You?ve probably noticed that men and women see the world around them from different perspectives. Men tend to be problem solvers. I plead guilty to the charge. Women tend to see the relationships and complexity surrounding a situation. To understand the two views, imagine walking outside on a clear winter day. As you face the sun, the snow cover reflects the light and what is most clear within your field of vision is the detail right in front of you. But, if you turn with your back to the sun, it's a panorama of objects each relating to the other with subtle hues and depth. It?s the same world, but the perspectives are different and each is accurate.

Now, think of a sculpture, a three- dimensional object that can be viewed from all directions, each view having a different impact. Two-dimensional photographs can?t convey the power of Michelangelo?s David. Seeing the sculpture in three- dimensional space is a powerful experience. Imagine your opportunities and challenges as individual objects in space. The dimensions here would be cost, time, and effort. What would they now look like if you viewed them from every angle and in relationship to each other? From one perspective the cost might be the dominant dimension but from another angle it might appear insignificant. The same principle would hold true for the other dimensions. You would begin to see and appreciate the complexity of the situation.

Appreciation, though, is not enough. As businesspeople it is our responsibility to make decisions - business decisions. We need to appreciate the full complexity of an issue to make the best decision but we also need to strip away and set aside those elements that should not unduly influence that decision. Make the decision and move on. That?s how an effective businessperson operates.

So, who is right? You are, of course.

What would it take to double your sales? OK, maybe that's too big a stretch for you. Think about it this way: What would happen if you increased by only 10% each of the activities you do to find and keep your good customers? I haven't worked with anyone yet who couldn't find 10% more time and resources to devote to growing their sales by eliminating expenses and activities that don't. I call it the 10% solution.

Why do you attend networking events? It's probably to meet people, become known for the services you provide, and support the organizations holding the events. I hope it's not just for the the free food and drinks. Being a more effective networker means investing your time wisely by seeking out the opportunities that will move you closer to your goals and giving up the activities that don't. Make this a part of your 10% solution.