Because I travel a lot, I am always looking at maps, the old kind of paper maps.
Don’t get me wrong, I use technology as I drive, both Google Maps and a Gamin navigator. I rely mostly on these two devices, but because they often have different routes for me to follow, I am constantly using paper maps as a third option, mostly to double-check routes before heading out.
Yesterday for instance each of the electronic devices had a different route for me to follow. Both made sense, but a quick check on a paper map revealed that one of them had me going down a sketchy backroad.
This might have been nice for a Jeep, but a truck and travel trailer is quite a different story.
Had I not double-checked I might have got myself into a predicament not of my liking.
In business, we need to map out the direction for our business by setting goals and objectives. This is our map going forward.
But how do we know if our map is fraught with obstacles ahead? The truth is we can’t know all the potential obstacles. We can, however, lessen the odds of getting into a bad situation by miscalculating the future.
The perfect place to start is to look at the trend lines in our business. I like to start with numbers because math is a universal language, understood by everyone.
Before looking ahead and making plans for the next six months, take a few minutes and look back over the last six months. Better yet, look over the last 18 months. Specifically, look for trendlines based on real numbers.
Keep in mind, history is just that, history. While it has a limited bearing on the future, nonetheless, some of the past needs to be considered when looking at the future.
If the numbers reveal that your business has been historically slow during the summer season, that trend will likely continue unless different inputs are brought into play. Such as a new program initiative specifically designed to target, and change, the historical trendline.
You already know the cycles of your business, so little will come as a surprise. A deep dive into the numbers will be time well spent. As you see the challenges, your mind will begin thinking of creative solutions. Perhaps a program you’ve thought about, but haven’t quite pulled the marketing trigger yet.
You don’t necessarily have to go back to a paper map, of sorts. Most of this information can be discovered by looking at and studying your online reports.
Many business owners don’t do this. They find it boring, or worse discouraging, and find something more exciting to do. Something more comfortable.
If you find yourself in this situation here is your plan. Set a timer for twenty minutes and dive into the uncomfortableness. When the timer goes off, you’re done for the day. Repeat this process every day for two weeks and then do a self-check-in. You’ll find you’re much less uncomfortable, and you will have gained valuable insights.
All this looking back will help you create a clearer path forward.
Another way you can discover your unique trendlines, and plan a productive path forward is to have a conversation with someone who has experience in situations similar to yours.
If this is you, follow your instincts and search out someone who can give you a new perspective.
One thing about human nature is that we love to help those in need when they ask for help. It’s up to you.
Remember, you only get results when you take immediate action on your ideas.
