Why flexibility is your biggest flex

I write and talk a lot about it being tough running a business and if you have too many sacred cows, you will miss out on opportunities and your business will suffer.  Offering the same products and services to the same clients when they are finding it tough is a tough gig.

One thing that the Covid situation taught, was that you have to be flexible to succeed when the going gets tough.

If you ask the right questions, the answers are always there.

Think about the last time you went out for dinner.

At the end of the meal, the server usually asks “Was everything okay with your meal?”  Most of you will say “Yes!" whether we have had a good meal or not.  If it was a good meal, you have answered.  If it wasn’t, you are keen to get out of there.

The problem is - it’s a lazy question.

How about “Is there anything we could have done to make your experience better today?”

This suggests they are genuinely interested and there is a likelihood you would give specific feedback that they can choose to use.  Or not.

If you apply the same clever questioning in business, you will get golden nuggets that you can use.

Use these to tweak your offering to solve the new pain points based on the current situation.

Opportunities don’t always arrive in the form you expect. More often, they show up as subtle shifts; a different audience engaging with your content, customers asking slightly different questions, or unexpected demand for something you hadn’t positioned as your core offer.

The businesses that thrive are the ones that notice - and are flexible to adapt.

Your audience is always giving you clues. Through their behaviour, their questions, and their buying decisions, they’re telling you exactly how to meet them where they are. The question is, are you listening?

Businesses that win aren’t the ones that get it perfect from the start. They’re the ones that adapt quickly, learn continuously, and aren’t afraid to shift direction when needed.

In a fast-moving world, being flexible and adaptable isn’t a weakness, it’s your competitive edge. Your flex.

Every one of my clients review their strategy monthly, and update their SWOT quarterly. This identifies the market opportunities, the new threats, and your internal capabilities. Download the tool I use when 1-2-1 with clients and get started today.

Try reviewing your last month of customer interactions. What patterns are emerging and what are you going to do about them?

Remember, don’t reduce your targets if you are struggling to hit them.  Change the strategies you are adopting to hit your targets.

Download the tool I use when 1-2-1 with clients and get started today.