When was your last battle?

Maybe the word battle is more appropriate for the movie “Top Gun.” Just think of a time when you were faced with trying to gain advantage over someone or a group of people.

Did you go it alone or did you have a sidekick?

If you enjoy the thrill of doing it alone, then think again!

Imagine that you are police officer who is instructing the driver of a car, who just ran a stop sign, to pull the car over. The driver acknowledges the police lights by pulling to the side of the road. Everything looks good, so far. You run the license plate and nothing pops up as abnormal on the computer screen.

It’s time to make the decision of calling for backup or approaching the car alone. Do you call for backup?

What you don’t know is the driver just got out of prison two days ago and took the car by armed robbery. In other words, a car jacking which is a felony. This “reformed” citizen, if caught, could face life in prison with no parole.

Do you really think the driver will behave? Good luck… No matter what the situation is in life, the more brains that you get involved in the “battle” the better. Find a battle buddy or two… 🙂

What do you do when you are not sure about where to go or what to do?

Here’s what some adults do to find direction: They unconsciously seek help.

The unsatisfied passive-aggressive employee complains to anyone who will listen, except for his boss. He claims no ownership for the mindset that he is in. How can people in victim mindsets get what they want?

That satisfied role player, the one who just suits up for the game, says nothing to anyone because it’s all about him and no one else. He’s now wondering why his team is getting worse.

Or consider “lost” children. They choose to ask for help, scream for direction and/or cry for attention.

If you “ask” for direction, then know exactly the answers that you need. It’s no different than being responsible for your recipe for “certainty” when making a cake. If you don’t know the temperature to set the oven to, then ask. Take personal interest in understanding all the ingredients, equipment and instructions for making the million dollar cake.

If you are uncertain on how to make a cake and don’t want to ask for help; consider making a pie.

What do you do when you run out of innovative ideas?

Here’s what a few companies do to look innovative to reach their loyal customers: They change the size of their product.

The loyal Reese’s Cup customer now has a new option. He can eat the tiniest Reese’s cup ever. How clever is it to create a mini version without the wrapper?

That loyal Taco Bell customer, the one who isn’t bothered by news that his $0.99 taco may not be real meat at all, is excited about Quad Steak burrito. He’s now getting four times the steak!!

Or consider the loyal customer of pizza. The business chooses to offer more toppings on the gigantic size pizza.

If you define “innovation” as a newer size of your product, then I guess it’s not surprising that your business is in the customer retention business. After all, irrationally loyal customers aren’t asking for better product.

But what if you define “innovation” as a process for attracting new customers through new products based upon the voice of consumers that have never purchased from you before? Imagine a place where clients become creative partners. Or just innovate it!!