Changing Paradigms

There are some industries that have been around for a long time that haven't really changed.  The secretaries may have computers on their desks instead of typewriters, but the basic way that business is conducted hasn't changed

Rethinking how to you do your business takes courage and foresight.  If you succeed, you are seen as a visionary and a leader.  If you fail, well, you are not.

To change the paradigm of an industry takes an ability to not confuse interim goals with end goals.  That visionary leader will be able to remember that the ultimate goal is not more sales, but more profits.  If the company can make more profits in a way that doesn't require so many sales, it is worth consideration.

Take for instance the company profiled in the video that is linked below.  CFS II is a collection agency in Tulsa, OK.  Sorta.  Its owner, Bill Barman, is a visionary leader.

You see, Mr. Bartman realized that the end goal of his company is to collect on past due debts.  He could do it like all of his competitors, by browbeating the people in debt until they forked over a little bit.  Or he could act on his realization that "people in debt don't have money."

So instead, CFS II and its leader changed the paradigm.  Instead of usual collection agency tactics, CFS II helps debtors to consolidate debts, to find jobs, to secure housing and government assistance. All for free. Mr. Bartman doesn't hire debt collectors, he hires customer service professionals. They help people get out of debt.  Because, as Mr. Barman points out, when they are out of debt, they can pay him back.

His results are very positive.  I encourage you to watch the video.  As you do, I encourage you to think about what your organization's ultimate goal is and what are the paradigms that can be changed regarding reaching THOSE goals!

http://youtu.be/SrON4uh6T1k