The brilliant Grace Hopper once said, “The most dangerous phrase in the language is ‘we’ve always done it this way.’” Reviewing the past nearly two years, many of us can safely say that very few things in both our personal lives and businesses had remained the same as they always were. We have all learned to embrace the world of online learning, networking, and virtually based social connections. We’ve closed the physical doors of our businesses, re-opened them under new protocols; some states have rinsed and repeated that cycle more than a few times over. We have become accustomed to so many new processes and practices that it is no surprise that the idea of returning to the way we used to do things can sound very appealing. However, we must consider that this swift reversal is likely unadvisable, both practically speaking and for the potential opportunities and future rewards that could accompany a more innovative approach to “life as we know it.”
Some problems are only made visible from a distance, and although the interruption to workflows wasn’t planned (or appreciated, for that matter) it presents the opportunity to review things from a fresh perspective. You may have previously become selectively-blind to office clutter, or an obsolete filing system. Returning to the office, if these types of things stand out — do not wait until you become used to the mess! The same applies to any of your systems, office design, marketing, branding, how you communicate with clients etc. If there’s something you feel could be changed or improved, do it now while it still remains clear to you.
Why wait? We often find ourselves waiting for a “break” to institute changes, whether it be the holidays, or a perceived slow season like the summer. However, team Members take breaks over the holidays, and that lull in business may never come (hopefully, right?) so why not take this opportunity to begin implementing changes now since for many the years prior have already constituted a change in the way they give and solicit services. You may be surprised at how well-received (or at least, minimally challenged) changes are by current clients, especially if you are clear that the updates are for their overall benefit. You will also be demonstrating that your business is adapting to the times, dependable, and will be there when your clients need you because you’re prepared for whatever changes in the world may come.
We may find that retuning to our old day-to-day practices has been frustrating, and at times obstructed beyond recognition. Instead of forcing a square peg through a round hole, now is the time to reevaluate if those practices are in fact still serving us. The disruption of life as we knew it has presented an opportunity to embrace change, reinvent processes, and streamline the way we do business and conduct our day-to-day lives — the benefits of shaking things up may surprise you!
Chloe Slovinsky
Event Manager
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (858) 453-2128
www.aaepa.com
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