Seeing a lot of fumbles at your business? Are the fumbles creating friction among your employees? In short, should things be running smoother?
When things are not going well, it's time to step away from all the silly MBA jargon and return to common sense. It's ridiculous to even utter the words "supply chain" if you can't get orders out the door in a timely manner. It's absurd to turn to 6-Sigma when everything seems to ... >>full...
Okay, first take a look at the napkin art. Then read the thinking below.
Last week a guy called me about working for him on a "sure thing". This new product is going to blast off. As soon as he starts producing these things, which is going to require significant capital investment, they will sell as fast he can produce them.
He needed me to: 1. Make a business plan 2. Raise money 3. Set up a website 4. Do ...
I was seeking advice for a client from a restaurant "turn around" expert the other day and he gave me a great tip. I've been able to help a few restaurants add to their profitability so this is not unfamiliar territory for me. But Mike opened my eyes to a new way to approach improving a restaurant or any business. "I start by looking in the garbage. That's where the profit goes at many restaurants." ... >>full...
Seth Godin (I highly recommend his books) has a post today on a theme that I constantly try to get across. Fixing the One Big Thing
I am always amazed at the resistance to fixing the biggest problems a business may have. The objections usually center on cost or time. But fixing a big problem doesn't have to be expensive or take a lot of time. Fixing a big problem takes initiative.
[ Posted bymichael cardus, September 05, 2008 17:14 ] I also am a fan of Seths.
I had to laugh when I read about the "production team thinking you would not understand there complicated machinary".
Looking at health care and other fields a simple check list cuts costs (mal-practice, major maintenance overhauls etc...)
A daily check list of parts and systems creates and easily replicable system.
Let's assume you want to improve your business. You know things could be better and you identify a couple areas that need work. Before launching an improvement effort, consider whether you want 'more' or 'better'.
It is important to set the focus of more or better in order to reach the desired goal. Head down the wrong path and you might defeat your own purpose.
Sometimes, the choice is obvious. Margins are down? You want more. Failure ... >>full...
Businesses are measuring everything these days. There is a prevailing
philosophy that something can't be made 'better' unless it's measured
to establish a benchmark. This sounds reasonable, and there is a grain
of truth in it, but it's not always necessary to establish metrics to
achieve improvement.
First, let's consider why this trend has
has become so pervasive. We tend accept as true, stories which contain
a component we know, or believe to be, true. We ... >>full...
Here's a simple idea to improve your business. Get an inexpensive notebook---not a computer, the paper kind though you could use your computer. I think this is best done on paper so you'll look at it, however.
At the end of every day, make two entries.
First, put down something where you blew it. Write up something you didn't handle well or something that went wrong in your day that was within your control. For example, ... >>full...
