Only in the last few weeks has the extent of the change in consumer habits been inflicted upon yet another company. This is a company that has been at the forefront for decades in the photography world. How could this happen, is being asked by many people connected to the industry? After leading the trade for so many years and growing to be one of the biggest companies involved in photography it has all come tumbling down.

Was it in its in-ability to change course, as new technologies became available? Alternatively, was it that they dropped the ball early in the game? What were their business strategies? There could be so many varying views as to what has gone wrong, particularly when they were accountable for the development of the technologies that have been responsible for their own demise. Nothing different to the Russians going to war only to be defeated by a squadron of MIG fighters designed and built by them. Didn’t the USA train Osama Bin Laden? Look where that went.

The building of a business can be construed as starting out as a dinghy that is expanded upon until it takes on the look of the Queen Mary. This may not happen over night yet this does happen in the world of business. In the end, the business does not resemble the original idea. However, through changes in technology and the buying habits of the end user there are significant changes over the ensuing years.

Thus, the issue becomes one of being able to adapt to change. Change will happen, and it is how we adapt to this change that will determine the success or flop of our businesses. No matter, the size of your business, being in a position to adapt to change is more important now than it has been at any other time. The buying habits of people have changed, and the economic constraints of the world will never be the same again. It is up to us as business owners and managers to see our way clear to embrace these changes and alter the courses of our businesses to capitalise on opportunities. There are opportunities because just like Kodak, there will be other ocean-going liners, which can’t turn fast enough to avoid the reefs as they appear. Their navigation systems are under threat and a lot are piloting by line of sight once again.

It is the fleet of frigates that are positioned to manoeuvre the dangers that are lurking in the business world. Stripped of all luxuries, lean and mean and ready for any potential dangers is the way of the small business now.

The question about here is, “how prepared is your boat”? Are you a frigate, a dinghy, an ocean liner or a dhow waiting for a trade wind on the Nile? No matter what size your business, having it prepared, is up to you.

There are a lot of other aberrations to the Kodak story. Should your business be an ocean-going liner then having a fleet of frigates can only benefit you. This is nothing different to the parent company splitting into various divisions, research and development, marketing, sales, manufacturing and any other section you may have. These divisions should be structured as frigates so that they can change course at any given moment. If one of them is to strike a reef and sink, you will still have your other fleet protecting your liner on its voyage. It’s all about structuring the business to be in a position for all eventualities. There will be casualties in the war of business. Just ensure you aren’t the next Kodak in these waters of change.

Technorati Tags: business strategies, kodak, small business

This is the last of the time management tips to controlling the clock.

Using these tips should form part of your small business strategy and will benefit you immensely. Of course this is only a minor portion of the time management modules of the Profitune system. Send me an email should you want to further explore the possibilities for you and your business.

So sit back and get ready for the last part of these strategies.

No Flash, no problems, download here…

Technorati Tags: small business strategy, time management, Using these tips will benefit

This is the second part of the Small Business Strategies to controlling the clock.

I trust you have implemented a few of the tips from last week and that you have found them beneficial.

So sit back and get ready for the second part of these time management strategies.

No Flash, no problems, download here…

Technorati Tags: small business strategy, time management, time management strategies

One of the small business strategies that we hold dearly is time management principles. Without effective strategies in place the small business manager tends to wish he had more hours in the day.

This week I have uploaded a podcast of tips to controlling the clock. There are 31 tips of the 94 that I will deliver over the coming weeks. Sit back and enjoy the next four and a half minutes.

I make mention of two worksheets to assist in the time management process. Drop me a quick email and I will provide you with them.

No Flash, no problems, download here…

Technorati Tags: small business manager, small business strategies, time management

A question that arises quite often in seminars is “what is the first thing I should address in my business”? There could be a number of factors dependent upon where your business is currently and where you want to take it. That is another subject for another day because until you truly know where your business is positioned it is very difficult to draw a map of where it is you wish to go.

My number one answer or question is always “where are you now”?

Not your business but you. How can you hopefully take your business to the next level if you don’t know where you are at yourself? Do you have written objectives for yourself? It’s a bit like where I mentioned having a map for your business in that you need a map for yourself because how will you know when you have arrived?

One of the real issues with creating this map of your life revolves around knowing what it is that you want. This means you have to tap into your inner reserves and providing everything lines up you will come up with the answers that best suit you now. Whether that is the same in a few years is questionable. However, for now it’s a good place to start.

A lot of people say to me, “ yes, I have written these goals down, but they have never eventuated”.

Congratulations if you have been able to get this far and have been unable to get any further. It’s really just another small step to start making these goals a reality. Usually there are a few things that are missing. However, the key component in both personal and small business strategies is your mindset. Having the mindset to follow through on what it was that we wanted.

How much better would our lives be if we just followed through? I’ve been there and can safely say there are some extraordinary tools available that will push us that step further in being an enormous success. This goes for all areas of your life and when you find out how close you have been you will be kicking yourself.

Being able to tap into the mind and to then create the mindset essential to making the leap, is as easy as listening to a CD. Why not treat your life to a boost and go here to find out some more.

Actually being afraid of success is another issue for another day.

Technorati Tags: mindset, small business strategies, success

These blog pages are the consequence of in excess of 20 years middle to senior management experience, plus the many courses that I have accomplished in between. This experience revolves around businesses that produce an annual turnover of more than $75 Million, with net profits in some, significantly more than this. Not your everyday small business, however, they all have one factor in common.

What is the one factor in common?

“Systems”

Systems are the foundation of all successful businesses and just like the greatest, they rely on mentors and coaches to keep them paying attention to their success. When we translate these systems into no-nonsense building blocks for small business, we have solid strategies that allow business owners to grow and create wealth. Right through this site, you will come across workable small business strategies that will supply solutions to the widespread issues that all businesses experience. There are numerous templates offered to make the task of implementing these tactics all the easier.  A small business course is available that outlines seven business building blocks to business that has kicked start many small businesses.

Technorati Tags: building blocks for small business, small business, small business course, small business strategies