WorldWide Drilling Resource

The “Idiots” Corner by “Billy Bob Smith” As the new year starts to take shape, I’m sure many of you have already broken some of your New Year’s Resolutions or have abandoned some challenging goals. As we head into what I believe will be a positive year in many ways, it is important to keep one thing in mind as you grow your business, in- crease your market share, service your customers, and improve your bottom line - and that one concept - staying relevant in your market with your customers and prospects. Hundreds of businesses fail every day in the U.S. Why? They have lost relevance and are still operating as if things haven’t changed. Rel- evance has nothing to do with your history, size, products/services, or market share. It has everything to do with offering what customers want, how they want it, and when they want it. So let me share a few stupid things I have heard over the years by business owners and executives of failing companies. I won’t mention the person who made the comments, since I hate lawyers who have nothing better to do than file useless suits on poor idiots like me. You may remember some of them. Eastern Airlines - “People will always need to fly. As long as we keep our safety rate in line with expectations, we’ll be okay.” Howard Johnsons - “We own the turnpikes in the U.S. There is no way any other food chain can replace us.” Borders Books - “We sell books. We are the largest bookseller in the U.S. There is no way we can ever fail.” Schwinn Bicycles - “We have a long history and thousands of loyal customers. We will be around forever.” Fruit of the Loom - “It’s underwear, not rocket science. No worries about the future.” Bethlehem Steel - “The world will always need steel products. The idea that plastic can replace steel is just plain dumb.” Blockbuster - “We own the video rental market in the U.S., and always will.” Kodak - “Yes, cameras have improved and evolved, but people will always need them.” Ever said anything close to these? Make 2017 a year with fewer mistakes and stupid decisions. Billy Bob Contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com “Refuse to accept the belief that your professional relevance, career success, or financial security turns on the next update on the latest technology. Some- times it's good to put the paddle down and just let the canoe glide.” ~Simon Mainwaring 37 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® FEBRUARY 2017