Solving Business Problems = Solving Customer Problems
More than a decade ago, the two Google founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, saw a problem with search engines. That problem was very poor results. Search engines of the time were more focused on the business side of their service, not the results that people used their search engines for.
So Larry and Sergey decided to solve the problem so they could achieve the best possible search results for themselves, professors and other students. They were solution oriented. Problem solving came first. They did so well that they ended up with a monster business solution that’s now worth multi-billions of dollars (and growing).
Say Yes! then figure out how.
And by figure out how, I mean being solution oriented. It includes enrolling a team that knows how to do what you don’t to get to the solution. It’s about whatever it takes to keep you moving forward, toward the solution.
Wikipedia defines a Business Solution this way: In business, a solution is a product, service, or combination of both which is said to solve a business or consumer’s problem, thus presupposing the existence of a problem that needs to be solved; the term is often considered an overused and unimaginative buzzword.
And therein lies the problem.
What is the problem that your business solves?
It’s time to get in a new conversation around life and business by defining and solving problems right from the start. By that I mean embracing the conversation with no-limit thinking. This is the idea where we emphasize possible over impossible, creative over fixed, new over traditional. No-limit thinking means we ask: “why wouldn’t I?” and “How can we?” rather than I wonder if we can.
Since I’m solution oriented myself, I always maintain the confidence and certainty that everything will be okay. I’ll get to the bottom of the thing in business or in life and solve the problem. My team and I are problem solvers! That’s exactly what we do. And that’s exactly what you need to do.
Solutions are always there
- Problems are a matter of perspective – your perspective, what you believe them to be
- Cultivate the attitude that all problems are solvable – because they are
- Refuse to give up until you find a solution
- Refocus and get clear on exactly what the problem is that you need to solve
- Rethink your strategy – what’s broken?
- Learn from mistakes and apply the solutions
Whether you’re creating something or completing a project, consider obstacles as being the perfect time to stretch your abilities and learn. Apply new thinking, not old. Old thinking is probably what got you in the situation to begin with.
Know with confidence that you can figure your way out of whatever problem you encounter and that you’ll come out the other side with a business solution and positive motion.
Remember that adaptability is a key strength. Rarely does anything turn out exactly as planned, but by learning and adapting your plan as you go, it usually comes out even better.
Get those creative juices flowing and be open to ideas. Your team, your support network, your mentors can often point you in the right direction. Don’t be a lone ranger. Two heads are better than one, three heads are better than two… you get the picture!
Being solution oriented is one of the strategies that lead to success. Without that Yes! Energy mindset, you’ll have a very hard time bringing any business, project or creative to fruition.
If you’re in business, you’re in business to solve your customer’s problems. Start with that. Don’t presuppose the existence of a problem that needs to be solved!
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