(Send your questions for future blogs to dan@danchiodo.net and I will answer them as received.)
Q: “ I just read your last blog about “Hit Refresh” and I imagine that a lot of people share my frustration with this topic. I recognize the need for a “refresh” but getting to the point where I can feel like taking a “refresh” won’t have serious negative consequences is a vicious cycle. I recognize the effects of NOT taking one, but what if the effects of taking one are worse?”
A: This is a great question that deserves a detailed answer.
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“Hit Refresh” does signify making changes. Some changes might be big, yet others may be small. The important point is to make sure you take CALCULATED RISKS. In other words, be sure that you analyze what you are going to do before you do it so that these changes make sense to you, to anyone you work with, and to the end-user, such as customers, vendors, and even prospective clients.
For instance, you don’t take a product or service that is not selling well and cut the price in half (before looking at what your profit would be.) Doing so would cause a revenue drop, which is not what you are after. However, if you decide you need to make a change, you might consider a discount on the price for a limited time to see if it generates any activity. You might also decide that you will keep the price the same while offering an additional service people might want. Weigh each possibility and make sure it makes sense.
All of this requires some time to think, so find a notebook and pen, a spot where you will not be bothered, some music (without words) to listen to and start brainstorming. When you’re done, put each item through this test:
ACTION STEPS FOR THE TEST
- WHO is the audience I am doing this for?
- WHAT is it that I am thinking of doing?
- WHERE will I present this idea and how will I present it?
- WHEN is my deadline for completing it AND to introduce it to my audience(s)?
- WHY am I doing this, and does it make sense after I’ve carefully thought about it?
