Grimm Story of Cinderella Lends a Lesson in ORM

We often try to satisfy what we think others want to see or say, and even what they want to hear. The only thing that comes out of those scenarios is confusion and anger. It is important to fit in where we feel most comfortable. It's important that we can be ourselves and that our peers accept us for who we are. When it comes to business, it is necessary to always play to your strengths. While you might like to take on other ventures, know where your bread and butter come from.

There is nothing more confusing than a company that expands too thinly and forgets what specific trade got them to their point of success. There is nothing wrong with being labeled as a business that just specializes in one specific trade rather than multiple ones. Yes, diversity is the way to go and that is totally fine, but not everyone is meant to get involved in other business areas. You are taking on many risks when you overextend yourself.

You might not have the capital to cover the move and trying to get loans in this economy is harder than ever, so you are now forced to come up with a way to raise funds. In doing so, you might have to raise the prices on products you are selling, which will not go over well with your existing customers. If you wind up losing a significant amount of customers, how will you come up with the money? You can't. Now you've not only lost profit and customers, but you also have a negative reputation.

Staying in your lane of business has its benefits. This includes stability, experience and customer loyalty. Businesses often make moves based on what they think the customer might want them to do, but quality service and products are all we really want. Focusing on what got you to the place where you are now will guarantee that your business will last for many years to come.

For businesses that refuse to wear the shoe that fits and try to move up a size, they might be doing a major disservice to the longevity of their business. As I pointed out earlier, there are many risks involved and the one that stands out the most is the loss of your customers. If you fail in your move and you have to come back to the customers you pushed away (therefore charging more to fund your move), it'll be a long time before you get back into their good graces. Stay loyal to them and they will reciprocate it back to you.

What may not be the most popular look might be the most stable and lucrative in the long run. Longevity is key for your business.