Change
Your Operating Basis
Just
like many of you I periodically review how my
business is progressing using statistics, marketing trends, my bottom line / profit
& loss and so on.
A little story: Back in September of 2009 I received a call
from my doctor's office with the results of my annual physical exam. My cholesterol levels were well over 200,
blood pressure was through the roof, my weight, well - - let's just say that at
5' - 10" carrying over 270 pounds was putting a stress on my entire "operating
system".
Medications seemed to be the answer to address
my health issues. I asked my doctor what
other options were available besides taking medication. I was told that if I changed my eating habits
and lost 85 - 100 pounds that optimistically my health would improve. We could reassess at that point and address
any remaining issues.
I was discouraged. To put it mildly my overall health - - personal operating basis - - needed
some attention and I was forced to both admit and commit to some tough
decisions and choices for my own well being.
I had to make a big change to the operating
basis within my personal life. October
was the month I committed to changes; It's now April and my cholesterol is now
under 190, my blood pressure last week was 121 over 75 and, as of yesterday I
now weigh less than 190 pounds. This
change of operating basis I had to make was recognized and needed; but not
necessarily an easy one to make. I was
very fortunate and thankful to have the support of my family and friends during
this challenging time.
I share this personal story with you and make
this correlation to business because, at times, we need to make or change our "operating
basis" to increase the bottom line in our businesses - - and we often require
the support of "outside forces"for support - - up to and including monetary assistance. |
Decide
and Act
As
we review our business and how it is progressing,
we are often faced with making changes in our operating basis. Some changes are difficult - - and some can
be rewarding - - depending on the trade or industry. The other day I had two totally different
experiences talking with two different people.
I spoke with a contractor and he explained how the economy had affected
his trade. Jobs had lessened and, not
having enough work to keep everyone busy; he was forced to let a couple of his
guys go. On the other hand, a short time
later, I spoke with a retail store owner - - and he had just hired 3 employees!
JG
Consulting Group strives to provide the tools
and resources to create the atmosphere success and profitability. For those of you who have signed up to
receive the monthly newsletters you may have noticed that over that last
several months I have been including a Product Spotlight highlighting a product
or service we offer. Several of you have
taken advantage of or have asked for more information about them. I believe that opportunity and preparedness
have to meet in the middle for us to take advantage of programs and services
that are available to enhance our businesses.
We make every effort to add programs and services that will enable businesses
to increase the amount of profit you create.
Take
for example the Cash Advance Programs we
highlighted this month. There are very
few businesses out there that wouldn't benefit from additional working capital
to use for advertising, equipment purchases, renovations, expansion, inventory
and taxes. Even if you are not in need
of additional working capital at the moment it doesn't hurt to educate yourself
about programs available and request information about it so if, in the future
you find yourself in need, you have all the information available for review.
As
always I look forward to the opportunity to aid in
the process of helping your business grow and become stronger.
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