When times are really hard, it seems that we spend an inordinate amount of time just worrying about the very survival of our company. Sometimes it seems as if we are afraid to breathe, unless another one of those “shoes” will drop.
While the people who hold the purse strings may be watching the falling footwear and every associated penny, it’s important to remember that it is possible to move forward aggressively without breaking the bank. Making strategic changes to the way that you actually operate your business can have several effects. You might be able to raise morale, inject a team spirit and make your employees more motivated at the same time. A change of environment or methods of operation can work wonders and have the effect of a new broom sweeping clean.
If you haven’t done so already, take steps to open up your business to your employees. You don’t have to tell them every little piece of sensitive information, but you should involve them in your mission statement and give them a reason to be enthusiastic. Tell them how you have done in 2009 and convince them that while times were difficult, it could have been a whole lot worse. Scarcely have we seen as much anticipation for a new year as we witnessed this time and with a new decade in attendance, this is the best time to be enthusiastic and positive. Make it a point to gather weekly tips and suggestions from your employees during a scheduled brainstorming meeting. Encourage team interaction, cross pollinating ideas as they go.
With the major advances in communications we have enjoyed over the last few years we are able to keep in touch with each other and function very well. Instant messaging, e-mailing, texting, tweeting, Skype-ing, videoconferencing and a whole list of other measures allow us to work virtually. Why not consider taking this to the ultimate step and dismantle your costly office? If you’re able to work with a proactive and positive group of people whom you trust, then you can help them out as well by allowing them to work from their homes. Just be sure that you have set up a system allowing you to keep in touch with them adequately and ensure that you have set times of day when they must communicate with each other and update proceedings.
If you’re not ready to go quite that far, try creating a more palatable environment in the office. The typical office space of old is rather inhuman, isn’t it? Those cubicles and noise deadening panels are very displeasing to the eye and are not likely to create the best environment and calming effect for best creativity. Why not suggest an office trip every few days, taking advantage of one of the great bookstore cafés that we have dotted around our neighborhoods? These are well known as being creative environments and you can conduct an educational trip while adding a social element to your employer – employee bonding experience.
Check out Google Wave and see if you can’t start to ride this to your company’s benefits. Google Wave is a dynamic environment allowing all interested parties to interact in real time and to contribute to an event, problem, project or issue. Simply start the ball rolling and see how all your employees become more enthusiastic and pitch in to get the job done.
By being innovative and by using the technology of today you can start to change the very way that your business “ticks,” save money and increase productivity.
Do you have any smart ways to grow your business as we all welcome 2010?
Matthew Toren
