Why we hate business as usual
Business as usual is a trap. It’s the enemy of strategic advantage. It means playing it safe and sticking to the standard approaches that everyone else uses. It’s about following industry rules, trends and habits that keep your business in the middle of the pack, making it hard to stand out and thrive.
Here’s what 'business as usual' looks like for small to medium businesses and why it’s holding you back:
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Following the crowd: Business as usual means sticking to safe, standard industry practices. These predictable approaches are easily copied, making it hard to stand out in a crowded market. “sameness leads to obscurity”.
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Fighting for scraps: When everyone uses the same strategies, you’re stuck in direct competition. This usually benefits the biggest players, leaving small businesses struggling to keep up. “You can’t win if you’re playing by their rules.”
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Predictable and Vulnerable: Using ‘done before’ strategies makes your business predictable and easy for competitors to compare with and outmanoeuvre.
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“If they predict you, they can out compete you”.
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The opposite of strategy: Real strategy is about being different and creating an advantage. Business-as-usual forces you to blend in, making it hard to achieve real success. “You can't stand out if you're just blending in”.
The alternative is a Living Venture, which breaks free from the standard, predictable approaches. It’s built on collaboration, adaptability, distinctiveness, and sustainability. It’s designed to thrive in today’s dynamic environment by helping you stand out and grow stronger together.
What is a Living Venture?