Musings

Is Your Business Rolling Along?

       Is your business rolling along smoothly?  Is it growing? Is it floundering?

       Long ago pundits determined that your business will lose at least ten percent of your business to attrition each year, if you do nothing.  You are in control of this outcome.  If this is true and you are going to lose 10% you need to add more than that in order to move forward and grow.

       There are a number of paths you can follow to avoid this unwanted outcome.  The first and foremost is always lack of planning.  It is critical that you have goals for the future; one year, five years, ten years and more. These, of course, are not cast in stone, but function as guide posts to help keep you on track.  They should be re-evaluated each year and updated as necessary.

       The second consideration is leadership.  Are you really guiding your business or are you letting it guide itself?  Leading is not micro-managing, but rather having a true mission and vision that is shared with your staff and employees to channel their actions.  Setting the proper example of how you want things done is key to having committed employees that are on the same page as you are.

       Involving your employees in the running and growth of your business is also important to your success.  Being a micro-manager will not to lead to a happy workforce, or to your success.  Empowering your employees to have a say in how things are done, why they are done that way, and how these tasks match your goals will make them more committed and productive.  It has been shown that the work environment is a primary component in a business' success.

       The fourth area of influence is the involvement of your customers.  Are you really paying attention to their needs?  Have you used surveys, coupons, or other feedback to measure exactly what makes them happy and returning customers?  Do you pay attention to their responses and use the analysis or growth?

       You are in control of how your business grows...or shrinks.  These tools and how you use them reflect your success, or failure, well in advance of any drastic measures you may need to take.  Use them wisely and success will be yours.

Your Money - Your Life

Do Not Open That Door

       'Tis the season.......to be extra careful.  Because people are in a loving and giving mood at this time of year scammers are the first in line to take advantage of you.  You can expect more calls and visits from people claiming to be from legitimate organization who aren't really affiliated.  They take you money and put it in their own pockets instead of giving it to the charity they claim to represent. There are a few simple precautions you can take to protect yourself.

• Always ask for identification and NEVER invite a stranger into your house.
• If it sounds too good to be true-it probably is.
• Ask for the name and number of their supervisor, then call the company or charity directly (not using the number they gave you) to verify that they are legitimate
• Request literature that you can study later. If they don't have it they are probably a scammer. 
• If you don't already have a window or peephole in your door, get one. They are easy to install, inexpensive, and the best protection can have. Never open the door to strangers again.

 Unfortunately scammers think that the "season of giving" is intended to fill their pockets. Don't let their greed affect you. Use these simple steps to protect yourself during the holidays and during the rest of the year, too. 

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