FranklinCovey Blog | Insight

Simplification Reduces Uncertainty

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 | Predictable Results in Unpredictable Times | 1 Comment

On July 11, Apple celebrated the first anniversary of the App Store. One year and more than 1 billion downloads later, the App Store has revolutionized the software market and chalked up a wildly successful year in the middle of one of the deepest downturns in business history. 

They did this by applying a key principle from Predictable Results in Unpredictable Times: focusing simply on the job real customers want done. Clearly, the App Store is successful because it allows customers to get exactly what they want immediately and in a simple and inexpensive way. As we said in the book, “Simplification reduces uncertainty. You can get more predictable results if you focus on simple, high-value offerings for the customer.”

Is the App Store simple? Absolutely.  Search the catalog for what you want, and buy with one click. 

Is the App Store “high-value”? Absolutely. You get low-cost applications that solve such pesky everyday problems as remembering your schedule, counting calories, and checking the weather, as well as giving you instant access to your favorite music.

We agree with the comment from Domonic on our previous post, who contributed this insight:  “One of the biggest challenges I see is that people are focused more on what they have to offer than really identifying the needs of the market. They are telling the market what it needs instead of listening to clients and letting them identify what the true need is.”  So true.

So many organizations just don’t get it. They are, as Domonic says, focused inwardly on what they have to offer while deluding themselves that they are customer focused. In crazy, unpredictable times, customers are very careful, but they do know a good deal when they see it.

If the App Store can solve one of my problems right now and for 99 cents, I’ll buy. And, it so happens, so will a billion other people. 

So what are you doing to focus more on your customers in these wild times? Is it paying off for you?  We’d love to hear.

Check out videos and tools from the book Predictable Results in Unpredictable Times 

Tags: Bob Whitman, Breck England, Business History, Challenges, Counting Calories, Everyday Problems, Insight, Instant Access, Offerings, Predictable Results, Predictable Results in Unpredictable Times, Principle, Simplification, Stephen Covey, True Need, Uncertainty, Unpredictable Times

Landing a New Job in a Tough Economy

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 | From the Desk of Stephen R. Covey | 2 Comments

In these unpredictable times it is likely that you or someone you know is looking for a job. I have had several people approach me for advice and insight on matters concerning professional development, whether looking for a new position or looking to advance in their current role. I have seen the tremendous need for direction and guidance on this topic. As a result, this August I will be hosting a professional development webinar series. The topics I will cover are Employability, Resilience, and Contribution. But until then I would like to share a couple thoughts to help you or someone else find new work.

Times have changed. One of the things I often tell people is that you can’t do a job-search the way you used to. Most people have relied heavily on a job application form and a resume. Typically, that just doesn’t work anymore, although those are useful things and most times necessary. In today’s world you have to adopt a new mindset for finding and securing a job-and not just a job but work that you would find meaningful. › Continue reading

Tags: Advice, Applications, Career Development, Direction, Economy, Event, Few Minutes, Guidance, Hosting, Insight, Job Application Form, Job Resume, Job Search, Looking For A Job, Mindset, Networking, New Economy, New Job, New Position, People, Professional Development, Prospective Employer, Resilience, Resume, Resumes, Stephen R Covey, Unpredictable Times, Webinar, Workshop