In an age where diversification and expansion often take center stage, there’s something to be said about the value of focus.
As the CEO of Midtown Chimney, a company narrowly entrenched in fireplaces and chimneys, I’ve come to understand the profound impact of staying true to our specialization. The power of compounding micro improvements. Do a thing often, do it over years, and excellence and improvement are popssible. Improvement can happen by leaps and bounds, or by micro improvements. In this article I discuss the often overlooked topic of often un-appealing and un-exciting micro-improvements.
At Midtown Chimney, we’ve made a conscious decision to resist the temptation of branching out into ancillary cleaning and repair services. It is notable that every year someone comes to me asking if we can please add on HVAC, gutter cleaning, roofing repair, and more. I say no. While some may view this as limiting our potential, we see it as a strategic choice that allows us to channel all our resources, energy, and expertise into mastering one thing exceptionally well. We understand that true excellence isn’t about being a jack-of-all-trades; it’s about becoming a master of one.
Just Say No to Distracting Add-on Business Concepts
In our pursuit of niche business excellence, we’ve embraced the mantra of compounding micro improvements. What exactly does this mean? It’s about recognizing that greatness is achieved not through one grand gesture or overnight success but through the relentless accumulation of small, incremental improvements over time. It’s about committing to a process of continuous refinement and optimization, knowing that even the smallest adjustments to a good program can lead to significant advancements in the long run. Just say no to distracting add-on business concepts.
This emphasis on compounding micro improvements permeates our business. From the way we train our team members to the processes we implement for chimney maintenance, we’re seeking ways to refine and enhance our operations. It’s not about revolutionizing the industry overnight; it’s about making small tweaks and adjustments that, over time, compound into transformative outcomes. We are patient. In 20 years people will say, wow, how did you invent so many new processess and methods of efficiency and improvement? I will say at that time, we did it by saying no to distractions like gutter cleaning.
Examples of How Midtown is Deepening Trade Knowledge in its Company by Micro Improvement
One of the key drivers of compounding micro improvements at Midtown Chimney is our commitment to training and education. This year, we’re investing heavily in a certification program that captures the essence of our work—a testament to our dedication to continuous learning and development.
- We’re excited to introduce the updated Midtown Chimney University, an online learning platform tailored specifically to professionals in our industry. By providing our team with access to targeted, high-quality training resources, we’re empowering them to hone their skills and deliver reproducible results that set us apart in the marketplace. Here is a video where I address the lack of proper training centers and the weakness of US-based chimney sweep certifications.
- Training alone is not enough. True excellence requires a culture of hand work, or field work. By cultivating a culture that celebrates learning and hand work, we’re able to harness the collective intelligence of our team and drive innovation at every level of the organization.
- Handing down the legacy from worker to worker. One way Midtown Chimney creates micro improvements is through a long-view strategy requiring tremendous patience: generational training and trade-knowledge. See my other articles on the value I place on handing down and passing down fireplace knowledge.
In Summary…
As we continue on our journey of niche business excellence, let us remember the power of compounding micro improvements. Let us embrace the notion that greatness is not achieved overnight but through the relentless pursuit of excellence, one small step at a time.
Whether you find yourself in a niche industry like ours or charting your own path in uncharted territory, remember that success lies not in doing everything but in doing one thing extraordinarily well. Stay focused, stay committed, and above all, never underestimate the transformative power of compounding micro improvements.
How will you possibly use micro improvements in your industry? I would love to hear your reaction and receive your input!
