Remedying the dysfunction in small companies

One of the best parts of running your own business is that you only have you making judgements about the mistakes you inevitably make. Running a business can be extreme amounts of both exhilaration and exhaustion. But when the old ways obscure the objective, that’s when businesses get into trouble.

Small business owners have always had an exceptional ability to manage a long list of responsibilities simultaneously. But as the business matures excitement and creativity may turn to complacency and “do-loop” behaviors. In order to survive and prosper every business today must continuously improve its offering, operational systems and culture.  

The “we always did it this way” method is self-perpetuating

A small but growing sub-group of business leaders are learning how to bring contemporary processes into their organizations. They understand this need and seek improvement assistance in arenas such as peer advisory groups, seminars and business association forums; some even return to school. But, what about the majority? New thinking, refreshed leadership skills and updating operational systems are especially important but severely lacking in legacy (traditional industry) companies.  

From ironworker to vice-president of marketing to 3-time entrepreneur, the first half of my working life afforded a broad view of corporate culture and divergent examples of management philosophy. And, for the last 15 years – 100 clients, most with fewer than 30 employees have adapted my business development and operational processes for start-up and turnaround. These experiences and unique skills are exclusive to me and can be applied to your business.

Conditioning the inside of the business can have a profound effect on profits, easing interpersonal challenges and reducing owner fatigue. A good way of preparing for a more robust future is engaging a mentoring interim COO. If your business is struggling with today’s competitive challenges my interim COO services could change that reality.