CMS Web Solutions

Many people me tell me I seem to know “everybody”?. I started thinking lately about how I got that way. I like to hang out in different circles with others who love people and are nice people themselves. I find creating good relationships rewarding. Doing so in different “circles”? exposes me to a diverse group of interesting people. If I need to find someone, I just ask someone in one of the circles who they know. I end up being introduced to their key people/friends who, by the way, tend to be competent and nice themselves. And so the circle grows. I also enjoy helping others whenever I can. A bit of kindness not only goes a long way, it actually helps make me a genuinely happier person. Happy people tend to hang out with other happy people. So, my secret, it seems, is to simply be what my parents taught me to be nice to others mixed with the golden rule.

At the 2006 Canadian Chamber Conference of Business Leaders, Decima Research warned that:

·         there is a new trend in the consciousness of Canadians around the environment. They explained that this is not a cyclical trend, but one that is long lasting and growing. Canadians are not blaming big business. They are starting instead to feel guilty about their individual impact and the legacy they are leaving future generations.

 Businesses can no longer ignore this trend and need to adjust accordingly.

Through clients, teaching and advisory groups, we get to deal with many small businesses. We witness first hand what makes one successful and the other not. Here are just a few observations from this year. Please add your comments and observations.

Successful businesses:

• focus on sales first. No money coming in, no business.

• make sure that the sales generate good profitable income and continually examine return on time invested (ROTI)

• create a business “systemâ€? and strive to work “onâ€? the business rather than “inâ€? the business

• plan, measure, then adjust

• monitor and manage cash flow

• don’t take failure personally, they just learn and change

• focus on what they want, then figure out the “howâ€? to get there. They are not deterred by obstacles

• are clear as to whom they are selling to and create effective targeted campaigns

• outsource what they are not competent in. Instead they focus on what they are good at, resulting in greater ROTI.

• if they are a service business, are realistic about their billable hours. They increase ROTI by selling complimentary products that don’t require selling their time

• have competent experienced advisers and listen to their advice. They know that sometimes they are blind to the obvious and come at everything with an open mind

• are continuously on the lookout for new opportunities

• are not afraid to make changes or quickly let go of things that aren’t working

• know their money is in the effective delivery of their product/service and know when to “stay the courseâ€? until they reach a point of diminishing returns

• love what they do, are competent, knowledgeable and their confidence shows.

• know that running a business involves many roles and are not afraid to seek advice and help.

What are your observations?