Everyone says, “Do more of what’s working and let go of (or change) what isn’t”. I said it myself yesterday. But how do you know if something is working?
Sure, the numbers. Your return on investment. How many new cases or clients, how much revenue, how many leads, what percentage you close.
Are you hitting your KPIs, getting lots of butts in seats, increasing your list of subscribers and followers?
Yes, the numbers tell the story. But not the entire story.
Because there are things you can’t measure. Testimonials, reviews, and new referral sources which haven’t (yet) paid off but could soon rock your world.
Invitations to speak in front of a prestigious group, being endorsed by an influential professional in your target market, or meeting the right person at the right time.
You can’t measure these things. Or predict their effect. The small case that doesn’t pay much (or anything) but leads to a big referral. Writing 20 articles that nobody reads and then someone does read one, likes it, forwards it a friend, and it goes viral and brings in a steady stream of new business.
You don’t always know something is working. Or where it might lead.
The numbers aren’t irrelevant and in some situations (advertising) they are critical. But you can’t always count on the numbers. So, I propose another way to tell if something is working.
Are you having fun?
Fun? Yes, fun.
If you’re enjoying what you’re doing, you’ll want to continue. You’ll do it regularly and enthusiastically, without forcing yourself or reminding yourself. You’ll be more creative and consistent. And your excitement in the doing, not just the results, will attract clients and referral sources and opportunities galore.
Do more of what’s fun. Because if it’s fun, it’s working.
