Innovation – a new idea or method. That’s how the Collin’s English Dictionary describes innovation. Being innovative in business these days helps us keep ahead of the competition and make it more relevant and exciting for our customers.
Kevin and Rob from Wide Open Welding provide custom steel fabrication services within BC and are specialists in staircases and iron railings. Their quality work is well known and they are committed to building a great company.
Finding and keeping good employees is a key component for their business and, at times, can be a challenging process. Kevin and Rob have put some innovation into their recruitment ads. Right away you get a sense of who these guys are and how they run their business.
Innovation can seem like a daunting process for any business owner. So having a new idea takes some thought and, might I say, creativity. And who has time for creativity these days?
Being innovative doesn’t have to be rocket science. Just take a look around, see what’s happening, what’s working, what’s not and have fun. It’s all about gaining attention that’s positive and attracting new customers.
Typically this is the time of year for resolutions, as we all know. How well we clarify those resolutions and the amount of enthusiasm we maintain determines whether we reach our goals.
I heard an interview recently of a fitness business that expected their memberships to jump more than 50% at the beginning of January and then drop off substantially in February when the enthusiasm starts to fade.
How’s the progress going for your business resolution, your Plan for 2010?
Was it created and ready to implement well before January 1st, did you start out the new year with great enthusiasm only to find the momentum is starting to slip or are you still wondering what outcomes you really want for this year of business?
Here are some points to remember when creating and maintaining your plan:
- be very clear what’s important to you and where you want your business to go this year
- write down the top 10 must do’s for the year
- break those top 10 down into manageable actions
- schedule those actions in your calendar
- and, most importantly, follow through on the actions
Your business plan is an ongoing road map that should be referred to regularly, not just at the beginning of a new year. Use it to guide you throughout the year and reap the benefits of clarity and accomplishment.
Here’s to 2010. May it be your best year yet.
