Evolution is the only way to go if a business wants to thrive. The current economic climate may not be so convivial, but organizational change and adjustment are possible. Whatever the economic times dictate, it is essential that you continue to seek ways to evolve your business.
New ideas ought to be conceived, original products designed, and fresh market approaches should be engineered to sustain and fortify the pillars of a good business. Strategies that drive employee engagement, innovation and sales are must- implementations so that a business keeps on. You can implement change and adjustment to evolve your business. Plus you can do that without spending a fortune.
Keep It Fresh and Vibrant
Keep your company fresh, vibrant and alive without breaking the bank. The best way to do that is by using technology and innovative processes. By adopting technology, you can evolve your business in an economical and effective manner. Here are 5 tips to help you evolve your business:
ONE: Break free from the traditional
The traditional workplace occupied by cubicles, overhead lights and office politics oftentimes is not conducive for spurring creativity. Break free from the routine. Allow employees to work outside. Include the café or tea house on the corner as an alternative physical work location. Wireless internet connection is usually available in these places, which is also suitable for convening. And they have enough coffee to sell to keep everyone alert.
TWO: Go Online, Go virtual
Your business operations can go virtual. And that means no need to rent an office space. In business, overheads like office space rent tend to be the largest line item. Ironically can be ineffective and sometimes unnecessary. Managing your business virtually gives you more leeway to hire and retain top talent because there is no geographical limit in choosing your team. Funds you save from office rent and upkeep can be allocated to other pertinent areas of your business. Be wary, nonetheless, that going virtual will reduce face time with your employees, so you, therefore, need to be firm about your expectations and deadlines. Ensure that communication is clear and consistent.
THREE: Use Collaboration Applications
Your business is about people, mainly your employees and your clients. Running a great company means you need to sustain a strong connection with the key stakeholders of your business. Collaboration applications such as Google Docs or Skype and MSN Messenger are fast communication tools to ensure that employees optimize their time and work efficiently, and client needs are attended to accordingly.
FOUR: Invest in Staff Skills Development
A growing company abounds with new and innovative ideas. Whether it is drafting a press release, writing a marketing brochure or creating a Flash graphic for the company website, your team must keep on learning new skills. There’s no need to set up an IT Department or hire new staff, but you can instead invest in the skills development of your workforce.
FIVE: Develop Innovation Through A Cross-Functional Team
Gather your team for a conference and solicit feedback. Talk to employees who are experts in their individual fields and get them to share their aptitude to other employees. A non-technical member can perhaps be taught Flash design. Thus, your company would be able to develop innovative solutions with minimal investment.
Evolve Your Business on Purpose
You can create a vibrate business through technology. However, you need to be aware that learning and developing your team will be your greatest investment. Take on the challenge. Plan to evolve your business so that you do not find yourself being left out in the changing times. You will want to evolve at your own pace not because you are forced by circumstances.
Evolve on purpose. Make a part of your business culture to always be evolving and using new processes and systems. Being tech-savvy allows you to be economical about the process.