| Three Military Principles for Great Success in Business | | | | business, when you get an opportunity, you exploit it |
| By Tracy Brinkmann | | | | to the fullest extent possible. If you have a great |
| By growing up in a military environment as well as | | | | promotional idea or product or service, you sell all you |
| serving a term in the United States Army myself; I | | | | can. Press your advantage and push through to |
| was lucky enough to learn that there are a number | | | | complete victory. TEAM-UP The military Principle of |
| of principles in military strategy that you can apply to | | | | Concerted Action can be compared to the corporate |
| your business, immediately. Principles that can, when | | | | world's principle of synergy. Simply put - Tap and |
| utilized, help you to think better and get better | | | | leverage the strengths of your team. Your ability to |
| results than ever before. | | | | keep the team working effectively and amicably can |
| OUT OF THE BLUE The element of surprise has been | | | | positively magnify to its efforts. In addition, your |
| the key turning point of many 'battles.' Whether | | | | personal knack of working harmoniously with other |
| fought on country fields crossing borders or in the | | | | individuals is more responsible for your own success |
| boardrooms across the country doing the | | | | than any other quality |
| unexpected is a key tactic to out-flank or upset your | | | | TAKE ACTION NOW Take these actions now to |
| competition. | | | | start applying these principles into your business |
| OUT OF THE RUT You could also say "Out of the | | | | personal life: |
| grave." Because if you think about it, a rut is nothing | | | | 1. Review areas of your work/home life where you |
| more than a grave with the ends kicked-out. Many | | | | repeatedly encounter frustration. Is there an entirely |
| times doing the exact opposite of what you have | | | | different way to resolve this situation? Come 'Out of |
| been doing could turn out to be the perfect solution. | | | | the Blue' with a new tactic/idea. Get 'Out of the Rut' |
| If you find yourself in a hole, your natural tendency | | | | and surprise the situation as well as the competition |
| might be to keep digging. You might even feel the | | | | in some way. 2. Identify whose assistance you will |
| urge to dig faster. But usually the solution is to back | | | | need to execute your 'Out of the Blue' solution or |
| out of the rut and go dig somewhere else. So | | | | whose support you will need to get you 'Out of the |
| remember the first rule of ruts and holes; "If you find | | | | Rut.' Then doggedly seek out ways to earn their |
| yourself in one…… Stop Digging!" | | | | cooperation. |
| FOLLOW-UP Throughout history, great battles have | | | | On last note: When seeking out the aid of others, |
| been won and then lost because of the failure of a | | | | keep in mind that everyone's favorite radio station is: |
| commanding general to follow through and complete | | | | WII FM (What's In It For Me.) So be sure they |
| the victory. A second military principle that applies to | | | | understand the benefits to the company, to the |
| business is the Principle of Exploitation. It emphasizes | | | | department and most importantly to themselves! |
| the importance of follow-up and follow-through. In | | | | |