Dr. Natalie Forest -
Sequencing is crucial to sustainability
The truth of the matter is that the building blocks need to be placed in the proper sequence using principles of priority as the process to build a truly sustainable business. It is much better constructed when a diagnostic is performed from a holistic, objective, macro and micro perspective. On any given day, if you were to ask a business owner what their business needs today, they would probably say something relating to more sales, like clients, social media presence, a higher conversion rate, or even a better website.
In most of what we do in life, we follow a sequence. We first are babies, then toddlers, we grow to be teenagers, adolescents and adults. On that journey we also follow further sequences, certain “rites of passage”, such as pre-school before elementary school, elementary school before middle school, etc. or maybe driving lessons before taking the driver’s exam. We would probably not pass the driving test if we had not studied for it and practiced driving. We do not earn a business certification without studying for it, practicing, and so forth. There usually is a sequence that gets your from A to Z. The same is true when creating a sustainable business. It just appears that, unfortunately, that sequence is not always followed. In other words, even though there is blueprint with instructions, businesses often jump over certain components (building blocks / kpis) that they are either not interested in or don’t believe apply to them. Thus, some key components that help ensure sustainability are now missing.
Correct sequence
The same is true when creating a sustainable business. It just appears that, unfortunately, that sequence is not always followed. In other words, even though there is blueprint with instructions businesses often jump over certain components (building blocks / kpis) that they are either not interested in or don’t believe apply to them. Thus, some key components that help ensure sustainability are now missing.
For example, A car racer may want a faster car, not necessarily an oil change, even though the lack of oil during a high performance race can be more than just a little damaging. A marathon runner may want, or think they need, lighter and more comfortable running shoes. These are definitely an advantageous component but not nearly as important as proper hydration, diet, training, and exercise for the actual run.
Measuring and addressing the proper issues at the proper time is just as, if not more critical as, using the proper metrics in the proper order in determining whether or not the long haul will be met by the person aspiring to reach it.