What Works: Does comparison hold you back or move you forward?
Like it or not, we live in a society built on one-upmanship. Progress is formed by improving processes, inventing something new, and ultimately doing something just a little, or a lot, better than the next person. Competition is important for growth. However, how do you know when competition is becoming counter-productive? How can you groom your mindset to view competition in a healthy way, versus turning it into the song “anything you can do, I can do better?”
Business theory encourages a principle called benchmarking, which is basically finding a business model out there you can model yourself by. The axiom WWJD (what would Jesus do) is a form of spiritual benchmarking. However, when benchmarking creates a feeling of “not good enough” or “I’ll never accomplish that,” it can be counter-productive. This mindset creates self-doubt and can result in slowed progress rather than the innovation or general guidance it was meant to inspire.
Let me give you an example. A small business owner who provides a similar service as you do has more community goodwill, more loyal customers, and more revenue than you do. Well, at least that is what you perceive. Do you have access to their books? Do you know what really happens behind the scenes of their operation? Or are you assuming greater success based on one bit of data?
Seeking similarity is good when you are looking to not “reinvent the wheel.” However, to be truly successful in today’s world, strive to look for where your operation is different, special, or stands out in some way. Sure, that business owner has perceived good will because you see them smiling and shaking hands at networking events. However, what do they do to engage and serve the community? How can you engage and serve differently? Seek out ways to be different and you will soon find others asking you how YOU do it.
In difference (not indifference) lies excellence.
Case in point, benchmarking isn’t always about looking for what is similar and certainly not about how you are doing it wrong or becoming indifferent out of frustration. Comparison, with the right mindset, can provide valuable data. With the wrong mindset, it can lead to negative assumptions. What side of the line do you fall on? Do you use comparison or benchmarking to differentiate or do you start thinking, “if only I could have their (fill in the blank here).”
What makes your business different, special, and outstanding? The floor is yours, Carson City.
ABOUT DIANE HANSEN
Diane Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, a coaching firm that has helped people worldwide with their businesses, careers, mindsets, and profit margins. She brings to Carson City more than 17 years of experience with a wide array of clients, ranging from top corporations, motivated entrepreneurs and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, on Carson Now.