In today’s turbulent economy, where inflation is rising, growth is slow, and competitors are multiplying, we need to be ruthlessly honest about the future. Markets evolve, and customer needs shift. What once worked may now stifle your growth.
That’s why there’s one question every company should ask.
“If we were starting this business from scratch today, what would we do differently?”
This deceptively simple question unlocks hard truths. It reveals which parts of your business are strategic assets — and which are baggage.
There are many questions you can and should answer. The following suggested questions should get you started.
Positive Questions to Ask
These three questions will get started. What’s working well, and what should be doubled down on or expanded?
- What should we keep doing?
- What would we build bigger or better?
- Where are we uniquely positioned to win?
Negative Questions to Ask
- What would we stop offering or doing altogether?
- What wouldn’t we build again?
- What beliefs or assumptions are no longer true?
Warning Signs That You Need This Exercise Now
- You’ve had flat or declining revenue for three or more quarters.
- Your competitive win rate is dropping
- Your team is busy, but growth feels stagnant.
- Customers are more price-sensitive and less loyal.
- Marketing and sales results are slipping despite increased effort
You Can’t Build Tomorrow’s Company with Yesterday’s Assumptions.
The most dangerous place for a company to be is in the middle — not bad enough to panic, not good enough to grow. These questions force you out of that comfort zone.
Starting today, by asking what you’d do differently, you get a brutally clear picture of what needs to change — and what’s still worth fighting for.
Visit my website or QuickInsights for more information on transforming revenue challenges into predictable revenues and profits and creating a competitive advantage. You can also email me with any questions or comments, positive or negative. I also enjoy learning and sharing.
Cheers, Jim Zitek
I Solve B2B Revenue and Profit Problems
With Unique, Validated Creative Solutions.
