You don't always have to come up with a ground-breaking new product to grow as a business. Sometimes it's about doing what you're already doing, but better, or differently.
Improving business productivity or profitability isn’t just about getting bigger, employing more staff or getting a lot of new equipment. Before you decide that putting a growth plan in place is the only way to go, here are some simple and low cost ways you can try first:
Providing training for staff
Although training can be costly upfront, the return on investing in relevant and good-quality training will be reflected in improved quality and efficiency. Your team will also have a broader range of professional skills, which can benefit your customers by being able to offer a wider range of products or services.
Empowering your staff will also make them better, more effective advocates for your products and services.
Upgrading your I.T. equipment or software
Slow-running hardware and out-of-date software can result in consistent time wasting and ‘stress out’ your staff (and you!).
It’s important for businesses to have reliable computer and phone services. If cost is what’s holding you back from making these improvements, find out whether there might be a grant or funding option to help you.
Improving the quality of your internet service
Fast and reliable internet access is essential in today’s business market. If you’re consistently experiencing slow or inconsistent internet or wifi service, it’s worth contacting your provider/other providers to see if any improvements can be made. You can check your internet speed here.
Cultivating a happy and engaged team
Overall, an engaged and motivated team is one of the largest contributing factors to improved productivity and consistent output.
In addition to maintaining a level of business transparency and openness with your employees, simple activities such as team socials can be great ways to maintain the good running of your business.
Your people are one of your organisation’s most valuable assets (that includes you too), so don’t forget to ‘look after’ them, as well as focussing on the bottom line.
Improving your customer service
Do you struggle to keep hold of your customers? Then you may need to invest time into looking after the customers you have. It is far easier and cheaper to re sell to existing customers than it is to find new ones.
This might mean sending a regular newsletter out, or just creating a system for asking for feedback and engaging with customers after they work with you.
Improving your online offer
The world moves quickly now, and nowhere is that more true than online. Have a look at your website, then have a look at your competitors' offer.
- Could yours be more attention-grabbing?
- Could yours make your products and services more easily understandable?
- Could yours be easier to navigate?
- Could yours be more aesthetically pleasing? Often people focus on how beautiful their website looks: this is incredibly important, but not more important than how easy it is for people to find out about and buy your products.
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