If you are getting outstanding results, riding the crest of a wave of success is no guarantee of continued success. Many people have made such an error and it has cost them dearly. They became complacent.
I can clearly remember when APECO, American Photo Copy Equipment Company dominated the photocopy market. APECO was a giant; they were successfully selling their photocopiers in 152 countries. In fact, they were the first to bring a photocopier into the office environment. A piece of equipment which, today, is almost a necessity in every office.
Meanwhile a gentleman from Rochester, New York was looking for a way to make a piece of equipment that would turn out a better copy. Since that is what Chester Carelson was looking for, that is exactly what he found. Today, everyone around the world recognizes Xerox and hardly anyone remembers APECO, because they have vanished.
The marketplace is very fickle. When you present a better or more efficient product, the people go with it. That’s progress.
The poet Braely penned this:
For the best verse hasn’t been rhymed yet.
The best house hasn’t been planned.
The highest peak hasn’t been climbed yet.
The mightiest rivers aren’t spanned.
Don’t worry and fret, faint hearted.
The chances have just begun.
For the best jobs haven’t been started.
The best work hasn’t been done.
Invest a few minutes today and every day thinking of ways to do whatever you are doing better. You could be doing your job well, you might even be the best, but I can assure you there is always a Chester Carelson lurking in the wings. Keep doing what you did to win. Keep improving what you are doing.
Hi, I'm Jon... author, entrepreneur and speaker.