Holly D. Stewart and Associates, LLC--The Level Playing Field

Not too far in the past, big business heavyweights with their arsenol of resources often had the home team advantage.  But, in today's hyper-connected world, small start ups or small ideas at big companies with compelling, distinctive and validated propositions that consumers (may) value may have an unprecidented edge. 

Those that are nimble, focused, resourceful, and willing can succeed with the right approach, planning and execution.  In a world that embraces newness, roots for the underdog, and likes a good rag to riches story, the upstart can play ball like the majors.  And, the majors can reinvent themselves.

So, why do so many trip up?  In our dynamic, fast-paced world, business often becomes a race.  We are caught up in action.  We equate doing something and working fast with success.  Today, we don't allow enough time to truly stop, catch our breath, and think.  We get caught up with the details, the emails, the meetings.  And, at the end of the day, when it's all said and done, we know that our flurry of activity doesn't equate to success, but we continue along.  

Investing the time and resources in a thoughtful, informed, innovative and expertly guided approach that has vetted the what ifs, the possibilities, the future is worth its weight in gold.  But, so many skip this part, the critical building block, because it's difficult, it's ideas (not a tagible deliverable), and it's not fast.  But, it's like going into the game without a playbook.  And, even if you have a playbook, if you don't use the resource you've invested in to guide the process, it might as well languish on the shelf.

The quick fix, hurried "drive through" approach to strategy can be a costly bandaid that leaves your product, idea, businesses, etc. relegated to the bench.  Today, real busines planning has often devolved to check lists, processes and templates.  But, while the others are spinning their wheels, it's a real opportunity clearly articulate and focus your business.  It just takes willingness and commitment. 

So, get a good night's sleep, clear your mind, turn off your moble device, and gear up for an opportunity for real thinking, real strategy, real payoffs down the road.