Small marginal gains that lead to excellence

I think we can agree that running a business in today’s VUCA world is hard work—a true rollercoaster ride with long hours, endless challenges, and plenty of spinning plates.

While many people still push the idea of a magic pill or overnight success, I’ve learned over the past 25+ years of working in industry with some amazing individuals and in nine years of running LR Comms that the real difference between those who succeed and those who don’t has a lot to do with a certain joie de vivre.

With statistics showing that only 40% of small businesses make it past their fifth year​ and the median profit made by SMEs in the UK in 2023 was approximately £13,000* clearly it's about more than financial success; it’s about the challenge, striving for excellence, and making a lasting impact.

Loving what I do is what drives me, the leaders I work with, and the community of amazing business owners around me. It’s what gets us (back) up in the morning. Whether it’s the thrill of delighted customers, stepping out of your comfort zone, or the genuine desire to build a brilliant brand that people love.

But joy alone isn’t enough. The businesses that thrive are also committed to continuous improvement, they are constantly asking themselves how they can get better.

It’s not about big changes all at once; it’s about those small, 1% marginal gains—the little tweaks that, over time, lead to excellence.

As we head into the final weeks of 2024, I’d like to invite you to reflect:

• What do you love about your business?

• What’s your 1% marginal gain? What small tweak can you make now to create momentum going into next year?

If you want to dive deeper into the marginal gains philosophy, have a watch of this video from Sir Dave Brailsford the London Business Forum as he shares how his approach to making small, continuous improvements that led the SKY UK Cycling team to peak performance.