What part of your business isn't working as well as you'd like it to? Maybe your not getting referrals or your payment process is cumbersome. Perhaps your product or service is starting to feel stale.
It takes constant scrutiny and improvements to build and grow a profitable business. Analyzing your business may feel overwhelming - so keep things simple. Start by picking one small area of your business that is a thorn in your side and use the following questions to begin to brainstorm some solutions. Then, pick a solution that seem realistic and doable - and try it!
Imagine you are in your office preparing for the week ahead of you. Think about all the things you have to do to build and grow your business. There is something nagging at you, its something you know isn't working well at all. Perhaps you've even been avoiding it hoping that it would go away or work itself out on its own. But it is still there, and now you are ready to face it head on. What is that think/activity that isn't working like you want it to?
Now, go through the following questions and look for creative solutions (doing this with a partner is a great idea!):
1. Can this thing/activity be replaced with something better?
aybe your old computer is so slow that everything takes you twice as long as it should and upgrading to a new computer would solve your problem. Or, you decide going to three networking meetings isn't getting you any new clients, so you will solicit new business through ads or through public speaking.
2. Can this thing/activity be changed/updated/altered?
Perhaps the system you are using to track prospects/clients is cumbersome and by modifying it or making a spreadsheet you could be more efficient and faster. If your desk is messy and cluttered with papers, it may be time to clean and organize.
3. Can this thing be fixed/corrected?
If your old phone number or email is still on your business card you could be losing out on business because people can't find you. Or, if someone working for you not meeting your expectations? This is an opportunity to coach them and help them improve their performance.
4. Can this thing be delegated?
Maybe there someone more qualified who can do it better than you in half the time- let them do it! Pass on the things that are time consuming and repetitive. Automate whenever possible. Hire a Virtual Assistant or Book Keeper. Pay a neighborhood teenager to handle simple administrative tasks.
5. Can this thing be dropped?
Are you being charged for a service you no longer use? If so, then cancel it. Spending a lot of time and energy on an activity that is not paying off? Then, stop it!
Continually improving not only your product and service - but the process by which you do it - will lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness. Listen to your intuition - if something doesn't feel right it's time to do something about it!
Do you have a great example about how making a small change resulted in a great improvement?
Please tell us on the Discussion Board so we can all learn from your experience.
Leigh Ann Rodgers
Coaching, Training and Products to Develop Business Professionals (404) 964-8306
