Entrepreneurs must be more than nimble. They have to become critical thinkers to anticipate consumer needs. So says Randy Gage, author of "Mad Genius: A Manifesto for Entrepreneurs."
Doing this, he noted, "requires thinking in a fresh and unconventional way. Every great breakthrough or innovation is created twice — first in the mind of the visionary and second in the physical world. Entrepreneurs and the investors who finance them strive to look around the corner and imagine what could be."
Tips on not just thinking outside the box but tossing the box:
• Scrutinize. Many premises are based on assumptions no longer valid, Gage said: "Entrepreneurs don't have the luxury of closed minds. We don't even have the luxury of simply objective minds. You always have to be willing to question any and all core foundational beliefs you have. About everything."
• Spark boldness. To unleash the creative genius of your team members, share that not everything will be a home run, Gage said. "If people think they lose a promotion or even their job by failing at something, they will never take risks. And risks are where the breakthroughs live."
• Connect. The planet will soon have 5 billion smartphones, Gage points out. "If you haven't done some serious thinking about how smartphones will change everything in your space, you better get thinking," he said. "Mobile changes how we buy, how we sell, how we learn and basically how we do almost everything." Social media offer another opportunity for entrepreneurs to interact with consumers, provided they rethink the way they look at their marketing. "So stop broadcasting pitches at your followers and use these platforms to really connect and interact with your clients."
• Personalize. Your customer shouldn't be just another number, says Natalie MacNeil, author of "The Conquer Kit."
MacNeil's SheTakesOnTheWorld.com, a site for female entrepreneurs, makes sure that clients receive onboarding emails to acquaint them with things such as how to access their account and how to get in touch with support.
She recommends using a business management software system like Infusionsoft or Ontraport to send out automated sequences.
• Laser in. Target the big picture through a "5x5 plan." "Focus on no more than five big-picture goals in a year," MacNeil said. "For each goal, set five clear milestones and benchmarks, which gives you a total of 25 benchmarks for the year to focus on."
She recommends putting them onto a sheet of paper that you keep by your desk so you can "measure every task, opportunity and request against (them). Don't say yes unless it's in alignment with those 25 milestones and benchmarks you're striving toward."
• Take care of yourself. Your business isn't going to reach its fullest potential if you're stressed out all the time. Build rituals like exercise, meditation, personal development, family time and hobbies right into your schedule.
"Some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world, like Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey and Russell Simmons, have daily meditation practices," MacNeil said.
• Anticipate. Know what your customers want before they do.
"Steve Jobs spoke to this issue when he was asked whether Apple (AAPL) conducted focus groups for the iPad," said Gage. "He notably replied that it wasn't his customers' job to know what they wanted. That's the entrepreneur's job. And to do it, you're going to have to think bigger, bolder and better."
