As most entrepreneurs will agree, change is integral to keeping an organization fresh and moving forward. Moving forward is a constant goal of mine, and I make sure it’s happening every day in my business. One way I do this is by implementing "generational change cycles.” A generational change cycle is change that is constantly being followed by more change.
A good example of this is the Apple iPod. Today, you can buy the G3 iPod Touch. The G3 stands for third generation, which means two iPod versions have already been released. Why would Apple release these versions one at a time? They know that the more they update their products with small, incremental improvements, the more units they will sell.
I’ve learned to take the same approach when it comes to running my business. By always changing—or implementing generational change cycles—I can ensure I’ll always have people interested in my service. Check out the diagram I use at right that best describes this process. Each new cycle starts at the bottom of the circle.
- New Idea for Change – I come up with an innovative idea to help my business, thus starting the change process.
- Implement the Change – This is where the action occurs. Whether it’s new procedures, training or an improved way of doing business, the change is put into play.
- Enjoying the Benefit of the Change– This is where the perks of the change occur; where I start seeing some results. The new change may bring in more profits, develop better public relations or have more effective employees.
- Effectiveness of Change Declines - As with anything new, the change grows old and becomes less effective. I cannot stop this cycle. All I can do is be ready for it and start to implement new change once the previous change expires.
After going through this entire cycle, I am back to Step 1 with a new idea for change. The key here is to make sure I always have new ideas, so that I can start to implement new change before I fully lose the effectiveness of the change effort taking place in the present cycle.
Ultimately, I am working on a minimum of two cycles at a time, and each cycle represents a new generation of change. By creating and introducing new changes in my business, my services will never be stagnant. I will always be moving forward.