Successful people often fall into what I call the skinny jeans trap.
Your skinny jeans business was thriving, but suddenly, sales nosedive.
It’s not that your jeans got worse—it’s that the market moved on to mom jeans.
The key takeaway?
Failing to adjust to market dynamics is the overlooked cause of many business slumps.
In this edition of Find A Way Weekly, let’s dive into the antidote: deliberate and ongoing reinvention to keep you ahead of the curve.
Tooth (and business) decay.
Skipping brushing once seems harmless, but tiny habits compound over time.
What starts as a small lapse can lead to bigger consequences – from cavities to a company’s downfall.
Kmart once outpaced Walmart, but minor missteps slowly eroded its edge.
Small, consistent actions can stack up to significant results while ignoring them can lead to business decay.
To avoid regret, focus on small, daily improvements.
As Aristotle put it, “We are what we repeatedly do.”
Excellence isn’t a single act—it’s the sum of our everyday choices. So, brush up on your habits—they shape your future.
Michelin’s road to reinvention.
Why does a tire company rate restaurants?
In 1900, Michelin reinvented its brand with a guide to France’s best hotels and restaurants, hoping to boost car travel and tire sales.
This move, initially a marketing stunt, evolved into a prestigious rating system that transformed fine dining.
Michelin’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention.
When you’re stuck, remember Michelin—sometimes, success comes from thinking beyond your industry and taking the road less traveled.
The Road to Reinvention
Ongoing reinvention starts by embracing these eight principles:
- Let go of the past: Use it as a teacher, not a master.
- Encourage courage: Inspire your team to be brave.
- Embrace failure: Recognize setbacks as part of the creative process.
- Do the opposite: Sometimes, going against the grain is the best approach.
- Imagine possibilities: Leverage imagination to innovate.
- Disrupt yourself: Be willing to upend your own business before others do.
- Reject limits: Don’t let naysayers govern your potential.
Aim beyond: Focus on what’s next and anticipate future trends.
To your creative success…
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About Josh
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally recognized innovation expert. To learn more or to explore a collaboration, visit JoshLinkner.com
