Boring Business Manifesto

Identify the Problem before Trying to Solve it

It’s easy to mistake symptoms for problems and jump into solutions designed to treat the symptoms. Instead, we need to look beneath what is causing the symptoms to identify the real problem. Otherwise, you risk wasting time and resources on solutions that don't address the underlying issues or may even make the problem worse.

Do you have a systems problem?

Beware of Mental Model Mistakes

Growth requires letting go of old systems, strategies, and decisions that worked well at an earlier stage of business but are no longer sufficient once a business reaches a certain size. Sunk cost fallacy, law of diminishing returns, and reasoning by analogy are all mental models that can be major obstacles to success.

Are You Making These Mental Model Mistakes?

Don't Reason By Analogy; Embrace First Principles Thinking

Just because something worked for another business or industry doesn't mean it will work for yours. Instead of relying on analogies, design a custom solution for your unique situation.

Start from scratch and analyze the fundamental building blocks of your business. This helps ensure that your business decisions are based on facts rather than assumptions.

From the Ground Up: How First Principles Thinking Can Transform Your Systems

Make the Right Choice Between Optimization and Maximization

Optimization is about making the most efficient use of resources available by minimizing waste, improving efficiency, and reducing costs while still producing high-quality products.

Maximization is about achieving the highest possible performance, regardless of the resources
required.

Maximization makes a mess. Optimization cleans it up. Make the mess first.

Prioritize Function Before Form; Get Your 3 Core Functions Right

Get the Money, Earn the Money, Track the Money. Focus on getting your business processes right before buying software, building an org chart, or making job descriptions.

Function First: How to Develop Org Charts That Work

Develop Simple Processes (Process)

Document your processes and make the documentation centrally available to everyone who needs it. Focus on the most important processes first.

The PPT Triangle: Process, People, Tools

Cultivate a Self-Healing Company Culture (People)

Prioritize employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention to build a strong company culture. This helps to ensure that your business is sustainable and that your employees are motivated to help drive growth.

The PPT Triangle: Process, People, Tools

Leverage Technology Wisely (Tools)

Use technology to streamline and automate repetitive tasks, but don't rely on it blindly. Always be aware of the limitations and potential risks associated with technology.

The PPT Triangle: Process, People, Tools

Centralize Your Database and Get Clean Data

You need accurate, reliable, and relevant data that can be used to make informed decisions. Without clean data, businesses risk making decisions based on flawed information, leading to inefficient processes, lost opportunities, and ultimately, failure. By prioritizing data quality, businesses can ensure that they are making informed decisions and building a strong foundation for growth.

Next Level Systems and Software

Set Measurable Goals

Define clear and measurable goals for your business and track your progress regularly. This helps to ensure that your business is moving in the right direction and enables you to make data-driven decisions.

Stay Focused and Disciplined

Resist the temptation to chase after shiny new ideas or trends that distract you from your core business objectives. Stay disciplined and focused on your goals to build a consistent and predictable business.

Adopt a Continuous Improvement Mindset

Continuously seek to improve your business processes by soliciting feedback, analyzing data, and testing new ideas. This helps to ensure that your business is always adapting and evolving.