Making Things Happen

The Margin Manager's most valuable asset is often his or her ability to make positive things happen.

The realization of positive results - of any size, strength, or dimension - move a margin initiative forward. The margin manager initially doesn't need to land the perfect project or develop a program of corporate revenue significance. He or she simply needs to demonstrate that something can be done. Margin managers in the should strive to create a series of small but strategic victories in the early stages of an initiative.

The advantages of starting small include:

1. Small ventures are easy to capitalize.
2. Margin managers can launch multiple small efforts simultaneously - using diversification to reduce the risk of initiative failure.
3. Small efforts have shorter lead times so positive results are seen quickly.
   

Successful margin leaders identify and capitalize on small initial opportunities. These victories build positive momentum early. They stimulate further investment and increase partner engagement - both of which will be needed for larger ventures down the road.

This approach requires the "scrapper" instinct - the fighter who pulls victory out of whatever unpromising circumstances present themselves. There is little place here for the "general" who wishes to sit in the command tent and marshal forces for grand strategies.

Get out there and do something. Virtually any real result is better than a handful of strategic papers and plans.