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BIG 5 MISTAKES in business.

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“Synergy is better than my way or your way. It's our way” – Stephen Covey.

Synergy is about creating a bigger sum from joining smaller parts. Obviously, it plays a big role in business. And a company’s vision and mission depend on it. 

As a Profitability Coach, I ask business owners, “Can you achieve your goals with no synergy in your business? That probably wouldn’t happen, would it? Most businesses realize it. Eventually, you know it is all about doing the right things right.

Scores of examples show how businesses failed. Daimler and Chrysler is one such example of a merger. Culture clashes thwarted synergy between the two. The merger fell apart. And experts labeled it a “big failure”. Why? Simple. No synergy.

Synergy is not just an issue companies face when they merge with other companies. Even if you are an owner of a small business you need synergy. You need it in strategic planning for small business. People in your team need to pull forward together. Without this binding force, you will lose momentum in your business.

Do not Lose Synergy

1) Never forget the company mission

A mission statement is all about having a core purpose. It answers these questions:

  • Why the company is doing what it is doing
  • Why employees believe in passionately doing what customers need
  • Why customers would look for us when we aren’t around
  • What is the bigger reason our company exists

Have you ever seen success when different units of the same business move in opposite directions? It just doesn’t happen. Most businesses suffer from exactly this issue. And many don’t see it until it’s too late.

Make your employees realize the purpose of your company. Display it in a common place. Offer them a performance incentive plan. Such steps make people treat the business as their own. And you’ll find a great way to motivate them in carrying out the company’s mission. 


2) Carry out your company's core values

Core values are “must do” and “must never do” items. Define them in a way that it becomes a default standard. If an ethical issue stymies you, well-defined core values would clarify what you should do. 

Core values could change in time. Once they solidify, they will act as a manual directing anyone.


3) Set your targets

Targets are goals that affect your company in the next 3 to 5 years. Most people know that leaders in companies influence them. They exist as long as the leader exists. 

If your company doesn’t need new goals, that’s okay. Your leader may decide to refocus people using existing goals. It may bring fewer goals and greater clarity. Such steps could produce unprecedented results when people dive down like an eagle from the sky. That’s the focus it will bring to your company.


4) Set your yearly goals

If you know what your main priority is, you will get there. For example, if you have to install 15 doors each week in your door business and that’s your main task, people will achieve it. Make it clear to them in your Strategic Plan.


5) Your quarterly goals next

Even if you have yearly goals, it makes sense to have 90-day goals. It’s one key performance measure that aligns with the company objectives. 

Use 2 or 3 priorities to support this measure. It’s important that your full team is onboard. That’ll make it easy for them to achieve this single goal.


6) Your weekly meeting

Each week, hold a meeting. Go over actions that will lead to results. Get a handle on risks. Such meetings produce rhythm and routine. Such routines when joined with goals produce effective results.             

However, assign only one owner for each action. Keep the meeting at an hour, max. That’s when you can get the right results. Again, do not lose synergy.


7) Daily snippet

Hold daily meetings for no more than 10 minutes. Get the top issues to track progress. Discuss the blocks to carrying out your plan. Such meetings track your derails. They spot new opportunities that elude bigger meetings. They save time from emails. They help you get over interruptions. 

So make use of the opportunities to avoid hassles, save time and reach goals.

You might not notice but the most important of all meetings is this daily meeting. It sets the tone for your weekly meetings.

That’s it. Now you have the blueprint. Build your strategic plan. Strategic planning for small business can save you years of hassles if you start believing in “our way”.


Written by Suresh Iyengar, P.E., President, Business Unit Execution LLC––if you ever wanted to get ahead working with a business coach and improve your net profit margin, boost your ROI or steady your cash flow, then let's talk. Set up your FREE Explosive Business Results phone call. CLICK HERE.