Business Blind Spots - Objects in Mirror are Closer than they Appear

Business and marketing blind spots can be just as dangerous to a business as they are to a driver on the road. Here are six blind spots that could cause damage or delays that derail your growth.

Business and Marketing Blind Spots Could Delay or Derail Corporate Growth

Smart business leaders understand that while it’s important to remain focused on priority tasks at hand, it’s also imperative to keep an eye out for hazards that could delay or derail mission-critical business objectives. Here are six potential business blind spots that deserve constant attention.

What are blind spots as it pertains to business?

A blind spot is any type of obscuration of the visual field. It could be something in the way, something just out of the line of sight or out of the field viewable with rear or side view mirrors, or a blind spot caused because vision is blurry or overpowered (such as blind spots created when a bright light is shining into your eyes). The definitions that may apply best when it comes to business blind spots are:

  • an area where a person’s view is obstructed; or
  • an area in which a person lacks understanding or impartiality

The dangers hidden in blind spots can result in costly delays, additional expense of time and resources or even the complete stall of important business growth initiatives and campaigns.

6 Blind Spots to Watch For in Your Business

1. Failing to keep tabs on competitors.

One or even several of your competitors may be making strategic moves that could propel them past you or give them an advantage in ‘your lane.’ You can keep an eye on the competition online and off; for instance:

  • Visit or secret shop their location(s)
  • Use free website graders and SEO tools to evaluate their progress
  • Review their website and social networks to look for changes in offers, innovations and positioning

2. Assuming top performers are happy.

It takes time, patience and purpose to assemble a strong team and attract individuals with mission-critical skills and expertise to your business. The last thing you want is to lose top performers to another organization or to dissatisfaction, simply because you assumed they were as happy to be there as you were to have them.

Check in with top performers personally. Align career path opportunities with personal aspirations. Create a culture conducive to 360o communication and employee satisfaction reviews.

3. Assuming customers are well-satisfied.

The absence of complaint is not necessarily an indication that customers are satisfied or engaged with your brand. Be sure that you are soliciting customer input and periodically surveying satisfaction in general or as it pertains to specific aspects of your business.

4. Failing to connect locally.

Even if your business is not dependent on local search or local consumers for success, failing to connect with civic, political and other influential leaders in your area can lead to problems. Make sure that you are continually aware of the local legislative landscape and networking with area civic and business leaders. Consider cultivating community goodwill (especially in advance of growth plans that may involve modification of buildings, land, roads or other infrastructure) by contributing and volunteering with a local charity or community programs.

5. Slacking off when it comes to communicating with customers or employees.

Don’t assume that customers and employees are bought in – or even aware of – the organization’s mission, vision or strategic initiatives. Constant communication, updates and reports can all help to ensure that your most important stakeholders are also your most valuable supporters.

6. Failing to safeguard the organizational culture.

Many business leaders set out with a goal not just to build a business, but to build a successful business with a particular organizational culture. As the organization grows and new employees and additional layers of leadership are added to the business, it can lead to the watering down of the values which initially guided the organizational culture, which in turn produces a less-than-optimal environment for employees and customers alike.

Strong organizational cultures don’t happen by accident. They can only be created and cultivated by intention and constant evaluation, encouragement and (when needed) course correction!

 

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  1. […] is a trickster. Not only does it creep up on us unawares, it also creates blind spots, leaving us open to missing opportunities or warning signs. If one or more of these seven clear […]

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