New methods of doing business are taking customers away from traditional companies. The companies that are advancing have found proven ways to get ahead of their competitors. The evolving businesses have figured out better ways to cut costs and increase efficiency between stations. The methods used are focused on bettering supply chain methods and reducing overall process time. In other words, new age businesses are concentrating on getting their products from the supplier, to the customer. Firms intend to do this in the best and efficient way possible.
When businesses are focussing on efficiency, it becomes easier to respond towards product demand. When considering this in the chain of distribution, the supplier knows right away when certain inventory needs to be replaced. When there are less products available on the shelf. This way, demand is being matched in real time, and less storage space is being used for inventory. Less storage space is being used because there is a focus on just-in-time processes. Businesses strive to have inventory arrive as soon as its needed. When thinking in terms of benefits, firms are able to cut costs in the long run. Short term investments are made on technology and knowledge. However, the results do pay off, and the investments do get recouped. This is because firms are able to get the product out to their customers quicker. When they do this, the customers are satisfied because their needs are met. Satisfied customers bring growth to the company. Read the rest of this entry »
We’ve all been taught to keep our eye on the ball, right? And we all are praised for juggling lots of balls at the same time.
But what if keeping our eye on all those balls is limiting our potential?
A friend of mine was talking to me about her business. She’s so busy she can’t see straight as she’s heads-down creating marketing messaging and content for a number of clients. She’s working every day and she’s exhausted.
Her goal is to do the brain work for clients, to share her expertise and knowledge by training folks to do for themselves. But somehow the Gravity of “Focus on customer success” has grabbed her and sucked her down into the doing vs the teaching. She’s doing tactical, execution work for folks who can’t do it themselves, writing emails, designing campaigns. All work that is necessary but a fairly big waste of her skills and expertise. She’s taking on all that tactical work because she is, indeed, keeping her eye on the ball. She is solving her clients’ problems. Read the rest of this entry »
What’s your Signature event? You know that thing that you host and people simply can’t wait to run out to their mailbox and get their invitation. Or do you not have one? As a business owner who is looking for unique, creative and inspirational ways to take your business out into the marketplace in a big bold way, hosting an annual event is an excellent area to start.
Hosting your very own signature event allows you to affirm your brand. What do you value? What do you stand for? For example, companies that are family centered tend to host events that are open to everyone. They want to see your children running around playing tag, tugging on the bottom of your skirt while you pour more lemonade. Companies that are not as “family centered,” may encourage you to leave everyone at home and come “stag.” Companies that are more altruistic tend to pull together events around giving back to the community. One of my former companies hosted a “Clean up the Bay” day. Those that promote leadership and team building are looking for opportunities for employees to be able to get out and work through opportunities that allow them to build those “leadership muscles.” Read the rest of this entry »