Hidden opportunities

Most owners and managers have a very fixed view of their businesses… we offer x, y, z… our cost structure is… our pricing is… our people are expected to do…

A very fixed view can be a good thing because it provides certainty, direction, and conviction. However, a very fixed view can overlook countless opportunities for growth.

Remember when Apple was only known for their very stylish, user friendly, and undeniably cool computers that everyone loved but only a very small minority of consumers actually bought? In fact it wasn’t until 2007 that Apple dropped the word ‘Computer’ from their company name… obviously to reflect its expansion into consumer electronics with the iPod, iTunes and the iPhone (which now account for around 50% of their total revenues).

Had Apple continued to think of itself as a ‘computer’ business it would have given up billions in revenues.

Had Curves Fitness continued to think of health and fitness in conventional terms it would have overlooked the opportunity to establish a $200 million business.

The opportunities exist outside the ordinary, the everyday, the conventional wisdom.

There are hidden opportunities in your business right now that can create new growth… but they’re probably not where you’re looking.