Optimization is an act, process or methodology that makes something as fully functional or effective as possible.
As a business owner, you are conditioned to think beyond the present and tend to obsess over how to get more out of your current resources. You are constantly asking yourself - "How can we maximize results and leverage our time, effort, risk, money and energy?"
Optimization is all about being more productive. It channels your ideas, assets, knowledge, systems, processes, people and opportunities to even greater profitability.
It’s time to think about where the opportunities to optimize are hiding in your business...they are everywhere. Use your creative intelligence, and that of the people around you, as a source of ideas and collaborate about solutions that will increase sales, customer satisfaction and quality.
Optimization is also about freeing yourself and your organization from your limiting beliefs. The "we've always done it this way" attitude is a thing of the past. Take the time to define and establish your own industry standards.
In 1926, Henry Ford took a bold step and implemented the 40-hour work week. Henry Ford, an industrial entrepreneur, pushed against industry norms of the time to implement 8-hour shifts and 5-day work weeks in America (during a time when the standard workweek was six days and 50 to 60 hours). He also offered his auto factory workers a wage of $5 per day while other companies paid only half that amount. The combined effect of higher pay and shorter workweeks had a significant impact at the Ford Motor Company: employee loyalty increased, production rose and the company's profits hit new heights.
Just as a gentle ocean breeze can propel a large sailing vessel toward its destination -- the strategy of optimization can help you significantly propel your company's performance levels.
Where are the optimization opportunities in your business? Begin to ask yourself these questions, then continue to come back to these as your growth evolves:
What is the best use of our time, talents and resources?
What resources (systems, processes, people) are we under-utilizing?
Which strategies have worked in the past? Which have we overlooked? Which have we depended on for far too long?
What past or current relationships need our attention (i.e. customers, employees, vendors, advisors)?
Where are the hidden opportunities with our employees?
What improvement opportunities for our customers should we pursue first?
Expand your mindset for optimization, and leave the status quo and your competition behind.
Wishing you continued success!
James Pagano Business Performance Coach