Читать книгу 19 Ways to Survive in a Tough Economy - Lynn Spry - Страница 9

Although it may be difficult during a business downturn, commitment to your goals is more critical than ever. Customers and clients like to work with companies that are successful. Employees like to work for companies that are successful. If your business is in trouble, and if you want it to survive, you need to commit to making the business succeed. It is when a business begins to struggle that focus, dedication, and hard work are needed the most. Spreading yourself among many different solutions will ensure that, at best, you accomplish some of them poorly.

When we were facing issues with our own business, we often discussed “outside” solutions. Should we sell the business? Should we close the doors and walk away? Would we be better off hiring a manager to run it and just go back to a “real job”? At one point, we realized that as long as we considered outside solutions like these, we weren’t committing fully to our business. One day, we decided that we were not going to entertain the option of failing any longer. All conversations we were going to have about the business would be about how to improve and grow the business. To be fair, we also gave it a time limit. If our efforts did not show positive improvement in three months, we would then consider other options, but only then and only after we had fully dedicated ourselves to improving our store. The results were amazing. By committing time and resources to the store, we found that we were able to accomplish a great deal more.

If you hesitate, your lack of dedication will begin to permeate your organization. Employees may feel that if you aren’t committed they should not be committed. Oftentimes, if employees hear than an owner is considering leaving the business or closing, they begin to look for other employment in an attempt to obtain job security. One salon owner we know ran into this very situation. When her business started to fail she confided in her manager that she was considering selling the business. Within a few short months her manager found another full-time position. Although the salon owner hadn’t finalized a sale, she lost her best employee and was still going under. Similarly, customers who question how long a business will remain open may be more likely to go to a competitor. When the owner is uncommitted, it is noticed by those around him or her and this domino effect can have a profoundly negative impact on the entire organization.

However, if you show that you are committed to your business, services, customers, and employees, it will be felt throughout your organization. When employees know you are dedicated to working through tough times they will be willing to stay onboard, and may accept the challenges of working through the tough times more willingly than you may imagine.

The excitement of taking on a new challenge, overcoming obstacles, and succeeding in the face of failure is enticing. Many employees are most excited when their company is taking on challenges and winning. The idea of succeeding, even when a new megastore moves in next door, or of watching your competitors fold as times get leaner is appealing. Even though your employees do not own the company or necessarily profit by its success, everyone enjoys being part of a winning team. By committing to your own success, you can bring that excitement to your company and your employees.

Lifesaver: Being a business owner is a round the clock job. Unfortunately, the time you put in working at home and running errands is time that your employees can’t see. Let your employees know how much time you spend both at the job and at home working for the business. Letting them know how many hours you put in each week is a tangible way to show them your commitment to the business.