Imperfection is perfect.
Whilst the pursuit of perfection looks good on paper and in the promotion of your products and services, it is often impossible to achieve, never cost-effectively. The last 10% to achieve perfection will take most of the effort, and budget. In today’s fast-moving world we need businesses that build a culture for innovation and seek solutions that allow us to keep pace and evolve. We don’t have the time to sit around waiting for the perfect solution to yesterday’s question.
This doesn’t mean accept sloppy, far from it. Keep the standards high but don’t keep your head down for too long. Admit it, most won’t appreciate the detail anyway. This isn’t compromise, it is good business as it will allow you to keep momentum.
Here are some guidelines to help:
- Imperfection is perfect – The time you spend behind the scenes with your head down in the pursuit of perfection gives your competitors the chance to get in front. Take your idea, make a start, present it to a few good customers inviting them to be the first to try it. Then listen to the feedback and keep evolving.
- Don’t be afraid to fail a little – Regardless of your experience there is no better way to test a new product than in a live controlled environment. This way mild failure can guide you.
- Be honest – Your best customers will stay along for the ride if you share the journey with them. Making them feel important enough that you value their feedback will build relationships.
- Be bold – Remember ego is bad, bravery is good. Be brave enough to accept when something is good enough and don’t let your ego to make it perfect to you, stand in the way.
- A complaint is an opportunity – It’s true, bad customer experiences can end you if not handled well. But don’t fear a bad review. Research says that customer satisfaction will increase after a bad experience if it is swiftly handled well. 4.5 stars is a great score. People look at the bad reviews too. So long as any bad reviews are answered quickly and dealt with generously people will trust you will do the same for them and feel they are in safe hands.
It takes courage to commit to something that is good enough. Don’t punish small failures, be that person who invites feedback, admit it when someone else has a good idea, and act on it quickly. This will build a culture of innovation.
Chris Norris – Truth Seeker Cert. MKTG | MCC | Cert. Typography
Former Chairman of Business Whangaparaoa and Board Member for Silverdale Business. He is also a mentor with the Business Mentors Programme at MBIE. Now running a locally focussed branding business. Allbrand.co.nz – Revealing the truth in businesses. If you are passionate about something you already have a true story. Get in touch to seek it: Chris@allbrand.co.nz
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