When I start putting too many tennis balls into the net, I know it is time to return to the basics.

• Am I keeping my head down and watching the ball leave my strings?
• Am I moving my feet and getting into position early?
• Am I bending my knees?
• Is my stroke smooth and solid from back swing to follow through?

I do the same thing whenever my business isn’t going as well as I’d like. You should do the likewise.

Even if you are just feeling frazzled and maybe a little out of control. Even if you are an employee with internal customers only. When you aren’t winning, it is time to return to the basics.

• Who are your target markets and ideal customers?
• What value do you provide? How are your customers better off thanks to you?
• What gives you an edge over the competition? Do you offer greater convenience, status, quality, speed, or price?
• Do you have adequate visibility and effective means of communicating your value and advantages to customers?
• Does your reputation and brand support your efforts?
• Do you have the right people in place to meet or exceed customer expectations?
• Do you have the tools, facilities, and support in place to succeed?
• Is your organization focused on the top priorities? Are you sure?
• What are you doing to attract, develop, and retain high quality talent?
• Are you consciously nurturing strategic partnerships important to profitably delivering value?
• Are you looking ahead and already becoming the organization you need to be to succeed in the future?

No matter how complicated things get, even if you are being challenged by Amazon instead of the guy down the street, the basics never change. Set yourself up for success by getting completely clear about how you intend to succeed at the business game.

In case you don’t already know, I’ve helped a wide range or organizations, for-profit and non-profit, develop the strategies and focus necessary to succeed at the game of business. Give me a call if you would like to talk about how I do this. 603-784-5727.