Mastering Your Tools
The Mizuno MP32’s came out in late 2004, and I picked up mine in 2008. They were the first set of blades I’d ever owned, and to say they took some getting used to is an understatement, but every tool takes time to master. I use the term master losely, go with me here…
I know exactly how far I can hit every one of them. I know how much more I can shape my 7 iron than my 5 iron. I know that I always (always) leave my 6 iron out to the right a little. I know that I’m butter with my 9 iron, and that I only hit my 4 iron good 10% of the time. And I know that if my three iron is ever in my hand then I need to say a prayer before I swing it.
These are my tools, and I know how to use them. I can confidently (try to) execute every shot of my round because I have a good strategy and plan and I understand what I can and can’t do with them. No matter what shot I have to face or what obstacle lies in my way, I at least know that I have the tools I need in order to take a swing at it and play for the next shot.
Golf and business aren’t really that different. That’s partly why I use the analogy a lot here.
Every turn in the economy. Every quarter (good or bad). Every new product or initiative. Every lead you drive and customer you close. Every person you hire and the ones you have to fire. The success of all of these seasons and decisions are reliant on you understanding your tools and having a great plan for how to handle them.
Knowing which employee you can get a little more out of without having to ask, vs. the ones that need a little more of your time and effort. Knowing that lead source that you can always count on, but understanding how to factor in the cost that comes with utilizing it. Knowing that product that is “butter” for you and hit’s every time, and the one that you can’t seem to figure out no matter how much time you spend dialing it in.
Your mission. Your values. Your goals. Your why, how and what…these are all tools that help you navigate whatever opportunity and obstacle comes your way.
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I’ve been hitting my Mizunos for well over a decade now, and I don’t plan on replacing them anytime soon. I might add a few new toys to the set sooner or later, but it’s hard for me to imagine a future without the 32’s being my tools of choice.
What are the tools of your business that you are working to master? Are you so aligned on your mission that it drives every decision you make? Are your brand guidelines so defined that your marketing assets can be created in half the time? Do your core values make every customer interaction easy, even the ones that shouldn’t be?
Hopefully you have some clubs in your bag that can help you take whatever shot you need too. If you need help dialing some of them in, let’s chat : )