Getting Dirty: Business Success is Rarely a Pristine Endeavor

In getting to the business promise land– profit and growth—success isn’t always a perfectly pristine theory translated into a formula. Success is tough and dirty work, sometimes even ugly.

This week, I had to share a fascinating series of books (and short but insightful blogs) by Roy Osing: BE DiFFERENT or be Dead. Roy hits the nail on the head about the distinct competitive advantage gained through differentiation and he shares heaps of Seth Godin-like, brief and challenging thoughts on how to employ strategies in your business that shake off convention to shake up results.

This list in BE DiFFERENT or be Dead, is a great example of shaking up convention to increase sales and the overall business success. It’s to the point, quick and dirty—some business grit to get your week started.

10 Dirty Rules for Sales Success in Business

1. Make fast decisions
2. Have a plan B
3. Embrace imperfection
4. Do it. Try it. Fix it.
5. Align yourself with doers
6. Work outside your comfort zone
7. Bend the rules
8. Do what needs to be done
9. Avoid multitasking
10. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

Are you getting your hands dirty in your business or are you worried about keeping it clean and pristine, neat and tidy?

Take Off The Gloves, Get In The Dirt—What Sales Success Can You Generate?

Which of these is your favorite dirty rule? I love all of them but probably "#7. Bend the rules" most, along
with “#10. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes” as a close second.