Don't Sweat the Small Details

Obsess over them

There is plenty of advice for entrepreneurs and business owners about what to focus on to achieve success. But, let’s face it: it’s easy to get caught up in the grand vision of what you want your business to be to the point that it’s equally as easy to push the small details aside. I’m here to tell you that type of thinking is flat-out wrong.

Regardless of industry, just about everyone does the big things well. In the branded merchandise space, for example, I don’t know of a supplier that doesn’t process orders promptly, provide quality merchandise, decorate the merchandise consistently well, ship correctly to the end-user, and invoice the distributor. Of course, there are exceptions, but that’s precisely what they are – exceptions. The fact is most every supplier does those big things exceedingly well.

I could use the same example regarding distributors, service providers, or any organization. Of course, every successful company does the big things – the “nuts and bolts” of their operation – well. However, the most minor of details make the most significant impact. These details make your business unique: how you package products, how often you follow up with clients, and the attention given to every interaction. This is how you create a consistent and memorable experience for your clients that keeps them coming back for more.

In the promotional products industry, obsessing over the small details will help you build the cornerstone of any successful business: trust. When you take the time to ensure that EVERY SINGLE DETAIL has been thought through and creates delight in your audience, it shows you care and are committed to delivering the best experience possible. Things like a hand-written note accompanying a delivery to express gratitude, a surprise package where the goal is creating a smile and not getting an order, or even something as simple as providing updated tracking information throughout the delivery process all contribute to building trust, which leads to loyalty.

When you pay attention to the details, you train yourself to be more thorough and thoughtful in every aspect of your business. This means when you’re faced with a task, you’ll be able to immerse yourself into it and do an exceptional job. Moreover, when you do things exceptionally well, people will remember you for it. Look at it this way: the final product you deliver directly indicates how well you were paying attention to the details during the entire project.

When you obsess over the small details, you set the stage for big results. It helps you identify and address potential problems before they become major issues, builds a high degree of trust and loyalty, and creates a culture of excellence that permeates every single aspect of your organization.

Yes, make sure the big things are working and working well. But to truly separate your business from the competition, don’t sweat the small details – obsess over them.