Business is a popular subject. Many conventions, expos, books and conversations focus on the topic. In the midst of all of the theories and discussions, how do you know what actually leads to success? With all of the creativity and ideas, how do you discover and choose what is actually going to work – for you? That question has thousands of answers from thousands of people and all of the easily available information can sometimes lead to confusion and the sense of having no idea where to start.
Gathering information can be helpful. But if you truly wish to succeed, never value what others know more than what you know. You have awareness and capacities that will assist you in creating if you are willing to be the leader of your life and business.
Whether you own your own business now or are considering starting one, these are my top three tips on creating an innovative business:
1. Be willing to change anything
The willingness to change anything is what sets successful businesses apart. Being committed to “this is the way we do things” and “this is the way it has always been done” is a recipe for failure. On the other hand, if you are willing to look at what is, ask questions and change what isn’t working or what could be greater, chances of failure diminish significantly.
Take Kodak for example. Kodak was the film company of the universe and then digital cameras came along. Kodak’s point of view was that digital would never replace film. Can it replace film? Not really because film does something unique. But, because it was so popular and because it was so valuable and people liked it so much, Kodak went out of business. When we take a fixed point of view, we go out of business.
Change is the only source of sustainability. You’ve got to look at what needs to be changed every day.
- People are looking for an experience
The future of business is not based on what you can buy or what you can do. The future of business is based on the experience you can have that nobody else can have. The future of the business is based on the experiences that will be in existence. The future is going to be an experiential world. It’s going to be where you can have something that you can’t get any place else.
In the creation of your business, recognize that experiential will become the future of business as that is the only adventure left for mankind to have. And ask, “What experience am I inviting people to with my business?”
- Look at possibility rather than profit
Business includes making a profit. However, when profit is the only thing that is considered, effective results are limited.
The truth is, there are always possibilities available if you are willing to look for them. Never give up. Never give in. Never quit. If you get stopped in one direction, don’t quit. Ask another question and find out what else you might be able to do that you haven’t considered. Keep asking questions. Keep looking for other possibilities.
Focusing on profits will benefit a few for a period of time, but when you look from possibility, when you ask questions such as “What will create the most for all of us? What contributes to a sustainable future?” you are creating a business that that will not only thrive but will actually contribute to a greater possibility for the world.
Creating a fun and innovative business that is sustainable is possible. Never stop asking questions. Never stop being willing to look from another perspective. Always be willing to change anything. This provides a foundation on which a successful business can be built. Build on this foundation by looking at what experience you are inviting people to and by remembering that it’s about more than just profit. It’s about possibility. And when you combine possibility and profit your business will continue to expand and grow.
This is a guest post by Gary Douglas. He is an internationally recognized thought leader, bestselling author, business innovator and founder of Access Consciousness®, a set of pragmatic tools and teachings transforming lives around the world. He has authored or co-authored numerous books including the novel, The Place, which became a Barnes and Noble #1 bestseller. An avid investor and entrepreneur, Gary has established ‘The Antique Guild’ store in Brisbane, Australia, owns a thriving stud for Costarricense De Paso horses, an historic castle in Italy and an eco-retreat in Costa Rica. He is a vocal advocate of Benevolent Capitalism and conscious leadership, believing that business can be a force for good, contribute more to the planet and a create a sustainable future. Access Consciousness® is available in more than 170 countries and has contributed to changing the lives of tens of thousands of people around the world for the past 30 years. Follow @garymdouglas.
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