Ever feel like “best practices” are just a fancy way of saying “do what everyone else is doing”? In this episode, I break down why that’s usually the worst advice you can follow. From welcome emails to school systems, I share why following the crowd might be the very thing holding you back, and how doing the exact opposite can get you ahead.
[1:08] Question the Status Quo:
- When the majority follows a certain path, it’s worth questioning its validity, as popularity does not equate to correctness.
- Challenging conventional wisdom allows for innovation and differentiation in business and life.
- Just because something is widely believed or practiced doesn’t mean it’s based on truth or effectiveness. It’s often based on flawed assumptions or outdated thinking and may not be the best approach for every situation.
- Success often comes from zigging when others zig, by rethinking assumptions and exploring alternative strategies.
[1:57] Efficiency Over Tradition:
- Delivering immediate value with a clear call to action often drives better results than building rapport first.
- Rather than delaying the main offer, giving subscribers immediate access to what they signed up for builds trust and engagement.
- Best practices can be limiting in marketing and business : Following the crowd often leads to generic outcomes; innovation and boldness can set businesses apart.
- Direct, problem-solving communication resonates more than performative personality : People often opt in to solve a problem, not to connect over photos of pets or personal stories.
[3:23] Question Institutional Norms:
- Structured systems can prioritize convenience over meaningful learning, leaving gaps in practical knowledge and life skills.
- If a “best practice” produces poor results (unprepared kids), its popularity doesn’t justify its flaws, effectiveness matters more than convention.
- Recognizing failure in existing models is the first move in creating better, more effective solutions.
[4:10] Customized Beats Conventional:
- Practical wisdom from top performers, based on real-world experience, is more valuable than generic advice.
- Mentorship from successful individuals accelerates growth : Their personalized strategies offer insights that go beyond one-size-fits-all best practices.
- General best practices often lead to average or frustrating results because they’re not tailored to individual goals or realities.
- Misalignment between advice and results is often due to flawed guidance, not personal failure.
- Adopting methods that have worked for proven winners increases the likelihood of achieving similar outcomes.
[4:46] Igor’s Book On Email Marketing:
Visit www.igorsbook.com to learn more.
