How do we know when it’s time to shift gears?

When driving a car, there are many signs that tell us when to shift gears. We can hear the engine revving louder. We look at the tachometer. We feel the momentum level out. In business, we don’t have such obvious signs.

In a car, you can get your engine going to the maximum speed, but if you’re stuck in first gear, you’re going to blow the engine before you get any speed at all. In your business, you can spend your days being busy as heck, going 9,000 rpm, yet still not accomplishing anything.

Sometimes, it’s a slight shift that makes all the difference. Sometimes, it’s a big shift. Either way, knowing when a shift is needed is key. Keeping your engine at 90,00 rpm too long will eventually just blow it up.

“Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is insanity.” ~ Albert Einstein.

Watch a car race on TV. Notice anything? The best drivers in the world have a pit crew, a team. They don’t change their own tires or fill their own tanks. They drive. They build a great team to help them maintain maximum velocity.

They also always have a coach. He generally stays higher up and keeps the driver informed of what’s coming up and how to react. You see, the coach has a better view than the driver. He sees the whole track. He then uses this knowledge to help the driver navigate the track in the best line possible, while avoiding possible mistakes.

If you’re not reaching maximum velocity in your business because you’re stuck in first gear, maybe it’s time to find a coach or build a great team.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. It’s a sign that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to make your business successful, even if that means swallowing some pride. Success will wash that bad taste away.

Chris Eh Young helps clients build customer relations that stand the test of time amidst turbulent economies, fierce competition, and limited finances.