Nothing Succeeds Like a Failed Strategy

Many companies in today’s marketplace are encountering tremendous difficulty staying current with all of the changes taking place. I know many people who are currently being forced to rethink everything they have always done and have been successful doing so due to the competitive pressures in the market. During this time it is only natural and wise to take account of what you are doing and planning on doing in the future.

For example, consider an attorney who has held her own professional practice for 20 years who finds herself without the ongoing amount of referrals and engagements she is used to enjoying. At first it feels like a typical short-term problem but then, after several months of this situation dragging on, it begins to feel more serious.

The natural question to ask is, “Am I doing anything differently than I have always done?” And almost in all cases the answer is a resounding no. So what has caused the shift is the next logical question. In many cases it’s because this person has not changed or shifted strategies so they find themselves in a very negative position.

Back in Chicago where I grew up I witnessed first hand the total destruction of the Typographer’s Union as they picketed the Chicago Tribune who began installing computerized typesetting. The Tribune offered the union members the opportunity to learn computer programming and transition to new positions. Some took them up on their offer, but most did not preferring to picket in front of the Tribune’s building for several years until their money ran out and their union closed.

Product marketing companies and professional services firms are not used to making these types of transitions. Usually, they are in front of the market leading the charge and earning the rewards.