Now Is Not The Time To Grow (For Me)

While the objective of being in business is to grow and be profitable, many owners are shouting, "NOT NOW"!

Many business owners today don't have the energy or resources to grow. 

Owners are under pressure due to staff shortages, stock and supply challenges, and general fatigue.

They don't have the capability even if they did have the desire. 

So, what should you be doing if you don't want to grow?

While growth may be off the table, some essential things should come to the forefront of your activity to place your business in good stead when you are ready to grow again.

Waste Reduction

Identify the processes that do not add value to your business.

Conduct a Waste Audit as a starting point.

You will be able to identify a wide range of waste issues to address and remove, resulting in a more profitable and time-sensitive operation.

Don't know how to conduct a waste audit? Contact us, and we will explain this simple tool and process.

Friction Removal

Eliminating friction in your business can be the key to retaining customers and allowing staff to get on with their jobs. Identify the places where friction costs time, energy, and resources. Where clients suffer inconvenience and staff experience delays or double handling. 

Firstly identify your Islands of Excellence. Islands of Excellence are where all superior customer value starts. Next, identify and remove friction points from these islands to deliver maximum convenience for staff and customers. Now, this is FRICTIONLESS. 

Task & Function Audit

Understanding how time is spent in your business and the nature of the work is essential.

Most companies start with people.

But is that really the place to start? 

We advise starting with the functions and tasks that people deliver. Listing these is the best starting point to improve productivity and therefore value to customers.

Assess if these functions and tasks fit the needs of the company currently and indeed into the future. 

Begin by listing all the functions in the business. Then list all the tasks under those functions done by everyone each day. Identify if you should keep doing, stop doing, delegate, outsource or automate each task or function in line with your current requirements. The result will allow you to be more productive with your time and maybe even grow a little while you do it!

I implore you never to stop working on your business when working in your business becomes challenging. 

• Keep your links with your associations and industry bodies to stay grounded in what's happening today.

• Work on your business efficiencies and effectiveness, thus reducing the workload for all. 

• Look for ways to increase value. Minor upgrades in products or services will go a long way.

• In the workplace, insist on common courtesy and work on team morale.

• Find things to celebrate and take the time to do so. 

• Identify positive future events and draw focus on them with your team.

For business owners that don't want to grow, now is the time to be patient. Be very productive and double down on your islands of excellence.

Understand what you can do to put yourself in the best position possible once it is time to grow again. And, look after your team. Your staff are the ones you will need when the opportunity returns for your business to grow again.