This column is a slight departure from the norm, but it’s an important story to share. Earlier this year, after 20 years of marriage, I decided I needed a massive change in my life. I was unhappy in my personal life and it started to spill over into my business. I decided that the status quo was no longer satisfactory and it was time to divorce myself from a situation that caused that caused more grief than benefit.

Unlike some divorces, it wasn’t a single incident that I could point my finger at; it was a series of events that slowly piled up over the years. Almost like death by a thousand paper cuts.  Now the purpose of this piece isn’t to complain or air my dirty laundry, rather it is to inspire you to make positive changes that move you towards your wants, desires, and dreams.

Last year, I read a great quote that inspired me to make sweeping life changes, both personally and in my business.

I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.
— Angela Davis

How many times in business have you accepted the status quo to avoid conflict or to avoid making changes — even when they’re the right thing to do? It’s all too easy to continue doing the same thing over and over, because it’s comfortable and kind of works.

As in nature, in order for something to grow, something has to die. Whether it involves people, processes or systems, if you want to experience exponential growth (which everyone wants), you have to make the necessary changes to become the person and company you want to be.

I can tell you firsthand it’s a painful process, but the results can be astounding if you commit to it.

We are, without a doubt, in an industry that is in a constant state of flux. Between the Department of Labor, FINRA, regulations and compliance, we are likely to experience some of the biggest changes we have seen. And unfortunately, it won’t stop there. To survive and thrive in this business, you have to evolve and constantly reinvent yourselves. What worked yesterday won’t work tomorrow.

I see too many companies in this industry hanging on to old ideas, especially in their marketing. I see them hanging on to people, advertisements and marketing methods that don’t work because that is what they’ve always done in the past. Or worse, cutting corners and reducing their marketing efforts because it doesn’t seem to be working, never evaluating what could be done differently to achieve more.

When it comes to marketing and promoting your company, your success is in your hands. You wield the power to do better, and if you need help achieving your desired goals, ask for help. You can no longer afford to sit on your hands and hope that things will magically change or go your way. You have to change to meet the world where it is at, because it won’t change for you if you don’t.

Now is the time to look at your company and yourself. Decide where you want to be and what you are willing to do differently to achieve the goals that you truly desire.  Don’t accept excuses or second rate people, don’t procrastinate, be the agent of change, execute and stay the course. Now is the time to make the changes you know that you need to make and divorce your bad business practices.

P.S. If you’re ready to divorce your past marketing tactics and move forward with a better relationship, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 866-707-6786 ext. 125.