Surviving in business requires a range of commercial, personal and management skills. To survive in tough times means careful management of your business, and being extra alert to financial, operational, management and marketing issues. The points below are a follow-on from last week and will get you thinking about these issues.
Management
• Use professional advisers – the money this costs is an investment, not just an expense.
• Watch trends in your business and the economy, review your business plan and update regularly.
• Regularly review your business performance and identify if you have met your goals.
• Review business insurance policies annually to ensure that coverage is appropriate.
People
• Try to pay staff electronically or by cheque – avoid cash.
• Introduce staff incentives that encourage sales.
• Acknowledge staff performance and encourage good working morale.
• Determine the reason for staff turnover, if applicable.
• Identify training needs of staff and encourage on-going learning.
• Be aware of occupational health and safety (OH&S) issues and have risk management policies and processes in place.
• Ensure that staff and clients have facilities that will enhance relationships and satisfaction levels.
• Review the décor and layout of your premises to ensure that you are conveying the most professional and appealing image to clients.
Office Management
The functioning of your office can be improved by making sure that:
• papers and electronic data are filed, so that they can easily be found when needed
• the mail is collected every day and sorted immediately
• the office is kept clean, tidy and well organised
• the phone and all enquiries are answered in timely and a professional manner
Consult staff and advisers to identify ways to improve the efficiency of the office, and production/service delivery processes.
IT and Telecommunications Management
• Identify the computer system and software, furniture and equipment that will improve efficiency, and develop a realistic replacement or acquisition plan.
• Regularly review the telecommunications system to take advantage of the latest technology and pricing policies.
• Your business communications can be improved by making sure that:
o computers are regularly cleaned and defragmented, and operating systems and software reinstalled.
o anti-virus software is loaded on every computer and regularly updated.
o files and settings are routinely backed up and back-ups are stored in a safe and secure place.
o the most common problems with the computer system can be fixed within the business.
o you have a reliable technician who can help with more complex computer and technology problems.
o the business has an email address.
o the correct phone and fax numbers, and email address are on all stationery.
o mail, email and message banks are checked and answered daily.
o clients and suppliers can always get through to staff or a message bank.
Sales
The sales process can also be improved by making sure that:
• there are systems in place to ensure that quotations and work are done on time and in a quality manner.
• there is quality, up-to-date information available on products and services.
• there are innovative customer satisfaction processes and complaint mechanisms, and staff know how to use them appropriately records are kept of all sales activities.
Product Inventory
• Install an inventory system and do regular stocktakes.
• Introduce measures to ensure that stock is rotated, and that stock levels can be adjusted in a timely manner, when necessary.
• Review storage facilities and maximise safety and security.
• Ensure that there are measures in place to minimise stock damage.
• Introduce processes and systems for checking the quantity and quality of goods received.
More information to follow next week.
FREE WOMEN IN BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGY WORKSHOP
To many people, digital marketing is a mystery. So what’s it all about? How can you use digital technology to enhance and promote your business and your customer relationships – or is it just for the big end of town?
Jenny Williams of Idea Garden knows the answers. Recently named as one of the top 50 most influential people in digital media, previous managing director of Tribal DDB and head lecturer for the University of Technology Sydney’s AdSchool eMarketing course, Jenny will show you what’s happening in the digital marketing space and how it can impact your customer relations and your business growth.
This workshop could change the way you do business in the 21st century. It is part of Home-based Business Week. Ring 4223 3100 – registration compulsory for catering.
Time : 9.15am for 9.30am to 1.30pm
Date : Tuesday May 20, 2008
Cost : FREE
Venue : Villa Dor’o Function Centre
This is only a brief outline of the types of small business advice and assistance that we can offer. Want to know more? Remember I am a FREE service and can assist you in developing your business in many ways.
Call me today on 4223 3100 or check out our website at www.illawarraitec.com.au | 
