Worried your Business might be running Stagnant?
It’s a challenge to stay out of a rut for any business. First there is the start-up phase. This is a stage where we’re totally fired up and motivated. Employees go through the same excitement when first hired. The next phase is when we’re getting into a comfortable routine. For Staff members this means getting a “handle on the job”.
Beware--This can easily turn into a very comfortable trap! Here are 5-tips to keep you out of trouble, and racing towards success.
1. Kiss of Death. Stagnant Policies, Proceedures & Routines. Change is crucial if you say and/or hear these words:
“We do it that way because that’s the way it’s always been done.”
This is a problem because either your organization is not growing and your competition is kicking your butt or your employees are not growing and you are not getting the fired-up best production out of them (retirement time, certainly performance review time). Solve this human resource problem immediately in order to keep up and stay profitable. If you let your staff get away with this, you’re leaving money on the table!!
2. Outdated Technology. It's not necessary to stand in line at Best Buy because the new Iphone is due out tomorrow. But, you should not still be using a typewriter for invoices either. If you don't have one yet, get a smart phone and learn how to use it. There is no excuse for you to purchase better technology for your children than you have in your business which is how you earn the money to feed said children.
3. Outdated Security. Cameras, Lights, Action! What sense does it make to make a profit and leave the front door open for thieves to steal all your equipment and products? Most police departments offer a free analysis of your building and will make suggestions to keep you and your property safe. Cameras are a must, lighting is important to worker safety. Don't stop there, internet security is just as important, employee records, customer files, all have to be protected. In addition, be sure to cover internal theft. Most retailers will tell you internal theft is just as high as burglars and shoplifting. Yes, even if long-time employees and/or family staff members are present. These days, technology enables business owners to track building activity from a smartphone.
4. No on-going Staff Training or testing. It's important to train yourself and your staff and test the results. When is the last time you called your business or listened in on a speakerphone while someone else called into your business? You'd be surprised what your gate-keeper is saying to strangers. Don't waste money advertising and attracting new clients if they're not treated to a warm welcome when they walk in the door or call to inquire. Make 'greeting' a performance review category for employees. Show an example of what you expect.
5. Word of Mouth advertising. While this method will carry a business for a while, eventually people will run out of friends, family and referrals; and other methods will become necessary. If this were not so, Pepsi, Coke, Burger King and McDonalds would have stopped advertising a long time ago! You must keep your brand out there to grow and be profitable. While social media is an important component, traditional signs and ads must be a part of any successful plan.
I hope these tips help your business prosper. Here's to your success!
Deb
