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How to Build Consistency For Positive Outcomes

One of the things people often notice about golfing with me is that I follow a specific routine before hitting every shot. I never hit a shot without the routine. Having a consistent routine builds confidence, and confidence produces better outcomes. The same happens in business: the more consistent you are, the more reliable your results.

Business Tip

When I build a marketing plan with a client to achieve certain outcomes, I am intentional with opportunities for consistency. The same language is used across promotional venues, and advertising is evaluated using a custom process. It’s easier to onboard something new when it’s repeated.

I worked with an accounting firm that wanted to build clientele by working with independent bookkeepers. Some bookkeepers consider accounting firms to be competitors because they can also deliver bookkeeping services. However, this firm didn’t want the bookkeeping work; they just wanted to handle the accounting element that required a CPA’s expertise, which set the stage for a great collaboration.

We created a “financial partners” program to help facilitate this connection. This let the bookkeepers know that they were considered a peer by the firm and could use the firm’s resources to add value to what they offered their clients. We created a web page dedicated to financial partners and put together a mini campaign to communicate what we were looking to do. We used the same language repeatedly in our materials.

The terms made it simple for all accountants at the firm to onboard the idea, and for bookkeepers to reference when they requested more information.

When marketing is consistent, it is easier to repeat and more effective at gaining traction, which is a key element of driving the results you want.

Golf Tip

Hitting shots consistently is a challenge for many golfers. One of the ways to build consistency is to hit those shots more often, which involves practicing at the driving range. However, you can also build consistency by practicing as you play. This is commonly known as a pre-shot routine.

Pick a series of things you commit to doing before you hit each shot. Here’s my routine after I have decided on the club I am going to hit:

1. Stand behind the ball and choose a target.
2. Make a practice swing in that direction.
3. Approach my ball and line up the face of my club to that target.
4. Line up my feet, on a parallel line, to that target.
5. Have my weight equally on both feet.
6. Take one more look at the target.
7. Look back at the ball.
8. Make my swing towards the target.
9. Evaluate the outcome.

Those nine steps take about 20 seconds. I do them before every shot. If I shoot 75 that day, that’s 75 times I have practiced my alignment.

When I practice on the driving range, I approach each range ball as if it were a shot on the golf course. I go through the nine steps for each swing. This routine allows me to practice when I play, and play when I practice, all of which builds consistency.

Bottom Line

As a bonus, when you have a consistent way of doing things, in golf or in business, it’s easier to adjust or tweak areas to make it work better. You can add something in or take something out and advance your ability to onboard something new, which makes change less uncomfortable to deal with.

Resources

I hope you enjoyed this issue of On Course. Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Forward Thinking for Your Business is a book that serves as your marketing reference, saving you time and money.

Forward Thinking for Future Entrepreneurs is your guide on how to start a business using the experience of those who have actually done it.

Work with Jennifer in your business or organization. Contact her by email at jennifer@fwdthink.ca

Book Jennifer to speak to your workplace or association.