A question I often ask leaders is “Where are you taking your business?” The reply is sometimes “Umm..” meaning that the leader does not know.
You are either taking your business forward, toward worthwhile and meaningful goals, or you are going backwards. There is no standing still.
Businesses that attempt to remain static, those with the “business as usual attitude”, will face increased competition over time. If we are not training our teams on ways to improve, it is only a matter of time before competitors steam up behind, poised to overtake.
The recent launch of Purple Bricks in Australia has been touted as an “Uber moment” for real estate agents. I don’t think it will be, but nonetheless they are another competitor, one that agents must counter.
You cannot counter competitors if you are constantly reacting to their every move. Instead of worrying about new competitors in your marketplace, or existing competitors getting better, we should be looking ahead, toward the direction we wish to take our businesses. Instead of having our competitors calling the shots, reacting to them, we should be way out in front, ever moving forward, inspiring our teams, hiring, marketing, leading the way.
I know some leaders tend to glaze over at the mention of a vision, but this vision does not have to be grand. We do need to have an idea of where we are taking our companies.
- What do you want your company to look like in five years’ time?
- What quality of team do you expect to have?
- What size of team do you expect to have?
- What market challenges are you likely to face and what are you going to do about it?
- What results (listings, sales, income and profit) do you expect to achieve?
This is leadership. Take this attitude, and competitors do not dictate your thinking and your company’s direction.
You are either leading your team forward, or you are taking a direct hand in your company sliding backwards, in results, profit and morale.
Business can be tough, and is always demanding. But we went into business because we wanted control. It is time to exercise that control and decide where we want our companies to go.
Let thought, direction, planning, training, and aggressively competing become your focus. Winning, instead of reacting.
Try sitting still on a bicycle. It’s impossible. Business is similar.