You can improve your business

Progress is something we all want. Our way of life centers on improvement of one’s self and family, of one’s business and work life, of our society and the world in general.

At least in terms of material rewards, we have been progressing as a society in general. Certainly the last few years have been very good ones for most businesses, despite recent nervousness about the mortgage and overall credit markets.

Part of this recent success has been because overall our economy has been functioning relatively well. Consumers, businesses and government have been spending. Another factor has been new materials and products replacing older materials and products and creating new demand.

How has this progress translated to your business? Have your sales been increasing? Have you enjoyed greater profits? Has your product line moved with innovation?

If you have participated positively in these “good times,” congratulations! If you have not, condolences are offered. But benchmarking your business against the business overall is just the first step. If you are in line with the trend, that’s certainly good. But you should ask yourself two fundamental questions:

1. Are we succeeding because we are acting in a positive way to do the right things or are we succeeding by coasting with everyone else? (Think “A rising tide lifts all boats.”)

2. Are we taking steps to assure this progress continues, even when the overall trend turns down?

If your specific business is not doing as well as the overall business is faring, then consider these two questions:

1. What are other companies doing to capitalize on the good trends that we aren’t doing?

2. What likely future development can we position ourselves to take advantage of despite our current difficulties? (Think of a sailor positioning his or her boat to take advantage of a wind shift.)

Whatever your circumstances, you have ready avenues for improvement. Here are just a few:

• Look for data that will allow you to benchmark your business against highly profitable companies to see where you can improve.

• Have your employees participate in schools and seminars. Better trained employees can move your business ahead.

• Look for education opportunities to make you and others in your company better in operations, sales, service and more.

• Network with others in and outside the industry to get ideas and advice that can help you improve.

Most important is the will to make progress, to grow and change. Strive to be better! It’s the American Way!