In his book 33 Strategies of War, Robert Greene discusses the importance of “perfect economy” in war.
A concept that’s also very applicable to a happy, productive year of business.
(and very much salves short term thinking)
Greene talks about “perfect economy” as an awareness of resources, effort and tactics. And, how we “allocate” those resources.
Zooming out, it becomes strategy.
Greene covers four key points.
1. Perfect economy does not mean hoarding your resources. “That is not economy, but stinginess – deadly in war.” In business, we re-invest in the business to grow the business. It’s a constantly evolving and growing process. Some of those resources are energy. Anti-hustle crew might hate me for this, but regardless of how ready to “receive abundance” you might feel, there’s an injection of energy and effort that’s needed.
2. When you are small, use “deception.” Green talks about how in World War II the Allies used a complicated series of deceptions to make the Germans expect an attack from many different directions, forcing them to spread thin. Deception in small business doesn’t mean lies, or false truths. It means show what you need to, that’s advantageous to your business. Again, I might get decapitated by the “authenticity” group here. But this means we don’t need to share every feeling you have, or complain about challenges and problems we face. When we calmly tackle the challenges in the background, nobody knows, and you maintain trust.
3.Look for opponents you can beat. Well, we’re not really “beating” people. BUT, there are clear areas where you can’t win. One of those areas is low pricing. Another is likely production value (“quality” or “finish” of content / marketing). So, you can fight a different battle. You can use personality, unique assertions or offers, or deploy your specific skills in new ways to beat much larger “mass market” opponents.
4. Finally – “nothing in human affairs stays the same.” Here Green is talking about how over time you’ll feel periods of friction or momentum. To be expected. Nothing is constant. ”Wasting” energy or resources that you do have will burn energy. But working economically will build momentum.
All very important stuff. And can go a long way in training, business or any other worthy endeavour.
Once we see the “art” in how to cultivate, apply and rejuvenate energy and effort over time, it opens up the long game.
John
PS – effort over time, or “economy” is something we teach in Creator Club as a fundamental pillar.
In the last six months or so, it’s been a useful pillar for business owners inside to:
– Build out new business websites, online stores and new product launches
– Launch new coaching offers
– Grow teams through successful hirings
– Design, create and run virtual and in-person events
– Build opt-in’s, email lists and sequences
– Increase pricing across the board
– Finish music EP’s
– Have their biggest quarters ever, despite government lock-downs and restrictions
And lots more.
Right now we are kicking off a Goal Setting and Planning module to set up the year ahead, including our Intensive on the 12th. If you’d like to find out more, head to:
https://www.creatorclub.link
