The Perils of Assumption: Choo Ann NGOH on Measuring Business Success

In a recent LinkedIn post, Choo Ann NGOH shares a relatable anecdote about a home renovation gone awry to highlight a critical business lesson: the danger of assumptions. The post, which humorously details a failed attempt to purchase a new toilet bowl, serves as a metaphor for broader business practices, urging entrepreneurs to prioritize measurement over guesswork.

Choo Ann NGOH opens by recounting the experience of buying a new ‘throne’ (toilet bowl) without proper due diligence. “I thought all thrones (toilet bowls) 🚽 were the same. I was wrong lor ❌,” Choo Ann NGOH writes, immediately setting the stage for a lesson learned the hard way. The author explains the assumption that the new fixture would be a standard fit, a common pitfall when undertaking projects without confirming specifications.

The Cost of Unverified Assumptions

The immediate consequence of this assumption, as detailed by Choo Ann NGOH, was a physical mismatch. “I didn’t measure. I didn’t check the specs. I just assumed. The result? It didn’t fit lor🤦‍♂️,” the post states. This led to the inconvenience of returning the item and incurring additional costs, a scenario many business owners might recognize when launching new products, implementing software, or even hiring staff without adequate data.

Choo Ann NGOH emphasizes that this experience extends beyond plumbing. “I learnt in the world of plumbing, and business, you cannot manage what you do not measure,” the author asserts. This core message is reinforced by specific advice on what to check before making purchases, particularly in home improvement contexts that mirror business decisions.

Key Measurement Points for Business Decisions

The post outlines crucial factors that should be measured and verified:

• Rough-in Measurement: Choo Ann NGOH points out the critical importance of the distance from the wall to the drain, noting a personal mistake of buying a 10-inch model when a 12-inch was needed.
• Fixture Height: The author highlights that height impacts comfort and accessibility, referencing a significant difference between the old and new toilet bowl dimensions.
• Design Agreement: Choo Ann NGOH advises ensuring all users agree on the design before purchase, as post-installation complaints are difficult to rectify.

Beyond Home Renovations: Applying Measurement to Business

Extending the analogy, Choo Ann NGOH prompts readers to consider their own business practices. “Are you buying solutions, software, or hiring based on assumptions instead of data?🤷‍♂️,” the post questions. This challenges the reader to reflect on whether decisions are driven by empirical evidence or by gut feelings and standard expectations.

Another analogy is drawn from personal experience with utility bills. Choo Ann NGOH shares, “Just like how I assumed it was normal for my TNB bill when I moved into a home with existing non-inverter airconds, I didn’t realize I was throwing $$$ money by not switching to inverter airconds 🤦‍♂️.” This illustrates how seemingly ‘normal’ high costs can mask inefficiencies that only become apparent through measurement and comparison with alternative, more efficient solutions.

The article concludes with a direct call to action for fellow Malaysian entrepreneurs: “When was the last time you ‘measured’ a core part of your business instead of just assuming it was ‘standard’? Don’t wait until you have to return your ‘throne’ to find out it doesn’t fit! 👇” Choo Ann NGOH’s insights underscore the necessity of data-driven decision-making and continuous operational assessment to avoid costly mistakes and ensure business success.