Written by: Diana Noble, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When growing up, I distinctly remember if I learned a word for the first time, suddenly I would hear it everywhere. As an adult, I’ve discovered this isn’t something isolated to my experience alone. It’s actually known as the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon (AKA frequency illusion). Little did I know at the tender age of 8 that this was actually a thing. The older I got, the more I noticed this coincidental occurrence popping up in other areas of my life. When my parents bought a Pontiac Sunfire when I was 11, all of a sudden, I noticed Pontiac Sunfires everywhere as if it was the only type of vehicle anyone drove on the road.
I’m sure you’ve noticed this kind of experience– also referred to as selective attention – in your life too, where suddenly your awareness plays a huge part in what you consciously see around you. That’s exactly how I feel about one specific word that has been beating me over the head at every turn in 2020. That word? Consistency! In every workshop I’ve attended, presentation I’ve watched, or training seminar I’ve been to, the word “consistency” has reared its ugly head as a bit of a wake-up call to this self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur. Even my own Coach uttered these 4 syllables to me when we first began working together earlier this year.
As someone with a touch of ADHD who has bounced from one idea to the next for the last decade of being in business, consistency is one of those elusive ideals I’ve previously shied away from until now. Not because I don’t believe in it, but instead as a defense mechanism used to prevent myself from getting too bored. The fact is, though, that consistency is the one ingredient that will take your business from wherever it is now to wherever you want it to be in the future, and that logic can’t be denied.
This one ideal will bring results to your business (and life) like none else. If you already knew that, just consider this a bit of a refresher. Ever wonder why subscription boxes are so popular? (You mean I don't have to think about what I need to make for dinner 4 nights a week because it just comes to my door every Monday? I'm in!) It’s all about consistency!
Here's 4 reasons why you need to add the word “consistency” to your vocabulary and daily practice if you’re a business owner:
1. When you consistently show up, your customers/clients know what to expect. When you consistently deliver efficient products and services, people praise you. This is so important in business. Nothing can ruin a reputation more than unmet customer expectations. In this day and age where anyone can add a review to your Facebook page or give you a 1-star rating on Google at the click of a button, you want to make sure your customers are happy and being consistent in your business when it comes to serving the people who keep it going is huge!
2. Being consistent saves time, and in business, we all know time is money. When you get really good at doing what you do because you do it consistently each time, those tasks and workflows become part of your autopilot, meaning less time and energy are needed. This frees up your resources so you can focus on growing your business.
3. Consistency allows you to have a basis of measurement. For example, if you’re testing out a new system but the actions aren’t performed consistently, how will you ever know if your new methods work? Short answer – you won’t!
4. There’s a psychological component of consistency when it comes to accountability. If people rely on your consistent performance, you sure don’t want to let them down. Just like that subscription box – if your customers expect it to be delivered on Monday, then you better make sure they get their box on Monday. Accountability is doing what you say you’re going to do, and it’s really hard to do that without being consistent.
And, when you consistently take out the trash every Wednesday night, your wife doesn't secretly curse you Thursday morning when she hears the garbage truck roll by your house NOT taking your garbage. Okay, I admit, that was a personal example (love you hunni!), but it is another anecdotal demonstration of how important consistency is as a whole, in life and business!
The question you have to ask yourself is, are you consistent or consistently inconsistent? If it’s the latter, then find one area of your business where you can make improvements and take it one small step at a time. Remember, a million small steps turn into one giant leap over time.
Diana Noble, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Diana Noble is a serial entrepreneur quadrupling as an ICF Certified Business and Leadership Coach & Consultant. Having owned and operated 5 businesses in the past decade, one of which sold in 2019 and the other 4 she still runs today, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience in business and now helps other business owners take a 360° view of their business to address gaps between where they are and where they want to be. As a community business leader, she has been recognized for many awards including Top 40 under 40, Top 50 under 50, Woman of Inspiration, Outstanding Media Services Award and many others. She has a multi-faceted approach to business and leadership, and clients who work with her feel like they, too, can take on the world! Through her own actions, she has proven that if you want something badly enough, you CAN have it, and she is incredibly passionate about helping entrepreneurs and leaders realize the same.
