What Would Happen if You Move You or Your Enterprise from “A” to “THE”?

I go to a lot of networking events. Obviously with the purpose to make possible client connections but I often find myself just enjoying the conversations and adding value to other attendees. Often when I ask what folks do, they mention that they work for “A” company or they are “A” _______________ (fill in the role). This got me thinking out loud about how the language we use LIMITS ourselves and what we do. How about a change in paradigm? What would happen if we considered ourselves or our enterprise from “A” marketing firm, financial management company, etc. to “THE” leading tech solutions company or "THE" most customer friendly accounting firm?!?!

"What would happen if you moved from “A” to “THE?"

Now stay with me here a moment and get the contrast:

“A” companies, service providers, account managers, business developers, surgeons, teachers, etc. place themselves in the middle with everyone else. They are the sum average of everyone else doing the same thing. The problem according to entrepreneur Jack Welch, is that “no one pays for average!”

“THE” companies, accountants, attorneys, etc., on the other hand, STAND OUT! They find powerful niches that make them the “go to” organization for their particular enterprise, product or service. Such a change in mindset can be incredibly powerful but it also requires significant commitment and effort. Keep in mind this works just as much on the individual level as it does the organizational.

Do the following activity for me. Write out and fill in the following sentence:

I want to move from “A” ________________ (fill in the blank) to “THE” ___________________ (fill in the blank) and be recognized as such in my industry, community, state, region, nation, etc. (how far you extend this is up to you!)

Now, write out the following:

What would change to become “THE”? What would it look like, sound like, and feel like? How would your life and those around you be different if you became “THE”?

Next, write out what would you and/or your team will have to do differently to become “THE”? What new efforts would this require? What would you have to do MORE of or LESS of? Who else will have to be involved to help you? What energy, effort, or time will be required?

Based upon the above, now draw three boxes on a sheet of paper, label and fill in accordingly:

• WANT: What do you really want to have happen? What is the eventual outcome you are seeking?
• HAVE: What do you currently have in terms of knowledge, time, resources, skills, people, etc. that can move you from “A” to “THE”? I bet you have a lot more than you think!
• NEED: Now based upon the difference between what you eventually WANT and what you currently HAVE to get there, list out what you NEED. What resources, new skills, new abilities, information, etc. is required to fill in the blanks. This will not cover everything you will eventually need but it will get you STARTED!

At this point I need to make an important point. This desire to move from “A” to “THE” is not an indicator of arrogance. Seeking such a level of performance requires humility to realize you and those around you can get better. This requires a constant commitment to excellence and self-improvement. Entrepreneur and author Darren Hardy calls this the ability to just “grind out” the daily disciplines, practices, habits, etc. that you need to reach the pinnacle of “THE”! Besides, most "THEs" probably just think of themselves as "As" if they even think of themselves at all! 

Here is one last tip that might help you. Think about those individuals or organizations that you admire in or out or your industry that are “THE” performers. What do they do differently? How do they approach their life and careers? What do they do to STAY a “THE” performer?

As always if I can help you and the people you associate with Get Better, Be Ready and LEAD OUT LOUD, I would invite you to email me or to visit my website below and see if any of the training or coaching experiences I offer can provide an impact! Also, as a bonus, if you go to my Out Loud Strategies website (www.outloudinc.com) and enter your contact information, I will send you a FREE guide to establishing a mentoring initiative program in your organization! Such an initiative would be critical in order to add value to your organization!

I hope this was helpful to you. Trust me, it was not easy writing this with a 50 lb. dog in your lap!

Yours in Leadership,

Bill Faulkner

Principal Consultant – Out Loud Strategies

Independent Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team ^TM

Email = bill@outloudinc.com

Visit our website at: www.outloudinc.com

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