Jan 11
How Breaking the Rules can Give your Business a Boost
One question to help your growth and this one is super important. Look around and consider which rules in your business no longer serve you.
Let’s face it we come with a wealth of experience and with that it can be tough to to see the things that we have grown accustomed to. But if we don’t consider new ideas and approaches, even when they go against the traditional norms or rules, we can find ourself no longer mattering to our consumer.
But there are several reasons why it can be difficult to break norms in business and create innovation on a personal and business level.
- People tend to be resistant to change, especially if they are used to doing things a certain way and are comfortable with the status quo. Additionally, many businesses have established procedures and processes in place that can make it difficult to introduce new ideas and methods.
- There is often a lot of risk associated with introducing new and untested ideas, and many people and organizations may be hesitant to take on that risk. Additionally, there may be financial or other practical limitations that make it difficult for a business to invest in new and untested ideas.
- Finally, there can be cultural or organizational resistance to new ideas, as well as lack of education or understanding on how to create innovation within the business. Also, individuals who want to drive change can face difficulty in finding support or sponsorship from the management and there is lack of clear incentivization for doing so.
Breaking norms and creating innovation requires creativity, risk-taking, and a willingness to think differently, all of which can be challenging for both individuals and organizations.
However, there is a price to be paid if we do not break the rules. It’s important to remember that change is always happening around us. And if we don’t adapt, we might miss out on opportunities for growth and progress. That’s why it’s good to consider shaking things up and trying new approaches. And while it might feel a bit scary to step out of our comfort zones, the benefits can be truly amazing. Imagine the new possibilities and ideas that can come from not being afraid to think differently and taking a few calculated risks.
Another thing to consider is the idea that if we don’t innovate, we might not be able to keep up with the changing needs and wants of our customers. And that could mean missing out on valuable market share. So, it’s worth asking ourselves: Are there any new ways we could be serving our customers better?
Additionally, when we’re not breaking rules, our business may start to feel a bit stagnant. And that can be a real bummer, not just for us but also for our employees. Staying curious and open to new ideas can help keep things fresh and exciting, and that can make all the difference in keeping our team motivated and engaged.
Breaking rules can bring new opportunities:
👉Consider the rules that Netflix broke when the world was filled with Blockbuster.
👉Consider the idea of sleeping on a strangers couch and still feeling safe before Air BNB.
Netflix and Airbnb, pretty sure you’re familiar with both, are both companies that have disrupted their respective industries and achieved significant levels of innovation by challenging traditional business models and introducing new approaches to their markets.
One way that Netflix has broken the rules is by changing the way that people consume media. Instead of having to go to a store or wait for a DVD to arrive in the mail, Netflix allows users to instantly stream content online.
This convenience has helped the company to attract a large customer base and become a major player in the entertainment industry.
Airbnb, a platform that allows people to list their homes or apartments for short-term rentals, providing an alternative to traditional hotel accommodations.
This business model has disrupted the hospitality industry by offering a new way for people to travel and stay in different locations.
Airbnb has also challenged traditional rules and regulations related to short-term rentals, which has sometimes led to conflict with local governments and other stakeholders. However, the company has also found success by working with regulators and policymakers to develop new rules and regulations that recognize and accommodate its business model.
When you think about your business consider the same three steps that Netflix, Air BNB used to change the our consumer landscape.
1️⃣ List the obvious rules in your market place. What are the rules that you hold to be fast, true and the norm.
2️⃣ Mentally break one of these rules. Imagine that it doesn’t exist. Imagine that the rule was multiplied. Dance with the rules.
3️⃣ Pick one of the broken rules, I urge you to lean into the one that seems provocative or creates a visceral reaction in you. Now imagine how this could be true.
Breaking rules can bring new opportunities, help us adapt to changing market, increase customer satisfaction and employee engagement, leading to overall growth and competitiveness in the market. It’s definitely worth considering and exploring!
I’d love to hear ways in which you are considering a rule break or bend in your industry. Also this doesn’t need to be earth shattering. Start small, to see the impact and proof it to yourself.
