How will your business make a difference?

I want to share with you one of my personal highlights from attending Xerocon 2018.

It was a presentation by Trent Innes (Managing Director, Xero Australia & Asia) on why the 1% is everything. Trent’s message resonated with me as both a business owner and a business adviser.

Trent’s point was that ninety-nine percent of what we do in business is invisible to our customers and clients. It’s important and often complex work, but it’s expected. To really differentiate your business, you need to constantly find and deliver the extra 1%. What are the small, incremental improvements that exceed your customers’ expectations and make all the difference to them? It’s worth reading his full keynote blog.

Finding your 1%

Finding and delivering the 1% really comes down to people and building a culture that embodies your purpose and values. Whether your business is old or new, large or small, it’s worth pausing now and then to check in. Make sure everyone is clear about, and on-board with, your “why” and your “how”.

I was encouraged during Trent’s presentation that we are on the right track at Synectic in putting the work into building a truly purpose-driven culture. As Synectic grows, it’s becoming increasingly important for us to have joint clarity about our purpose and to communicate and engage with our team about our why and our how. We are clear that we exist to do so much more than crunch numbers. Our purpose is to enhance the prosperity (in its many forms – financial, lifestyle, wellbeing …) of our people, clients and community. Our core values help guide us as to how to deliver on our purpose, and we will continue to focus on the small actions we can take to make a positive difference in the lives of those we can impact.

Delivering your difference

Working on this side of your business can often seem time consuming and daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. You most likely have a vision that lead you to owning your business in the first place and that’s a great start. So, I’ll put to you Trent’s question: “What’s the one thing you can do to make the lives of your people and your customers just that little bit better, and when can you start?”

Do you understand your 1%? A Synectic adviser can work with you put your vision into action.

Read more refelections from Xerocon: