“Have you ever noticed that your rearview mirror is much smaller than your windshield. Clearly there’s a reason for that.” My partner and husband, Ted Polmar, has often said this when we are discussing business with our clients or in a networking meeting. And it is true – it’s not as important to see where you have been…but it is crucial to see where you are going. So, that got me thinking about the analogy of our car mirrors to growing a business. In this blog we explore how you can leverage both forward-looking vision and reflective analysis to propel your business towards growth.
Business success often hinges on the ability to navigate with a deep focus on the road ahead while occasionally glancing at the rearview mirror to reflect on past experiences. Just like driving a car, moving ahead in business requires foresight, strategy, a roadmap, focus, and a willingness to learn from the past.
Imagine starting your business journey on the road to growth and expansion today. Through the windshield you see endless possibilities, new prospects and markets to explore, and untapped potential waiting to be realized. With each passing mile post your anticipation grows, fueled by a sense of optimism and determination to reach your destination.
Unfortunately, the journey of business growth is not without its challenges. Along the way, the road may be strewn with obstacles – economic downturns, competition, changing client preferences or growth cycles – all of which can test the resilience and adaptability of even the most seasoned businessperson. In these moments of uncertainty, the rearview mirror serves as a valuable tool, offering insights accumulated from past experiences.
Looking back through the rearview mirror, one can see the previous ventures – the strategies that led to success, as well as mistakes that resulted in setbacks. This reminds us of the importance of staying responsive to market conditions, of fostering strong relationships with customers, vendors and your business cohorts, and of maintaining a laser focus on delivering value and customer service.
Being armed with this past wisdom, a savvy businessperson may adjust their direction, making informed decisions and course corrections as needed. They recognize that while the past cannot be changed, its lessons can inform and shape their future decisions.
So how can we all wisely utilize the windshield to clearly see the road ahead? Scan the horizon for new opportunities and emerging trends, be aware of any obstacles that may cause you to veer off course and keep moving forward because standing still is not an option in our fast-paced business environment. Adaptability and forward-thinking strategies are essential to staying ahead of the curve.
Along the way you may encounter a small detour or roadblock, a few moments of doubt and uncertainty. Yet, through it all, remain steadfast in your commitment to growth and understand that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for learning.
So, what’s the takeaway? Navigating the journey of business growth requires a delicate balance of forward-looking vision and historical perspective. By focusing on the windshield (future opportunities) and learning from past experiences (the rearview mirror), you can make informed decisions that can lead to success, growth, and a better future for you and your business.
If you are a forward-looking business owner and frustrated with your current marketing initiatives (or lack thereof), we’d be happy to discuss next steps with you. Let’s start a conversation — choose a time that’s convenient for you: calendar. And best of luck on your journey!!