Everywhere you turn there are people racing for MORE customers, MORE sales, MORE everything. This rat race is the water we all swim in.
But what if I told you that the secret to success isn’t necessarily in doing MORE, but doing more of what matters? Essentially, success is about becoming better, not bigger. Look no further than Truitt Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, as proof of why “becoming better” is simply better.
The Story That Changed Everything
Imagine Chick-fil-A in the 90s, facing fierce competition from a new entrant, Boston Chicken (now Boston Market). Boston Chicken was rapidly expanding and seemed to be on a fast track to hitting the billion-dollar mark long before Chick-fil-A. The pressure was on.
The leadership at Chick-fil-A was fixated on how to grow their footprint—and grow it faster. They needed to catch up to their rival, Boston Chicken.
But Truitt, in a pivotal moment, shifted the entire focus of the conversation. He insisted that the goal shouldn’t be to get bigger. It should be to get better. If they focused on offering better customer service, superior products, and a more inviting environment, demand for their food would go up.
Spoiler alert: Truitt was right. This shift in mindset had a profound impact. Chick-fil-A not only met but EXCEEDED its goals, reaching a billion dollars in less than a decade, while Boston Market faced bankruptcy. This story, whether apocryphal or not, underscores a powerful principle: optimizing for quality can lead to sustainable growth and success.
How to Be Better (Not Necessarily Bigger)
So how can you apply this lesson to your life and business? It starts with a belief in the value of improvement versus expansion. Here are two steps you can take to embrace this philosophy:
- Listen to Your Customers: Your customers are your most valuable resource for feedback. Ask them how you can improve, what they want more (or less) of, and what changes would enhance their experience. By focusing on serving your current customers better, you not only retain their loyalty but also turn them into advocates for your brand.
- Engage with Your Team: Your team members are on the front lines of your operation. They have insights into what’s working and what’s not. By asking for their feedback and genuinely considering their suggestions, you can improve processes, enhance efficiency, and boost morale. Remember, a happy team is more productive and more likely to provide exceptional service to your customers.
The Ripple Effect of Better
When you concentrate on being better, the desire and demand for your services or products will naturally lead to growth. This approach fosters a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, where both customers and team members feel valued and heard.
At Brand Builders Group, we believe in the power of personal branding and we focus on quality over quantity. Why? Simply because we’ve found that by refining your brand and honing your message, you create a stronger connection with your audience. And a strong audience connection is essential for long-term success.
If you want to “do” better better in your personal or professional life, I invite you to schedule a Free Brand Call with Brand Builders Group. Together we can identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance your personal brand, ensuring that you’re not just growing, but growing in the right direction.
In a world obsessed with getting bigger, the key to success is in getting better. Let’s focus on improvement, quality, and excellence, and let growth be a natural byproduct of our efforts to serve our customers and team members better.
