Three Success Steps To Anything In Business
One of the biggest reasons for my success in any business venture I undertake, is that I approach them, each one, even the most complicated ones, with a simple, three step process.
The simple, three-step process to success is:
- Step 1: Examination
- Step 2: Solution(s)
- Step 3: Implementation
Why? The answer is simple, too. I call these the “Three Steps to Anything.”
Step 1: The Examination
I’m not a doctor but I model my process after one. A doctor would never present a solution without doing a thorough examination. It’s a pretty good model, too, despite what you may think about doctors. You must do a thorough examination of the facts of any simple business situation.
It is critical you complete an effective examination. This step may involve a simple, short series of questions. Or it may entail a much more comprehensive, thorough series for an in-depth examination. It should really but up to the complexity of the situation or the client.
Step 2: Present Solutions
Anyone who is presenting solutions without doing a thorough examination is selling you something rather than seeking what’s best for you. Run the other way! At the same time, understand your client has the same perception. Ask questions first, formulate solutions to those specific answers your client or prospect gave you.
I like presenting solutions in groups of three: a basic, an intermediate, and an advanced plan for their success based on the examination. Which plan they pursue is their choice. I can deliver all of them.
Step 3: Implementation
Implement the best solution for your client, no matter which level they picked. Some clients have a great sense of urgency and want to implement a solution immediately. Others take their time and ease into their new strategy.
I find that individuals and companies who tend to see the greatest success in implementation have a high sense of urgency coupled with being powerfully motivated, open-minded, trusting of themselves and me, and quick to respond. In business, I have found that the slower you react, the more money it can cost you. These people tend to take on intermediate to advanced solutions in the implementation phase of things.
Individuals who tend to procrastinate often don’t trust themselves to “fail successfully” and likewise won’t trust me. These typically take on no or basic level solutions. To overcome procrastination, at times I must push them to take action without all the data and without supporting evidence. Such a step often feels counter-intuitive, risky, and doomed to failure.
Remember, waiting to gather all the data before implementing a solution can be just as risky! Sometimes we need to trust our intuition—our “gut feel”—and just take action! My best business students don’t ask for a plan or for more detail. They will simply just ask, “What is the one action you’d recommend that I take right here and now?” because they watched me take them through the “Three Steps to Anything.”