Business Basics

Some one once said, "just wait a moment and things will change." This is certainly true for many business models. Technologies change, production methods change, consumer demands change, pricing models change, competitors change and yes, even customers change. But the one thing that is still consistent about business is the need to manage and continue to follow the basic concepts that make for a successful business.
In the game of football a coach told me that in the end it all comes down to blocking and tackling. If you can do those two things well then you will come out ahead when the whistle blows. Sure you may say that game day strategies and play calling are critical to scoring or preventing a score but the plain and simple fact remains that no strategy ever made a tackle on the goal line on the last play of the game.
Blocking and tackling, is what businesses, especially small businesses need to remember to do in order remain successful. So, what are the basics?

1) Be more efficient tomorrow than you are today
2) Be aware and ahead of market changes
3) Be customer driven
4) Communicate, communicate and communicate your value

These four (4) things can also be labeled this way;

1) Cost effectiveness
If you are not, then your competition will be
2) Future focus
If you are not, then you will become obsolete
3) Relationship builder
If you are not, then customers will find some one who is
4) Marketing and promoting
If you are not, then no one will find you
For many businesses these fundamentals are too often ignored, especially when things begin to heat up and profits are eroding or sales are not growing. They become reactionary in response to changing market conditions and all to frequently make hasty decisions that are not in concert with managing these 4 principles. Yes, business can still survive even when making or not making decisions that are not rooted in the above. But are they as successful as they can be or as they had been.
Businesses most continue to reinvent themselves. Sometimes this is a long process and other times the nature of the business dictates a faster turn around. Either way, while in the process of reinvention you need to keep true to that which keeps you in business today;

1) Profitability = Efficiency
2) New products and services = Market awareness
3) Customer retention and growth = Relationship building
4) Making yourself known = Marketing and promotion