So it is tough out there I hear you say… Yes for the normal business that is doing normal things, it is a very challenging environment to be doing business in. I have seen many “normal” businesses over the past few years that have made the steps to be “different” compared to their competitors. Their profits are up considerably on “the good old days”…
Every business has the potential to stick out in a crowded marketplace and to get decent profit growth. It all comes down to focusing on doing the most important things “today” in your business. Most businesses do not know what the most important things are, so take the time to step out of your business and think on your business and to determine what would make a difference for you to leapfrog and be a true market leader.
Successful companies “today” do the following:
- The leaders and managers lead by example
- The team actually likes going to work and wants to make a difference
- The culture that exists (do not trick yourself as to what the culture of your business truly is) is performance orientated at all levels
- There is a big focus on ensuring the best customer experience at all levels of the business
- There is constant thought on how the business can improve
- Any $ spent have an expectation that they will generate $ and the “spend” and “return” is tracked
- Trial and error is applied and learnt from for the next decision / idea
- Surprises always happen but the surprises are discovered yesterday, not tomorrow
- They have knowledge of how their cash-flow will look in 6 months time
- They are always checking that they have enough sales leads in the pipeline so that the business will have good sales in 12 months time
- They are focusing in detail on what current clients should be (could be) buying more from them
- There is a business plan in place that is clear and then constant consideration of it
- The business plan is narrowly focused so the business is not trying to be all things to all people
- The leader of the business is disciplined, unwavering and focused on the end goal
- The entire business has bought into the vision and goals of the business
- Decisions are made quickly, thus the company is nimble
- Regular (effective) meetings and good communications / feedback at all levels of the business
They also ensure that every decision taken has the customer in mind. These are some of the traits of the businesses today that are winning! If you would like to know more on how to implement some of these ideas into your business, I look forward to hearing from you. zac@businesschanging.com or 021 775 660. Check out www.businesschanging.com
GROW YOUR PROFITABILITY AND PERFORMANCE COURSE
If you like the sound of Zac’s column “You can definitely grow your profits!” and the potential impact on your business or team, he will be running 4 half days group training and also 3 hours of one-on-one training and discussion on your business starting in September, through to late November. Most of what was discussed in the column will be discussed and trained on so that you can apply it into your business. During the one-on-one meetings with Zac, he will help you to take what you learn and apply it into your business.
For full detail of the course check out the homepage of Zac’s business: www.businesschanging.com and click on “check out our course”…
This is a NZTE capability voucher approved course, so the cost is reduced by 50% if you qualify (you will be assessed and your business needs to have less than 50 people). Cost after voucher is $1,125 + GST and this includes 3 hours of one on one time with Zac… Payment terms available.
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