Posts tagged ‘Growth’

While having some quiet time I focused my thoughts on what it takes to grow a business today – particularly in light of the interesting market we are in today.

So, I looked into growth patterns and types of growth and meaningful growth and how we should be looking at this universal concept. Having been in the world of business since the early 1970′s, I have seen just about every possible business cycle you can imagine – from hyper inflationary periods when you could get 14% on a bank CD; to mini recessions and lots of boom or go-go periods in between and now the latest addition of major recession. Truthfully, I have not experienced a depression, yet, it was openly shared to me from my grandparents who lived through the worst of times.

Okay, enough background let’s get back on the topic of growth. Other than do you have a plan for your minimum growth to keep your operation functioning productively and keep all your resources engaged – we can move into a few major points to consider when discussing and planning your growth engine.

First, you need to know the range of growth necessary to keep your operation smooth and efficient. No shortages of talent, resources, cash, production or distribution sources and finally products availability for sale. You need to have a clear understanding of the “must have” growth and then an “upper end or maxed out” growth plan. Think contingency planning for both real growth and hyper-growth. Continue reading ‘How do You Grow Your Business Today?’ »

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Posted by Voss Graham on August 22, 2011 at 1:56 am under Performance Improvement.
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Using a race car driving analogy – it’s time to accelerate out of the curve (down turn for business issues) or we will create more problems for the economy. Okay, so what do I mean by this statement? It means put some control back into the equation.

To use the knowledge of the racing drivers, they learn early that the key to maintaining control of their cars in high speed turns is to accelerate into the turn and through the curve. This power surge keeps the car in an invisible groove and the driver maintains control. No spinning out of control – which happens when you slow down in a curve. The lost of traction and speed allows the car to slip on anything in its path through the turn.

We can use this knowledge to keep our economy, our business or our sales career moving in the right direction even during this economic down turn. Accelerate your pace regarding decisions and actions taken. The people that think they are playing it safe by decelerating are already losing control. They are laying off people, eliminating essential staff members (knowledge and experience), eliminating developmental activities and taking no risks with change or innovation.

Stupid is as Stupid does! To paraphrase Forrest Gump.

Make a commitment to accelerate out of the curve starting today. Join the ranks of the confident that believe we have choices. The future can get brighter if we take control of our short term activities. Make things happen at a faster pace. Take a chance on development so your people can accelerate their successes. You can make a difference. Especially if people just say “no” to the statusquo.

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Posted by Voss Graham on February 6, 2009 at 8:31 am under Leadership.
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I’m writing this using an analogy of the Hawk and the Dove AND NO – this is not about the war stuff. First, let me set the stage – this past weekend I witnessed a nature activity that could be a sad thing or just one of the facts of life.

You see, we have this Dove family that has lived at our house for the past four or five years. Each year building a new nest and having more family. This little family has entertained us for years. They hang out together and have shown no interest in separating.

This past summer a young Hawk landed close to our bird feeder and we had a grand time watching it as it tried to figure out how to eat at the community bird feeder. Well, he was totally unsuccessful with the birdseed feeder – but he must have gained some intel while there.

This weekend I was at the window with my cup of Java, and I noticed the Hawk in the yard – eating something. It turned out to be one of the Dove family! I was appalled that this had happened to the nice little bird family that always seemed calm and cool even when we approached the birds.

As it turned out, that is the reason the Dove is no more! It was slow, calm and steady. A great target for a bird of prey like the Hawk! Later, I found out from the bird store owner that Hawks take out Doves on a regular basis due to their slowness to react to situations.

As I thought about the situation, I began to think about the current economic crisis, the number of mergers – hostile or not – that have taken place over the past couple of years, and how people are approaching the need for sales growth in a down economy. I realized that I had seen an analogy to the impact or effects of the Slow and Steady (change resistance) and the Fast & Quick – who make things happen when the opportunity arises.

Companies and Individuals who are slow to act or resistant to change are just like the Dove. Cute and lovable, yet soon to become the victim or totally gone when faced with the aggressive and hostile company or individual. You must adapt to the current environment and balance your actions between the fast and the slow or the Quick and the Steady. Moderation is important. Understanding the consequences of inaction can align you with actionable choices.

Think about your highest priorities – company or individual – and immediately launch a plan of action to accomplish this objective. Too often, smart people wait until it is too late to move – like the Dove – and lose their independence or their competitive edge. Take charge and become one of the Fast and Quick during these economic times – be a winner.

If you need help understanding how to set the highest priorities, monitor their results or progress, and other options you need to be successful, then call us immediately – that’s now – at 901-757-4434.

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Posted by Voss Graham on December 16, 2008 at 5:32 am under Strategy.
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Wow, everyone seems to be in a hurry today. While that is not really an issue in my opinion, the underlining factors of moving in the fast lane are the issues I see. This is one of those deep thinking posts so hang in there with me.

First, the faster we go, the less time is available for thinking and reflective thought. There is a lack of self learning as to the effects of the choices we have made or others have made for us. Reflective thought is a key process in personal development. Using this process allows us to learn why certain things have worked or didn’t work, it allows us to check into what to repeat for consistent results and performance. Without this timely thought process, the effects of our actions are left to chance or reaction.

Second, when going fast all the time I have found a total lack of attention to strategy and planning. Long term impact of strategy is ignored for the short term gratification. In fact, there seems to be a lack of understanding about the use of strategy as a method to create or design your future. We learn to react to situations rather than respond with a executable contingency plan – thus passing on a consist growth path.

Third, a lack of attention to details and simple courtesy – which has a direct impact upon the quality of customer service. And, thereby the customer experience is short changed in the name of efficiency. The true powerhouses of retail and service are the ones that focus upon the details of execution with a customer satisfaction goal. The customers get what they want – quality products or services, exact fit regarding their needs, a fair price relative to value, a positive experience and most importantly – someone they can TRUST.

If you are a fast tracker,  cool. The only thing I ask of the fast trackers is the slow down occasionally and take a moment to reflect on your personal progress. What is working? And, what do you need to improve? Then schedule the time to improve. That sounds like a no-brainer, yet, fast trackers have a tendency to just announce to others – that’s just the way I am! Sorry, learn to adapt and you will actually get places faster!

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Posted by Voss Graham on November 24, 2008 at 6:20 am under Personal Development.
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It is amazing to me how fast companies, leaders and sales people are abandoning their growth plans during this time of economic turmoil. Truth is, this is the best time to create a competitive advantage in the marketplace. How? By maintaining a mindset of abundance over scarcity. The chicken little’s of the world are having a grand time explaining how the world is coming to an end as we have known it for the past century.

While it is true that some things have changed and will change in the future – the key is to not panic and join the chicken little club. It is time to stand up for what is right and prepare for a new future. The sky is still above us and we can win. Adversity is a character building opportunity rather than a panic zone trigger.

Personally, I believe that this time can be utilizied to create new opportunities for an organization and clients. The method we are using is to invest in our infrastructure.  New technology and the means of serving our clients faster, easier and with more value has become a priority. It is also a time to create new products and services for our clients to use in the future. Most importantly, it is a time to build and rebuild relationships with clients, old clients and potential clients. Continue reading ‘Do not Abandon Your Growth Plans’ »

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Posted by Voss Graham on October 13, 2008 at 2:07 pm under Leadership, Team Building.
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