I just read an incredible post by Seth Godin. He refers to the out of bounds areas businesses define for themselves based on what the do, and what they could do.
I find this interesting in two aspects. First, as Seth talks about, if your focus is one product or service, will you give a second the time and attention it deserves.
The second aspect is that of focus. Too often small businesses and entrepreneurs try to be all things to all people. Is diversity always best, or should you focus on what you are really good at instead of growing a wider line.
The answer, I believe, lies somewhere in the middle. We should focus on what we do, and do it best. If our customers need further solutions, that we can provide, we need to add. It takes more effort to find new customers and clients, than it does to keep the ones we have. If we can add valuable solutions, why would they need to go anywhere else. Make sure to keep your boundaries, however. If you have to completely redefine yourself to help this customer, you need to know where to draw that line.
I don’t do headstands, I’ll leave that to those who do. Surround yourself with great people, and they can pick up those extras.
How are you working with your customers? Are you defining your limits, or are you adding headstands when you’d rather be sitting down?
(photo by Louise Starbird of Photoworks Studios)
This post was written by
Sandi Maki, InSights Group – who has written 791 posts on InSights Group.
Bliss in a Bubble – In the moment – my favorite place to be. As a creative outlet, I enjoy ‘Heavy Breathing Just Before Midnight‘ – a series of podcasts on fun, interesting, and random topics that I share at sandimaki.com. At InSights Group – I mastermind, coach, consult, and use Organic Marketing to empower businesses tell their stories to the world to become more productive and profitable – especially in the online world. I am also a coach and take on personal clients to help empower positive changes and growth within their lives and businesses. I have experience in many areas of philosophy and psychology including face reading, personality studies and motivation, as well as many holistic modalities such as Reiki Master, and core-conscious transformation. With Legendary Escapes I’m a partner in a trio of swimming pool companies from construction to service to online sales – we are changing the industry – and the experience of customers across the country – based in Brighton, MI.