Andrew Hawkins

More money by Adam Hawkins http://anodizeproductions.com

So the recession is officially over.

Hooray!

Now for the really hard part – surviving the post-recession downturn that most pundits expected and most firms are now experiencing.

Strong leadership can make a huge difference to success or failure – never more so than today, so here are some things to consider:

1. Understand the big picture in your industry or sector – be sure of the true position.

2. Adjust sales forecasts to accurately reflect the true circumstances. Review every month.

3. Cashflow must be maintained, but it’s catch 22 because that can take resource away from sales and other vital activity. Deploy your people to be effective TODAY.

4. Target cuts carefully – at waste rather than core activity.

5. Keep an eye on the future – don’t act precipitously. Short term cost savings can result in being under-resourced when the upturn comes. Judgement is crucial.

6. Focus on customers – understand and try to help resolve your customer’s problems.

7. Innovate. If cashflow allows don’t stop all R&D. New products and services will help boost turnover and profit when markets improve.

8. Look for opportunities. Asset values are low and research by McKinsey & Company shows that effective acquisitions during a downturn “created significant value”.

9. Motivate. Make certain that you get staff on your side to retain the best and make sure they don’t leave as soon as the jobs market improves.

10. Action. Don’t be paralysed by fear, focus on your USP and take appropriate action.

Anything you’d like to add ? Leave your comments below ….

I’m a great fan of Seth Godin’s blog and he recently posted a comment about people being afraid of buying apples in case they made a mistake and wasted their time or their money.

I come across this all the time with business owners who are so innundated with offers from coaches and consultants with promises ranging from improbably increased profits to all their dreams coming true that they end up doing nothing.

Nothing is not quite the right term.

They end up worrying and working longer hours to try and turn around a business that they have invested in heavily, both emotionally and financially.

However, I know from years of working with business owners that having someone who can negotiate with banks and creditors and get them a better deal can often make all the difference. Most business owners can look at someone else’s business and spot what needs to be done to improve it but they’re often too close to their own trees to see the shape of the forest.

Most of us don’t really worry about buying the wrong sort of apple. If we don’t like one sort we chuck it out and try another variety but choosing someone to help you turn your business around requires a lot more investment in time and money. That’s why we’ve found a source of funding that may mean you don’t have to risk your own money on finding out if we’re any good or not.

If you’d like to try our type of apple give me a call on 01480 830282.