideas, but ideas alone aren't good enough.? They have to be opportunities.? The difference between an idea and an opportunity is enormous.? Ideas are based on hope; opportunities are based on reality.?
Is there a market for your idea?? Will someone buy it?? Can you make a profit by selling it??
If you can answer yes to those few questions, your idea is probably an opportunity worth exploring further.? If not, forget about it and go back to the drawing board, as the best ideas in the world are worthless without a customer to buy them.
Clarify
Successful leaders are good at clarifying the barrage of information drowning them daily. They can discern what is important in the daily data dump that is part of the information age. They know how to sort through the clutter and find those few things that will make a marked difference in their success if they pay attention to them.
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Focus
After clarifying what is essential, the best business leaders can focus on a few critical items that make a difference, like a laser beam. They focus on a few crucial items that can move their businesses forward and put aside the clutter. It is rare for a leader to exhibit this skill. But find the most successful organizations, and you will always find a leader and management team that knows how to focus.
Execute
The final key is executing or performing the tasks needed for success.? After identifying an opportunity, clarifying what is key to success, and focusing on what makes a difference...they execute the strategy required for success.
Keys to help you hit the mark
Opportunity, clarity, focus, and execution are each piece of the puzzle that I often find in common among companies that rise to the top.?
How would you measure your expertise in each of these skills?? If you can perform all four well, you are almost guaranteed success.? If you are deficient in one area or another, you can develop those areas, or better yet, surround yourself with people on your management team who can fill in those gaps and get you to "hit the mark" consistently.?
Please share your thoughts below.? I’m anxious to learn and grow together.
Soar, Don’t Settle!
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CEO | Founder @ Health System Services | Healthcare Management
1 个月Thomas Ulbrich Thank you for sharing your insights and perspectives—they are always appreciated. In my opinion, the key to success lies in the principle you highlighted: "Surround yourself with people on your management team who can fill in the gaps and help you consistently ‘hit the mark.’" Far too often, entrepreneurs achieve a measure of success and fall into the trap of believing they must be the smartest person in the room. In contrast, truly successful leaders recognize their own limitations. They demonstrate humility by engaging with team members who possess the talents, skills, and expertise they themselves may lack. This approach not only strengthens the organization but also fosters a culture of collaboration and shared achievement. Continued success!