The devil is in the details.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe has been attributed to coming up with “the devil is in the details.” He may have uttered this principle slightly differently…”less is more,” and “God is in the details.”

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (27 March 1886 – 17 August 1969) is one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. He is known for his role in the development of the most enduring architectural style called “modernism.” You can learn more here.

Can attention to the devil is in the details transform you and your success?

I’d say so! This exclamation comes from a person whose natural inclination is to start with the Big Picture and then work towards the details.

As a management consultant, I am first a 30,000-foot strategist and advisor. But I’ve learned the importance of taking care of the little things (80/20 mindset). We all are bombarded with information every minute of the day. It pays to “pay attention.”

My wife works outside the home, so I am in the kitchen cooking much more. In our household, we like to try 1 or 2 new recipes each week. My wife constantly reminds me to measure ingredients. My style is usually to do the opposite. I like to “eyeball” things and put in a pinch of this and a pinch of that.

I’ve learned my lesson though…in many scenarios.

• The Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten, who is a world-famous cook, says she always measures everything. After thousands of attempts to perfect each recipe, she says it would be silly not to be precise.
• Baking too requires one to be even more detailed (as my wife tells me – she is an amazing baker). When baking, being off only a small amount with any ingredient will end in failure – your bread doesn’t rise, your cake is too dry.
• Specialties of mine include email marketing and developing and managing customer relationship management systems (CRM). This work demands extreme preciseness. For example, field values must be mapped exactly if you want your data import to be successful.
• Data analysis can help you gain valuable insights (patterns, trends) and develop more effective strategies for business development, marketing, fundraising, etc. For example, you can identify the 20% of customers or donors that give you 80% of your annual revenues, so you can focus your scarce resources on deepening these key relationships.
• Have you heard of the Tactical Triangle? (traffic, conversion, economic value) If you track, measure, and analyze data, you will be able to find the “root cause.” When you resolve the issue, you produce the BIGGEST impact. For example, increasing your conversion rate by only .5% (2.0% to 2.5%) produces a 25% increase in revenues.

This principle, the devil is in the details, is ever so more important to follow in today’s data-driven world. Here are 7 highlights of this principle for you to review. Hope you find it helpful.

Leverage Unseen Forces – Use the hidden power of precision

Ever wonder why some businesses have an uncanny knack for success, while similar enterprises struggle despite hard work, much effort, and good ideas?

Often, the secret lies with the devil is in the details. It is the small, often overlooked elements that can make or break a business (The 80/20 Principle). A slight tweak in your marketing message, or a minor improvement in customer service, can make for superior outcomes.

Precision in your operations gives you the upper hand. You’ll spot opportunities and threats before others do. Your newfound superpower gives you an edge over your competition and saves you time and money.

Be a Data-Driven Leader - Harness the power of numbers

Every dollar counts when running a small to mid-sized business or a nonprofit. Are you leveraging the full potential of your data?

Leaders who really “know their numbers” gain valuable insights that drive their strategic decisions. For example, an understanding of your sales metrics can help you identify high-impact, low-effort opportunities.

And analyzing donor patterns can reveal better strategies for fundraising campaigns. Focus on the details (data). Make better informed decisions that propel your organization forward.

Pick Quality Over Quantity - The critical role of small things

Sometimes our world values quantity over quality (i.e. more leads). Remember, “less is more.” It is more strategic to focus on the quality in the details. This could be your product materials or ways you communicate with your customers.

This is foundational!

Attention to the devil is in the details builds trust and reliability. Your customers or donors will stick with you. Your client retention improves, as does your client lifetime value.

Avoid Pitfalls – There is a cost of overlooking details

We have all heard horror stories about businesses that failed due to minor oversights! A poorly worded contract, a missed deadline, or an unfulfilled, promised follow-up.

Neglecting the devil is in the details can cause a snowball effect. Like missed sales or grant funding opportunities due to small mistakes.

Be meticulous and thorough. You will avoid risks and mishaps. Create a culture where everyone understands that the little things matter. And everyone is accountable to pay attention to them.

Execute With Precision – This is the path to consistency and reliability

People count on you. Be reliable and trustworthy!

Consistent results come from having detailed plans and processes in place and through precise execution. Stephen Covey said success comes down to 4 things – strategy, execution, measurement, and optimization.

Deepen relationship trust levels and enhance your brand reputation. You’ll be able to stop chasing people, they will seek you out.

Satisfy Customers – A detail-oriented approach to excellence

Want to turn a satisfied client into a loyal advocate? Customer service = details.

Take time to write and send a handwritten note. Cut and paste and share articles of interest. Say thank you often and occasionally include a unique, inexpensive gift.

Focus on these kinds of small details. Show your customers and donors that you are listening and that you value them.

Innovate Through Nuance - Small adjustments, BIG changes

Innovation doesn't always mean creating something entirely new. You can also look for ways to recombine and reassociate key elements. Small refinements can lead to the biggest changes.

How can a slight redesign make your product more user-friendly? How can you tweak your website homepage to increase views and conversions? Each nuance, added up, can produce significant breakthroughs and exponential results.

Want to be different in your marketplace? Want to stay ahead of your competition? Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and attention to detail. Become an organization of innovation.

Embrace the principle, the devil is in the details. Unlock the real potential of your business or nonprofit. Leverage data. Reallocate resources to high impact activities. Be a transformative enterprise!