Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? – Article 10

If you have ever watched the television show “Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader” then you know how the game is played. For those who have not seen it, the concept is quite simple. A contestant gets to pick from a small group of 5th graders to be their partner in answering a series of questions.

Children do a lot of things better than adults. For one thing they know how to live in the moment, while as adults we are either living in the past or looking to the future and have forgotten this very simple rule. As adults, we have so masterfully developed the habit of being judgmental. I know many people say they are not, but the reality is that we all make decisions throughout the day that places us in the judgmental category. Being judgmental is not a bad thing.

So what does this have to do with growing my business in this tough economy? Probably not a lot! But I have now made you aware of two things to consider and use in your business to your benefit: live in the moment and understand that you can make decisions that can affect your business in a positive way.

Let’s get to work. If you come to a stop sign, what are you going to do? Sitting there is probably not a very good option. You usually have three choices, turn right, left or go forward. You make the best choice that will keep you on the right course, and go. In your business, you need to not be stuck at the stop sign. Doing nothing is probably not going to change much in growing your business. You need to take charge in this very moment and make decisions.

Sometimes going back to the basics can bring huge rewards. I suggest that you seize the moment and go visit some of your competition. It doesn’t matter if you are a dentist, retail store operator or attorney. Go visit their places of business. Stay in the moment. Open your eyes and listen to all sounds.

I am certain you will see things that you can put in to action that will have positive results. You could learn something as basic as their use of bounce-back marketing and couponing. Perhaps they have flat screens strategically placed to entertain and inform. Maybe something as simple as a bowl of candy, or a coffee machine. Usually it is a combination of several little things that will make a bigger difference. I would also suggest if you have children that you invite them to join you. Don’t tell them why, and after you have left ask them what they liked about that particular business. I am certain they will see things differently than you.

Try this very simple test and I am confident you will learn many new ideas you can implement that will ultimately increase your sales and grow your business.