I’ve lived in Southport 35 years. And it’s coming up to 36. When I’ve been out of town – fooling around in the Midlands, deciphering India or briefly emigrating to Oz (another time, ok?) – it was only my body aloof.
One-third of a century is a long time in life, but a short time to the earth. So to see the changes that have seized Southport in my lifetime are nothing short of staggering.
Of course, the man-made machinations come and go – we know that; we call it progress (substitute pro for re if, like me, you get a little sentimental about the good times when there were more places than the Spar car park and more fun to be had than smashing shop windows for kids of this fair conurbation).
But take a look at this video:
Sure, it’s beautiful. Unless you just took the job as Southport’s head groundsman and it’s your responsibility to keep our new shore lawn trim.
I don’t want to lie to you here: This video tells you exactly what happens when you’re conceited about your business. It’s ticking, you know? You have enough.
But enough doesn’t cut it. Because enough is being eroded, day by day. By competition, by changing preferences.
Enough is decay. Enough is being blindsided by everything that’s happening around you.
- Listen. Monitor your brand, find out what your customers are saying about you.
- Engage. Talk to your staff, talk to your competition. Go to networking events, industry conferences. Take a look around.
- Be inspired. Wherever there’s a synergy, there’s an opportunity. Everyone has an idea that can totally transform your business.
- Act. Make small changes, every day. Keep your staff motivated – nothing worse than being stuck doing the same thing every day. Promote, motivate, excite.
- Succeed.
Nature tells us everything we need to know. It was here before us, will survive long after us. It evolves.
Are you ready to change?