Do Definitions Tell You How To Create A Better Business?

Definitions are important. They have the power to shape and influence how we understand the world. Whether they're used in a dictionary or as part of a business plan, definitions tell us how an individual or group has chosen to define something. Our understanding of a term will be shaped by the definition that is agreed on by the people that are conversing about it. A definition can divide an idea into parts, providing clarity for those who come after it, and it can unite communities with shared values under a common banner. But when does defining something become stifling for creativity? When does defining something become counterproductive?

The purpose of this article is not to answer these questions but rather to pose them as points for discussion and consideration.

When it comes to business, the act of defining something can become almost ritualistic. A business idea is born and then it must be defined. First, the name is chosen and then a definition must be created for the brand and its offerings. The definition's words must flow like poetry and contain meaning that is hidden deep within a person's psyche. These definitions are most often written in a business plan, because it's important to have a "road map" for success as well as a way for others to understand your vision or purpose.

For those who have read my previous articles, I am sure that you've noticed that the one thing I have talked about is creating a better business. This notion has filtered into all areas of my life and business. When I think of a better business, I am referring to one that provides something of value to others while also embracing my passion. The goal with this idea is to discover what you love doing and then find a way to make money off of it.

The world is full of people who are trying to do this same thing, but they are reaching different ends. There is a wide spectrum of ways that we can try to spread the idea that a better business exists. We can pick up the phone and call contacts that we've built over years and hope for them to take an interest in what we're doing. Or we can read about somebody else's success and try to emulate the methods or inspiration that they've received from others. Let's face it, most businesses simply mimic another company or product because there is a sense of familiarity among consumers when it comes to branding, which leads them to purchase what already exists within their lives.

The problem here is that it goes against the idea of creating a better business. Simply following a template or another business's blueprint for success doesn't allow us to stand out in the crowd. To make matters worse, the more we continue to follow this mindset, the more people will try to do it as well. This creates an environment in which people become unaware of their unique value, and in turn, they lose sight of what drives them and why they started their business in the first place.

This is not an indictment on people who have done this because we all have our moments when we are just doing whatever it takes to survive. We want to be recognized and we want to put ourselves in a position where we can support our families. But, when it comes to where it all starts, there is an energy that is created around being different and unique, which allows us to create our own vision for the future.

When we open up to this understanding, it's possible for people to be forced into making changes. When businesses get complacent because other companies are doing things the way that they have always done them, then business people are more likely to take risks and make the changes that they've been sitting on due to fear of rejection or ridicule.

A recent article in Forbes highlights an example of this idea. It refers to the fact that many business people are afraid to invest in social media because they're afraid of being seen as left-field, which is something that's causing corporations to be outcompeted by their smaller competitors. How could businesses change direction if they don't have the courage to try something new?

In the article, Ryan McPherson, author of "The 10 Commandments of startups," states:

"As a leader, you should ask yourself if you're making decisions based on fear or freedom. If you make decisions solely because of fear, then there is no room for opportunity and innovation. You need to be brave, you need to understand that the first step is often the only step and you need to get used to the fact that we operate in a world of infinite possibilities."

We can never fully predict the future because it doesn't exist yet. We have an idea of what tomorrow might look like, but we're not sure if it's going to come to fruition. In business, that means that new competitors could spring up at any time and take away from our market share. It means that social media accounts can be hacked and leaked information comes out due to cyber-attacks. It also means that we may one day wake up and not feel fulfilled by the work we are doing anymore.

But despite all of this, we have to take chances. We need to define our own paths and make the changes along the way. We need to create our own futures and learn from our mistakes. We need to be bold and not allow fear to dictate what we do next. With the right mindset, it's possible for people to find their better business.

About Tanya De Grunwald Tanya is an award-winning media executive in Toronto with a career spanning over 20 years. She is the president and founder of De Grunwald Communications, a public relations firm specializing in communications management. She has also written for Air Canada, Coca Cola, and serves as a journalist in her free time. Connect with Tanya via Linkedin and Twitter.

Category: Articles, Industry News, Life Tips

Tags: #betterbusiness #businessplan #businessideas #definitionofbusiness #definingbusiness #gettingstartedwithacompany

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Tanya De Grunwald Tanya is an award-winning media executive in Toronto with a career spanning over 20 years. She is the president and founder of De Grunwald Communications, a public relations firm specializing in communications management. She has also written for Air Canada, Coca Cola, and serves as a journalist in her free time. Connect with Tanya via Linkedin and Twitter.

1 Comment Topic: The 10 Commandments of startups Posted on June 11th, 2016 by admin Add your comment here...

Conclusion

At the end of the day, small businesses are all about passion and do-it-yourself. It's all about creating a better business and not simply following another company into the same path that you've been on for a long time. If we're to create our own vision for the future, then we have to be willing to take risks and change our paths without allowing fear to dictate what we do next.

In order to improve our businesses, we have to be willing to take those risks even if it means we make some mistakes along the way. It's important that first steps are taken in new directions.