Slow to go fast

In a world that glorifies hustle, it’s easy to think speed is the key to success. But moving fast without a clear direction often leads to wasted time, energy, and money. As the old adage goes, “Measure twice, cut once.” Taking the time to plan and double-check your work upfront can save you from costly mistakes later on.

By taking a deliberate approach, you’ll set yourself up for success while avoiding common pitfalls. Poor planning costs organizations 11.4% of their project investment, according to the Project Management Institute.

In the cannabis industry, businesses frequently waste thousands of dollars on packaging that doesn’t meet compliance requirements. A simple compliance check before production can prevent these expensive missteps. Before fully committing to a new product, establish a panel of trusted retailers or consumers to review it. Their feedback can reveal flaws or improvements that save time and money before you scale.

Deadlines are important, but don’t rush a launch if there’s a bug in the code or the packaging isn’t quite right. Apple Maps’ premature launch in 2012 serves as a cautionary tale—taking time to refine their product could have avoided the backlash and reputation damage.

A little patience has saved me countless times. Move slow to go fast, and you’ll get it right the first time—without the need for costly rework.