Things that must be done in order to guarantee your edge in today’s business climate.

I love reading great books and I love simplicity. Frances Cole Jones “The WOW Factor” was a source of inspiration for me and my business as I move into 2010 business arena. While there is no one magic pill that will ensure success for your business today, there are key things you need to do right now as a business leader to maintain and grow in 2010. Here are the top 8 things YOU can do and must KNOW:

1. Who you are and what your company does best - whether it’s a niche or a broad spectrum of products you must know what differentiates you from all the others out there.

2. WOW your customers - exceptional service today is the exception rather than the rule and yet today’s stressed out consumers want a WOW experience. To be acknowledged, to have their needs listened to and to find products or services that they can use or want delivered with exceptional service is how to WOW your customers.

3. Have a clear vision and a plan - without it your business is like a ship without a rudder. If you don’t know where your headed neither will your customers or employees. Please give me a call, we can help.

4. Be the leader - yes it is tiring, exhausting and challenging but as the leader of your company or division you must set expectations, measure results and manage the performance to achieve results.

5. Track Results & Measure Performance- both business and individual performance is key. Having the tools to measure results and people is critical. How else can you know when to make changes, address issues and/or potentially let go of areas or people that aren’t working?

6. Manage Your Cash Flow - understand where you are bleeding and where you are growing and know what your real expenses are, as well as, the possible sources you have for capital.

7. Develop New Markets - by employing the Blue Ocean strategy (a great read by the way), creating new, uncontested markets is a profitable and fun way to create new revenue streams for your business, often without a huge investment in resources. Think about 3M’s post-its in case you’re wondering about what an uncontested market place could look like.

8. Ask For Feedback (and really listen to it) - getting feedback from your customers, your vendors, your employees and your community is a great and free way I might add to find out what’s working and what’s not and adjust before it becomes too late.

Get started on Managing Your Career today by contacting us at career@synergymanagementassociates.com or calling 603.661.8107.