Small Business and Recession - Time to Empty the "Too Hard" Basket For Great Benefits at Little Cost
1 Review Your Systems
You probably have systems that need changing to better achieve business goals. Look at all your systems. Streamline them for improved operation.
2 Crosstrain
Improve your flexibility and reliance on individuals by crosstraining. Key tasks shouldn't be held up or slowed because only one person is competent to do them. Now's the time to crosstrain.
3 Redesign And Reorganize
There's almost certainly some reorganization you've been "putting off". It could be a stockroom or storeroom that needs "tidying up", a display that needs redesign or a work flow deficiency that you've "learnt to live with". Fix it now.
4 Records
Are you frustrated because the information you need isn't easily accessible from your records? Do you know exactly what you want from your records? You have time now to review these issues.
5 Statistics
"Wouldn't it be good if we could..." Now's the time to review the statistics you're getting and change them if necessary to reflect your needs.
6 Credit Terms, Leases, Loans And Like Matters
Review all of these. Are you getting the best possible terms from bankers, financiers, suppliers, contractors and consultants. A recession creates a favourable renegotiating climate.
7 External Training
Is there a particular course or seminar that you want someone to do but haven't been able to "spare" him or her? Now's the time. I don't advocate "training for training's sake". But it's worth looking at.
Conclusion
I've made a few suggestions. You build on them to meet your needs. You'll keep your people busy. If you manage the review professionally, you'll improve teamwork, participation and co-operation. And you'll gain significant business improvement at little cost: not bad in a recession.
Leon Noone invites you to contact him on http://www.leonnoone.com where you can collect your free copy of his 42 page Special Report: "5 Proven Methods For Improving Employee Performance On The Job". He's published books on staff selection and team development as well as various video, text/audio and self instruction programs on selection, training, motivation and performance systems.
1 Review Your Systems
You probably have systems that need changing to better achieve business goals. Look at all your systems. Streamline them for improved operation.
2 Crosstrain
Improve your flexibility and reliance on individuals by crosstraining. Key tasks shouldn't be held up or slowed because only one person is competent to do them. Now's the time to crosstrain.
3 Redesign And Reorganize
There's almost certainly some reorganization you've been "putting off". It could be a stockroom or storeroom that needs "tidying up", a display that needs redesign or a work flow deficiency that you've "learnt to live with". Fix it now.
4 Records
Are you frustrated because the information you need isn't easily accessible from your records? Do you know exactly what you want from your records? You have time now to review these issues.
5 Statistics
"Wouldn't it be good if we could..." Now's the time to review the statistics you're getting and change them if necessary to reflect your needs.
6 Credit Terms, Leases, Loans And Like Matters
Review all of these. Are you getting the best possible terms from bankers, financiers, suppliers, contractors and consultants. A recession creates a favourable renegotiating climate.
7 External Training
Is there a particular course or seminar that you want someone to do but haven't been able to "spare" him or her? Now's the time. I don't advocate "training for training's sake". But it's worth looking at.
Conclusion
I've made a few suggestions. You build on them to meet your needs. You'll keep your people busy. If you manage the review professionally, you'll improve teamwork, participation and co-operation. And you'll gain significant business improvement at little cost: not bad in a recession.
Leon Noone invites you to contact him on http://www.leonnoone.com where you can collect your free copy of his 42 page Special Report: "5 Proven Methods For Improving Employee Performance On The Job". He's published books on staff selection and team development as well as various video, text/audio and self instruction programs on selection, training, motivation and performance systems.
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