Don't be Everything; Just be the Best
"Stick To The Knitting"
The Warning Signs of Over-Diversification
We once worked with a large accounting firm in the south-central Pennsylvania area. For a long time, the service was incredible, the people were friendly, and the work was always done properly. But over time, things began to change. The higher-ups decided that the firm needed to diversify. They targeted large companies — which was understandable. They targeted nonprofits — which made sense too. But then they decided to phase out services for small businesses, and that’s where the issues began.
The Consequences of Losing Focus
Soon enough, the personalized service we valued disappeared. It reached the point where, after we finally decided it was time to move on, it took nearly a year just to get our CPA on the phone to inform them that we wouldn’t be continuing with their services. That kind of disconnection is a problem for both the client and the service provider.
The Reluctance to Change Providers
When it comes to essential services like accounting, bookkeeping, website support, or any other function that keeps a company operational, clients don’t relish the idea of changing providers. Most of the time, they delay the switch far longer than they should, simply because they know it’s going to be a complicated process.
The Power of Sticking to Your Strengths
What we appreciate about Bertz Hess accounting services (where we ultimately moved our business) is that they “stick to the knitting.” This phrase, made famous by Tom Peters in his best-selling book *In Search of Excellence*, stands as one of his core principles for success. It means, “Concentrate on what you do best and don’t try to be everything to everyone.”
Why Specialization Wins
Working with Tom Wobber at Bertz Hess, we never have to wait long for a response. His expertise with small businesses is evident, and we always get the answers we need when seeking assistance.
The Key to Long-Term Success
The key takeaway here is that achieving success doesn’t require being everything to all clients. Instead, finding a niche, specializing in it, and excelling for many clients within that space can be the path to sustainable growth. If your business offerings seem scattered or unfocused, it might be time to consider a reset.
Take Action: Review Your Business Plan
We encourage taking the time to sit down with a business coach and revisiting your business plan. Ensure that what you initially set out to do aligns with what you’re doing now, or at the very least, verify that your primary focus remains on your core offering.
“To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your
heart.” – Sir Thomas Watson
(This excerpt is taken from the seminar Networking and Marketing Mastery II: Making Marketing Profitable.) I encourage you to click here to watch
the
seminar
Networking and Marketing Mastery II: Making Marketing Profitable seminar video available at Romeo Network Online Learning.
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