Change or Die – The 4 Truths About Change
Change is hard for businesses and people to handle. Many people like to keep the status quo. We’ve all heard the old saying “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”. However that attitude isn’t great for business or your personal life. In this month’s article I will give you four reasons why you should embrace change. 
Change is Inevitable – John Maxwell once said “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” One thing you can count on is that change is right around the corner. Just ask a cab driver in any major US city and they will agree. A simple app that connects riders to every day drivers changed their industry forever, see Uber. Blockbuster, a thriving video rental company, filed chapter 11 because it couldn’t compete with online video services. Do you know what changes in your industry are coming and how you plan to respond to them? Do you have a plan because change is inevitable.
Change is needed – According to the National Restaurant Association, approximately 40,000 new restaurants open every year. If you are like me and you enjoy experiencing different restaurants that’s good news. I couldn’t imagine eating at the same restaurant over and over. What if there were only one car to choose from? What if there were only one airline, you could fly on? Customers enjoy new products and features. Is it time for you to consider making changes to your services?
Change should be embraced – It’s believed that children under the age of 5 will never learn how to drive. By the time they become adults’ self-driving cars will be commonplace on American roads. This is just one of the many changes you can expect to see. We all have two choices when it comes to change. You can fight it or you can embrace it. Fighting it usually doesn’t work, just ask the association of typewriter manufacturers. By embracing change you position your business for success. Every new technology creates its own industry. When you buy a new smart phone you also buy other complimentary products. You might need a case for your phone or how about a Bluetooth device to go with it. Embrace change and figure out how your business can thrive from it.
Change or die – Those are pretty strong words, but it’s the truth. Your company won’t be around long if you don’t change. We now compete on a global scale. There was a time when you only had to worry about the guy or gal across the street. Now you have to worry about the guy or gal half way across the world. The continued existence of your business depends on how fast you can adjust to market changes. This means you must read up on your industry. You must anticipate changes in the law that will impact your business both positively and negatively. You can’t watch from the sidelines as things happen. In today’s business climate your business must change or die.
Hopefully I’ve convinced you that change is a good thing. If you seek business longevity, you must embrace change. It’s going to happen and it’s needed. The only question is will you change or die?
Will Harrison is an expert at helping companies deal with change and adapting to market conditions. To learn more about Will and West Arlington, please visit www.waconsultgroup.com.