A while back I read an article about how the staff at Tesla can’t keep up with all the visionary ideas Elon Musk and his team have (and announce). It seems a lot of what’s proclaimed isn’t close to being ready, technology wise. Much like a politician making promises and then facing reality.
This is nothing new. T here’s a fascinating historical novel by Graham Moore, “The Last Days of Night,” which is about the late 1800’s battle between Edison and Westinghouse on the light bulb and electrical transmission systems. Ideas are often ahead of technology, now, in the 1800’s, and before.
In small business, you have to be careful not to do too much too fast. This especially applies to new owners, after a business acquisition. Full of ideas and energy, it can be tough to take the time to learn the business. Most employees are still feeling out the new owner and big change can be disruptive.
I know in my business I constantly get new marketing ideas, outline them, set up tentative plans, and then realize I have to pace myself. I can’t ignore what’s worked for me over the years, I have to blend the new with the existing.
Speed is important. Urgency matters and can make a big difference between getting what you want or not getting it. A client recently lost all chances of a deal because he stalled for a month making sure everything was perfect. At the same time, you have to be prepared so when you move you’re ready, at least 80% ready (there’s a reason Pareto’s Principle is valid after all these years).
“Life is always a tightrope or a feather bed. Give me the tightrope.” Edith Wharton
