It’s February second and everyone knows what that means – whacked out people crowd around a groundhog and look up at the sky.  And on TV one of the greatest movies ever made is playing – Groundhog Day.

It’s one of my all time favorite movies. I’m not even sure why it appeals to me so much, but any time it’s on, I watch. The idea that the lead character (aptly named Phil) is waking up every day of his life in the exact same scenario is too funny.

Once he figures out what’s going on, he starts testing.  One day he steals the groundhog and drives off a cliff.  Another day he drops a toaster into his tub while he bathes.  Every day he wakes up and gets to do it over again.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could get do-overs in life and business?

Getting those proposals just right wouldn’t be a problem.  Converting sales would never be an issue.  Saying the right thing at just the right time would become a science.

Unfortunately those scenarios aren’t possible.  Do-overs and undos just don’t exist in the real world.  We press on as we are, every day doing pretty much the same things, hoping for a good outcome.

Every day I come across at least one business that’s doing the same thing day in and day out.

• They’re putting money into advertising but have no idea if it’s working.
• They trudge forward, wishing their website was better, but don’t do anything to make it better.
• They push on, day after day making the same mistakes they’ve made for years.

Groundhog Day Syndrome.  SSDD.

A rut is nothing more than a grave with both ends kicked out.
- unknown

So what’s stopping you, Mrs. Business Owner?  Why not take a step today towards a better future for your business?  That’s what Phil does in the movie.  He starts trying different things – eventually learning that being stuck in a rut isn’t the way to go through life.  And the same goes for your business.

Quit wondering how your competition is beating you and start brainstorming.  Put them on the defensive.  Do something different that makes them wonder what you’re up to.  Make them play catch-up!

Of course, being a marketing guy, I’ve got to say this: Why not start today on building your presence online?  Line up a designer and get the process started.  Already have a website? Get an SEO audit and make yourself aware of the simple changes you can make to improve your rankings.  Start tracking your website visitors.  Know who’s buying, where they’re coming from and what they want.  Then you’ll be on the way to providing them those things and your business will grow.

Don’t wait.  No matter what it is, get started on something different today.  Get the ideas in your mind churning.  Don’t wait around in that rut any longer – start the climb out.  It may just be easier than you thought.