Four Principles for Growth in 2022

Four Principles

for Growth in 2022

By Brad Harker

Ringing in a new year provides a great opportunity to evaluate goals and forecast new milestones. However, as many of us know all too well, New Year’s resolutions often fall short of their expectations as life’s inevitable challenges stifle our plans. Even so, there are ways we can combat this and see our resolutions to fruition. As we put another economically tumultuous year behind us, let’s explore four principles to achieve massive growth in 2022.

Purpose

There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it. –Napoleon Hill

A hallmark of great leaders and organizations is a clear and compelling purpose. It’s not enough to just sell a product or offer a service anymore. Your purpose or “reason for being” is what makes your offer compelling! Here are a few questions you should ask yourself if you’re ready to uncover your purpose: • Why did you create your business? • Why does your business exist? • Why does your business matter to your customers? • Why must you succeed? • What do people experience when they engage with you? Your purpose is your value. When customers feel the connection between purpose and product, their experience changes completely. It becomes engaging and magnetic. Who knows? You might even capture some evangelists.

Direction

“If you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you do?” –Unknown

Purpose is critical to your business, but without direction, purpose becomes aimless. If you could achieve anything in your business over the next five years with the assurance of success, what would you do? This is your direction. The more important question that follows is, “Are you currently progressing toward that objective?” If the answer is no, it might be time to adjust your direction. Why are you not on track? What roadblocks are you facing? Are they internal (you) or external (people and processes)? Success requires action. What is the ultimate version of your business? Take some time to strategize beyond revenue figures or growth percentages. Think outside the box, and consider your strategy through the lens of value creation, human impact, industry disruption, and milestone achievements.

Intention

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” –Henry Ford

One reason I struggle with New Year’s resolutions is because I am not a big fan of goals. I find people rarely reach their goals. Too often, I see people shoot for the stars but never actually invest or believe in the outcome. It can be quite defeating to keep falling short. Conversely, people always seem to meet their expectations— the non-negotiables of life. Thus, the only way to actually progress is to raise your expectations. In the language of goal setting, this implies that reaching your goal is to become your goal—to believe in and embody the result before you even start. In other words, to live life with intention. Let’s say you wanted to become a triathlete this year. Most people would start training and when ready, sign up for a race. If you were living with intention, you would start by signing up for the race, announcing your plan to your peers, using Photoshop to create a poster of the finish line (with a specific time in mind), and then manifesting your intentions with decisive action.

This works in the business world, too. Find a mentor or company that epitomizes your objective, and start modeling their strategy. Aristotle said it best: “It is easier to copy a genius than to create mediocrity.” Be intentional with every move. Focus on your direction, and anchor yourself to the expectations you must hit along the way. Be deliberate, and enlist the support of anyone who can help push you across the finish line.

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Adaptation

“Everyone has a strategy until they get punched in the nose.” –Mike Tyson

Even if 2021 exceeded your wildest expectations, you still need to be ready to adapt in 2022. Everything about our economy and market is volatile. A single tweet can shift crypto and stock markets, and a virus can spark a world-wide pandemic and change the course of history. You must be prepared to adapt if you want to sustain your position and more importantly, to grow. Blockbuster and Kodak are powerful examples of companies who failed to see the market evolve and failed to adapt. I can promise you that the punch is coming. Are your eyes open? Are you ready for the hit? Darwin is attributed to have said, “It’s not the strongest of the species nor the most intelligent that survives but the ones most responsive to change.” Any entrepreneur or sales leader will tell you how important adaptation is in business. Startups that pivot early raise 2.5 times more money and have 3.6 times better user growth. Sales reps that can adapt to customer needs close more deals. This is the year to focus on being adaptable. Venture into uncharted territory and challenge old paradigms. Reach out to your customers and ask them what they love about your business and what they would like to see change. Look for opportunities to expand and differentiate. 2021 was a strange year filled with ups and downs. However, it taught me two important lessons that apply on both an individual and a business level. First, there has never been a better time to be in business. Second, clarity of purpose is a true differentiator of success. There is a version of your business that has the highest propensity for impact. If you want 2022 to be a breakout year, lead with purpose, clarify your direction, establish intention, and be ready to adapt. Be bold in the way you serve your customers, and remember that success follows value. If I can help, connect with me anytime. Happy New Year!

Brad Harker is a relentless problem solver who is driven by the pursuit of purpose and potential. He has led an unconventional career spanning entrepreneurship, real estate development, and more than a quarter-billion dollars in sales. Now, as an author, speaker, and growth advisor, Brad helps organizations and professionals accelerate growth through sales and influence. Through his book, The Laws of Influence, podcasts, and training courses, Brad is on a mission to accelerate performance at the highest levels. You can connect with Brad at www.bradharker.com.