Every day in our lives, we have to solve some problems. They usually range from trivial ones to the bizarre! Many times we will even have to resolve complex issues. When you run a business, you also have to solve operational problems on a regular basis.
Let’s face it; nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. But what is that makes your business better than the rest? That would be its ability to contain those problems and put things right as fast as possible.
Here are a few examples of common business problems that have simple solutions:
Poor Productivity
When you have machines to perform a task, they offer unlimited productivity as long as you maintain them. But when you have people doing work for you, it can often be hard to gauge what makes them unproductive.
Rather than lamenting that there is an issue with your workforce, find out what’s making them lose focus on their work:
- Lack of training. Identify areas each employee has little knowledge in and help them to increase their skills;
- Lack of equipment. If you don’t have the right tools for the job, the results of anything you do will never be better than mediocre. Determine what tools your workers need as part of their job;
- Lack of motivation. People aren’t robots! Work on some techniques to increase their motivation. For instance, you could offer a cash incentive for working late to finish a project;
- Lack of space. Sometimes having too many people crammed in a small area can make tempers flare. As your business grows, so will your need to have a bigger working area.
Poor Internet Sales
The products and services your business offers might also get sold on the Internet. But what happens if your online sales only account for a fraction of your revenue? If things sell well offline, it’s clear you will need to rethink your online marketing strategy. You do have one, right?
Last week I was reading about Todays Growth Consultant on LinkedIn. In a nutshell, they are a company that helps grow brands online – a marketing company. It got me thinking; if people’s marketing techniques suck, why don’t they hire an agency to help them out?
If your online sales are pitiful, it sounds like you need to get a marketing agency to help you come up with a better strategy. And don’t forget to involve your salespeople too. After all, they are the ones that will be on the front line selling your wares!
Slow IT Equipment
Do you have to make a hot drink before your computer will “boot up”? If so, it’s time to consider upgrading your IT equipment. Computer systems go obsolete within two to three years. That’s because the demands of new software means that older systems cannot cope.
Do your aging PCs a favor and offer them retirement. It’s time for a new generation of computers to take over the daily toil! If you’re worried about the expense, consider leasing your systems