Focus On The Future (And The Past)
If you're like most business people, when you're planning for the new year by working on your budgets and marketing plans you focus on the very near term and the future. And while it's important to focus on the future, it's equally as important to reflect on the history of your business and what has made it succeed so far.
Ask yourself: What is it that has distinguished my company from the competition? The answer to this question is called a Unique Selling Proposition, and it should be the foundation of everything you do in marketing.
If you don't know why your clients choose your business over your competition, then simply ask them. Even if you think you know, ask them anyway because their answer may surprise you.
Once you have identified what your unique selling proposition is, you'll know what direction to take with your marketing strategy and the image and identity that you try to create. For instance, if you are a builder and your clients come to you for your craftmanship, then that's what your marketing messages should convey, not that your price is low or that you complete jobs quickly (even if you offer those benefits as well).
Solid Oak Consulting can help you work on your unique selling proposition. For more information, please contact me, Tom Long, 708-524-0886, SolidOakConsulting.com.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Focus on Your Systems
Focus on Your Systems
One of the most important distinctions is the difference between a business and a job. Too many professionals and small-business owners think they own and run a 'business' when what they've actually done is create their own job.
Now, let's be clear - there is nothing wrong with having a job! Some business coaches give the impression that having a job is 'less than' owning a business, and I don't feel that way. For many people, in many situations, a job suits them and is the best thing for them. If you prefer a job to running your own business, good for you!
Tom Long, 708-524-0886, SolidOakConsulting.com.
One of the most important distinctions is the difference between a business and a job. Too many professionals and small-business owners think they own and run a 'business' when what they've actually done is create their own job.
Now, let's be clear - there is nothing wrong with having a job! Some business coaches give the impression that having a job is 'less than' owning a business, and I don't feel that way. For many people, in many situations, a job suits them and is the best thing for them. If you prefer a job to running your own business, good for you!
Tom Long, 708-524-0886, SolidOakConsulting.com.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Documenting Your System
Documenting Your System
More than likely, you have systems in place at your business, whether you are conscious of them or not. But does anyone know what those systems are? If not, it's time to change that.
Putting your system down on paper is a good exercise for you to sit and really think about how your business works, and whether it is acceptable to you. Beyond that, it will allow your employees to understand how the business works so they can see the same 'big picture' that you see.
Tom Long, 708-524-0886, SolidOakConsulting.com.
More than likely, you have systems in place at your business, whether you are conscious of them or not. But does anyone know what those systems are? If not, it's time to change that.
Putting your system down on paper is a good exercise for you to sit and really think about how your business works, and whether it is acceptable to you. Beyond that, it will allow your employees to understand how the business works so they can see the same 'big picture' that you see.
Tom Long, 708-524-0886, SolidOakConsulting.com.
Friday, October 07, 2011
Do You Have A System
Do You Have a System?
When some small-business owners hear the word system, they think, "That's only what big companies use." But every company, whether big or small, has a system.
A great example of how a system works is the human body. The skeletal system holds the body up and the respiratory system delivers oxygen to the blood so that the blood can deliver oxygen to the rest of the body. If the respiratory system is not working, neither will the skeletal system, or any system for that matter. All the systems in the body work together.
The same is true when it comes a business system. Without a sales system to get new business, there would be no need for an accounting system to collect account receivables, etc.
Every successful business has a system and subsystems that keep it functioning. It's important to realize what systems you have in your business for a number of reasons.
Accountability . When you have a system, you know who is supposed to do what. So when something goes wrong, you simply look at the system and determine who is responsible, or whether a new system should be established.
Management. When a system is in place, you don't have to micro-manage or hold everyone's hand. The system is there to guide your employees.
Profitability. Getting your systems to work in conjunction with each other can affect your bottom line. For instance, if your marketing system works in conjunction with your inventory system, you'll know exactly how much of one product you will need. If not, the marketing department would put a product on sale, but the inventory department would run out of the product. As a result, the customers would get frustrated and choose to go elsewhere next time.
Time to sell . If, one day, you are looking to sell your business, the prospective buyer will no doubt be interested in your business systems and how effective they are.
Solid Oak Consulting can help you define or refine your business systems. For more information, please contact me, Tom Long, 708-524-0886, SolidOakConsulting.com.
When some small-business owners hear the word system, they think, "That's only what big companies use." But every company, whether big or small, has a system.
A great example of how a system works is the human body. The skeletal system holds the body up and the respiratory system delivers oxygen to the blood so that the blood can deliver oxygen to the rest of the body. If the respiratory system is not working, neither will the skeletal system, or any system for that matter. All the systems in the body work together.
The same is true when it comes a business system. Without a sales system to get new business, there would be no need for an accounting system to collect account receivables, etc.
Every successful business has a system and subsystems that keep it functioning. It's important to realize what systems you have in your business for a number of reasons.
Accountability . When you have a system, you know who is supposed to do what. So when something goes wrong, you simply look at the system and determine who is responsible, or whether a new system should be established.
Management. When a system is in place, you don't have to micro-manage or hold everyone's hand. The system is there to guide your employees.
Profitability. Getting your systems to work in conjunction with each other can affect your bottom line. For instance, if your marketing system works in conjunction with your inventory system, you'll know exactly how much of one product you will need. If not, the marketing department would put a product on sale, but the inventory department would run out of the product. As a result, the customers would get frustrated and choose to go elsewhere next time.
Time to sell . If, one day, you are looking to sell your business, the prospective buyer will no doubt be interested in your business systems and how effective they are.
Solid Oak Consulting can help you define or refine your business systems. For more information, please contact me, Tom Long, 708-524-0886, SolidOakConsulting.com.
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