Run even one search, and you’ll find a thousand articles on why you shouldn’t focus on your company’s weaknesses. But if you’ve been reading Roach Rants for a while, you know my approach to this type of universal advice is often unique. If you’re planning on following what everyone else is doing and only focusing on your strengths, ask yourself how that worked out for Blockbuster or Kodak? Both companies failed to adapt to the changing times and paid the price. This week I’m talking about why turning a blind eye to a weakness in your business makes you vulnerable–and might just make you miss an opportunity to succeed.
Ignoring a Weakness is Easier
Jumping on the bandwagon to focus on strengths and pay little attention to weaknesses feels right, because disregarding problems is easier and more comfortable. The truth is, though, concentrating on weakness can help you avoid serious future problems. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link, and you can’t possibly hope to have a long-term future for your business without addressing weaknesses.
Even if you’ve created a highly niched business, other companies have likely been probing your business for weaknesses since the day you began. If you ignore a flaw, even a perceived one, your competition will exploit that weakness. The good news is you can turn weakness into opportunity with a clever approach and a strategic mindset.
Jumping on the bandwagon to focus on strengths and pay little attention to weaknesses feels right, because disregarding problems is easier and more comfortable.
Take the case of Zappos. They knew most customers hate calling customer service numbers. So they turned that weakness into a strength by not only providing customer service that is absolutely legendary, but also by adding clever bonuses like an automated “Joke of the Day.” Rather than sweeping what could have been a weakness–a negative experience for customers–under the rug, they took a different approach. They made calling their customer service a fun, positive encounter. As a result, they created a great marketing tool.
Play from Strength
Running a business is like playing a chess game: if you’re oblivious to the weakness in your own lines, you’ll be decimated in no time. But if you bolster your weak spots, you’ll be able to play from a position of strength. Face your weaknesses, and use them to make your company stronger.
Want to make your company stronger? Get in touch with me here or on LinkedIn.
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