Working on, Not Just in, Your Business Is Not Always Easy to Do

As a business leader, are you doing what you are uniquely qualified to do? Are you working on things that can drive the trajectory of your printing business? If you’ve answered yes, congratulations — you’re focused on working on the business. The challenge for many entrepreneurs is that they spend so much time working in the business, that the strategy part is continuously delayed.

It’s not an easy business to lead, but it is a business and should be run that way. Begin by taking the time to review your team. By having the right folks in the right jobs, that will give you a running start to being successful. Without the right team in place, all the arrows will point back to you.

Review your process, procedures, and workflow, as the dynamics of the marketplace are ever changing. Make sure that how you are running the shop is still relevant based on the new world we all live in. If there are areas that need to be revamped, identify what they are, the impact they will make by improving the situation, and finally, prioritize them based on the resources available.

Take a careful look at your customer base. Keep a critical eye on the customers you really want, and the customers you feel you need to fill a shift. Chasing the wrong business may become a bigger distraction than you think. And while being busy may make you feel good, make sure that your customer focus is contributing to your continued success.

Perhaps it’s time to re-tool your scorecard. Are you tracking the KPIs that’ll make a difference for your business and more importantly, are you acting on what the KPIs are telling you?

Assemble your team and make sure that you are all on the same page. You hired these folks because of their skills and business acumen, make sure that you are letting them do their jobs. I wrote about this in “Develop Your Leaders, Work on the Business, and Stop Spinning Plates.” That post may also provide some good ideas for you.

Make time to work on the business. Network, read, and tap into your peer group and advisors for new ideas that you can apply to your business. You’ve got this!

Mike Philie can help validate what’s working and what may need to change in your business. Changing the trajectory of a business is difficult to do while simultaneously operating the core competencies. Mike provides strategy and insight to owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry by providing direct and realistic assessments, not being afraid to voice the unpopular opinion and helping leaders navigate change through a common sense and practical approach. Learn more at www.philiegroup.com, LinkedIn or email at mphilie@philiegroup.com.