“Don't take your eyes off of what works, even though those shiny objects seem so interesting.” - Harrison Smith

Being practical is cool again.

I talk with entrepreneurs, business owners, and solopreneurs on a consistent basis. What I have noticed lately is that every single one of them that is having success right now, is being very practical about what they do.

The last few years allowed us get a little fancy and talk about theories and ideas. The economy was booming, money was cheap, and everyone was making money. That comfort gave everyone the space to let their minds wander and play around with new ideas. When things tightened up middle of last year, not everyone was able to bring their focus back.

I love discussing theories and ideas with people and diving into business concepts and ideas that are outside of the norm or bleeding edge type stuff. However, at the end of the day those topics aren't practical to move things forward today. I have to rein myself in and stay focused on the steps I need to take today to stay on course.

The people that are having success right now are able to stay focused on their need to make payroll, buy inventory, sell product/services, and collect money. Those are the practical tasks that keep a business running. There is still room to think about the future and what you can do to improve what you are doing, but don't take your eyes off of what you are doing that is working right now.

There will be a time to get theoretical and conceptual again, but for now it's back to the front line to be practical and lead the business forward. Don't take your eyes off of what works, even though those shiny objects seem so interesting.