Benefits of Documented Systems

All Businesses have systems … few have Documented Systems.

The principal form of documentation for every business is a Business Plan. If it is all in your head, then you are unable to share your Vision in a way that will give you the wealth, freedom and excitement you desire.

The second form of documentation is the Systems also known as “the way we do things at (your Business’ Name)”. You are likely to be the most competent at carrying out many of the functions of your business. To be able to share this level of competence with others, you must first address those things that you do without having to think about them.

Two key goals for every business are increased efficiency and better trained people. The benefit of documenting both your business plan and your business systems is twofold.

First, as you refine your plan and your systems through the process of documentation, your business will experience an increase in efficiencies. 

Then, your documented systems provide the training tools which will lead to the replication of your role and also of your business.

Business Boosts 11, 12 & 13 explained documented Systems in detail. If you would like a copy of these Business Boosts, please send an email to bizplan@brightwater.com.au with 'SYSTEMS' in the subject line. 

By Anthony Davis

Professionally Managed Business

Valued Information (Business Boost 70) is the difference between an 'owner or family managed' business and a 'professionally managed' business? Simply stated, it is the difference between the reliance on 'gut feel' and the availability and use of 'valued information' in making decisions to guide the business. In the beginning most of the decisions made by 'start-up' business owners is based on 'gut feel'.  It is often the reason we go into business in the first place.  So when does it change? It changes when the Founder makes the 'mental shift'! There is no other way to describe it.  It is also when the technician moves to become a ‘business manager’. It can start on day one or day one thousand.  Until the founder realises that the future cannot and must not rely solely on their ability to have the correct 'gut feel', nothing changes.  The business owner who makes the decision on day one has a distinct advantage over all the other players in their area of business as they are starting from the outset to 'professionally manage' their business. If you would like a copy of Business Boost 70 - Valued Information, please send an email to bizplan@brightwater.com.au    with 'Business Boost 70' in the subject line.  Written by Anthony Davis

Digital Strategy in Business

Digital Strategy in Business

Digital Strategy is a very hot topic around Brightwater.  You might think this expression refers to Social Media and Web based marketing.  Well it does … and a whole lot more!

Digital Strategy impacts on every single part of your business.  Take the time to determine how you do, can and will integrate Digital Strategy across your entire business.

Two Interesting Examples ...

Two interesting examples of technological development that impact positively on trades business are simPRO for the electrical and plumbing trades and Co-construct for the building industry.  The use of these types of Digital tools assists business owners to effectively manage the operational side of their business.

Products are constantly being re-invented in Digital form.  How do you incorporate these opportunities into your Digital Strategy?  Some of these products can provide an effective interface between your operational controls and the management of your people.

iPads and tablets make communication and information readily available and improve management of people and materials.  Many apps are available to assist you.

And, of course, there are the Marketing tools of Website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, to name a few.

If you think you have implemented an unusual Digital Strategy in your business, please advise by sending an email to bizplan@brightwater.com.au    We will circulate the interesting replies we get on this important topic. 

Written by Anthony Davis

Goal Correcting

Goal Correcting

Now might be a good time to pull out this year’s goals to review and correct them. If you're challenged by some goals and are thinking of giving them up, ask yourself these five questions before letting them go:

1.  Do I need to break it into smaller, more bite-sized action steps?  If you force too many goals at once, you set yourself up for failure.  

2. What is the biggest obstacle to achieving my goal? Identify the things that are impeding your progress.

3.  What can I do to break through that obstacle? Address every obstacle by brainstorming for a workable solution. It needs to be a solution you will actually use. 

4. Is this the right goal? Ask yourself, "Why is this goal so important to me? What's the purpose?  Is there another goal that resonates with me more?"

5. Am I holding on to the wrong goal just to prove I'm not a quitter?  Sometimes it is wiser to let go of old goals so new, bigger, better and brighter goals can take their place.

Regularly review and correct your goals.

Thanks to the Centre for Powerful Practices for this Business Boost.

If you would like the full article, send an email to bizplan@brightwater.com.au with 'GOALS' in the subject line.

Written by Anthony Davis