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Status Quo is the Bottom Line

Written by: Craig Jennings

Article Overview: In previous newsletters, I've extolled the creativity of the solo-preneur or small-businessperson. But often I hear just the opposite.

Status Quo is the Bottom Line

In previous newsletters, I've extolled the creativity of the solo-preneur or small-businessperson. But often I hear just the opposite.

“We're going to keep things just the way they are.” “I'm going to stay with the status quo.” “I'm just watching my bottom line, nothing else.” “This is not a good time to be wrong.” “This is the way we have always done it and that's good enough, period!” “If it was good enough for [my pappy], [last year], etc. etc.”

Have you ever heard that? Another tougher question: Have you ever heard that coming out of your own mouth?

But what's going on here, d'you think? Sounds like a traditional business, where we're firmly rooted in the past, and therefore, where the past can direct the future. Safe and secure, like our picture of a bank. Does this position provide a sense of security to the owner?

Suppose you were a shareholder in a small business and you heard the owner/CEO say this – would you be reassured, or concerned?

In fact, this is a place where we all go, to gain what I believe is a transitory feeling of certainty in hugely uncertain times. Small businesspeople are looking at an increasing rate-of-change in their business worlds – and, while an entrepreneur is expected to see change as an opportunity, there's no surprise if change appears as challenge or threat.

But staying with the status quo is a big reason for concern. If you own, run or are planning to own, run a small business, you're entitled to be “human” – just not for very long!

Status Quo Observation #1 – Status quo thinking negates the greatest strength of a small business: that it can embrace change so much more quickly and effectively than a large one. Everyone in the world has resistance to change, but in a small business, there are few people, and the owner-CEO has all the power. In a large business, power is often far more broadly distributed, shareholders and boards of directors may be unimaginative or disruptive, and course changes take huge investments and spans of time.

Status Quo Observation #2 – I don't want to be wrong at a time like this! The danger signal: when you're headed down an unpromising path and you can't or won't change. What may have been a great plan last year can turn into a mistake this year. And, unless you're ready to sacrifice your comfort for your creativity, you may be in for a very unpleasant time! The longer you stay on a bad course, the harder it will be to turn your business around when you finally get wise!

Here's my request of you: If you're running, starting or planning to start a small business, remember the slogans that started this newsletter. If you hear any of them coming out of your mouth, look out! You may be in a trap of your own creation.

What's the alternative, the remedy, the magic potion?

In my next newsletter, we'll talk about creating BKAGs – Big, Kick-Ass Goals. Along with Mission and Vision statements, it's a major missing in small businesses. Have a look around right now. Do you see any BKAGs written in your notebook, posted on the bulletin board, written somewhere in stone or blood?

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Article Tags: bottom line, creativity



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