FOCUS - The strategy

A series on Focus. 1 (One)

I attended an exhibition sometime last week and there was this guy that caught my attention. Every company present exhibited various branded items which were well arranged at their stands. I looked at his stand and saw just a brochure and 2 different sizes of a similar item. At first I was like ‘aaaaaw’ thinking to myself that maybe he didn’t know he was supposed to show case a wide range of branded gift items that his company could offer. Maybe it’s just psychological, I just couldn’t place a finger on what happened but as various decision makers walked across each table, they at first wouldn’t notice him but he'll then call for their attention. Once he gets their attention, he begins to sell that one product and they end up writing it down as something they would love the company to order. Every other exhibitor that had so much to show couldn’t sell it all and had 1, 2 or none selected.

I think what happened there was the power of focus as everyone had no choice than to concentrate on that one product and because that was all he had, maybe there was a little sentiment attached I can’t be precise but they somehow had to like it. Sometimes in life, we want to dabble into so many things and end up mastering none. Have you thought it through and identified that one thing that is dear to your heart and would find yourself doing even if money wasn’t involved. What about nurturing it and concentrating on that ability or following through that course until successful. Sometimes you might look stupid and out of place; just like the guy who had those 2 similar items on his table while others had a wide range of items to showcase. What matters is who and who got an order after the exhibition and if everyone wrote down his product there is a high probability of him getting a purchase order. Did I mention earlier that he was the only individual with that particular type of item? Yes and that was another edge he had.

Have you ever been at a buffet where so much was laid out and you had served your plate full before discovering there were mashed potatoes at the end of the table but you had taken rice instead and had to make do with that? Maybe if you had walked round the table first to take a peek at everything available and already have a mental note of what and what you will be having.

Always evaluate things and try to focus, get a grip on whatever you might be doing. Also you do not want to confuse your audience, target market and even your spouse by putting so much out there at the same time. Even if it is that one thing you’ve got, create a competitive edge around it, pamper it, nourish it and confidently put it out there for all to see. Do not clutter your life and head with so much that you find it almost impossible to just focus; you are here, there and everywhere. Today you tell me you’re an events planner, I see you in 3 months and you now sell shoes & dresses, few months down the line, you are taking up make up classes as that’s the new line you want to explore. You are clueless and haven’t been able to get a grip on what you should be focusing on.

I’m not against diversification as this is a strategy that may be required at some point in any business but before taking that step, you have to be a master of what you’ve got at the moment if not, you’ll just mess things all up. This applies to even the decisions we make as individuals. You cannot just place too much on the table at the same time else you lose focus and get it all twisted. I understand everyone is on the fast pace and we just want to work on so many things to increase our earning power and live a better life but never ever forget the power of FOCUS.

Cheers!