10%

A few days ago, Seth Godin mentioned the difficulty of getting the last 10% of productivity or excellence.  Today, most associations, consultants, executives get probably execute well 75-90% of the time.  That's what you need just to be credible in the marketplace.

But yes, the 10% is where the gold is.  But you must look for that type of service or people.  The consultant who did everything...and a bit more.  With excellence.  The person you hired entry level that lapped colleagues so fast they were promoted or they left for a great opportunity - and took their 10% somewhere else.

The last 10% is the difference maker.  The last call, the thank you note, the thoughtful sales presentation about the customer's needs not your product.

In twenty years, I have hired about 50-100 people.  If I started a company with my own money, my fanny on the line I would hire  - about 10% of them again.

Oh, I just did start a company.  10%ers apply within.