Change...How to get started

The thought of change is frightening to many people...in fact to most people. This fear of change is actually quite amusing when you consider the Owner or Principal of a Small/Medium Business (SMB). In many cases it was change that lead them to the place where they are today. They didn't think the way things were being done at their place of employment were profitable or good, so they made a change and started their own companies...maybe they saw an opportunity in the marketplace that wasn't be addressed by business so they changed their company direction to exploit this...perhaps they wanted more for their family or their own personal life...whatever the reason, change can often be the root cause.

 The critical attribute to adhere to when considering change is that one needs to be open to change. What does this refer to? As a business or management leader you need to be open to the needs and desires of your customers and the voice of your staff or employees. It goes without saying that business should be listening to it's customers. The issue is that all too often the customers aren't talking to management or owners...they are however talking to to your staff...the receptionist, customer service, the order desk and even shipping and receiving. I once ran a seminar for a business who was having some issues with their sales process. After the first half half hour of management pontificating about what should be done and sales team members trying to get a word in, I invited the receptionist and 2 customer service people into the meeting. I then asked them for their feedback on what customers were telling them during their daily routines. Nearly everything that these individuals brought to the table was contrary to the ideas put forth by management. Fortunately this management team listened to its staff...regardless of their role in the company. As a result orders were delivered 3 business days sooner and sales increased by 18% in the next quarter.

Be open...listen to all...formulate your ideas based on your goals...drive hard!!!

JB