It has been a strange spring to say the least, with temperatures hovering well below seasonal (I don't consider a low of -3 degrees C (26 degrees Fahrenheit) to be remotely close to spring time weather, but that's just me). It would appear that we have completely missed spring somewhere along the way. Most people I have run into are abuzz about the weather, wondering what environmental factors are driving these extremely low seasonal temperatures, yet if we think back to let's say ten years ago, weren't these lower temperatures more the norm this time of year? I mean, it's not as if we have never experienced such a cold spring. Yet it would appear that many have forgotten this, or possibly they have just become spoiled by global warming... Changes in weather, like changes in business, are cyclical, resurfacing at unusual times and often in a different form, making them appear to be something never before experienced. From a business perspective, consider for example that manufacturing is returning to North America where automation can be introduced to reduce the high cost of labor; and in our high tech world, consumers are showing preference in returning to products and companies that offer a high-touch service. The reality is that most of the changes we experience either personally or in business have been experienced by someone, somewhere at sometime. Understanding this helps us to place external change into context, allowing for a systematic and proactive approach to managing the change, rather than a reactionary one. When changes in your external environment are looming, consider the following questions to place the circumstance into context, and to determine the best means to managing the change: 1. Where might this change have occurred in the past? What industry, sector, or geographical region is most likely to have experienced something similar? 2. What parallels can be drawn between this current event and historical events? What are the common attributes that may provide insight into potential solutions? 3. What solutions have been implemented by others to adapt to these changes? How might these solutions be integrated into your industry or business? There really is little new under the sun. When unanticipated change presents itself, it is no time to panic. Start by identifying where similar circumstances have presented themselves in the past, and determine what lessons you can derive that can be applied to your situation. |
New! Free Teleseminar at 11am on Monday May 27th Reducing Inventory Investment and Maximizing Profits! In response to numerous inquiries and recent questions from my clients, I am conducting a special teleseminar at 11:00am on Monday May 27th on How to reduce investment in inventory to improve order fulfillment, maximize cash flow and increase customer satisfaction. You can register by visiting http://inventoryteleseminar.eventbrite.ca Join me for a full hour in which we uncover how to quickly design and implement an inventory strategy that will maximize profits and radically increase customer order fulfillment. Based on my work with numerous top performing clients, you will quickly learn how to: • Identify the weaknesses in your current inventory management program. • Understand how to "plug" inventory leaks and build a solid inventory strategy. • Minimize your investment in inventory by maximizing your supplier relationships. • Engage staff to ensure your inventory strategy "sticks." Best of all, there is no charge to join this teleseminar (and if you can't make the session, don't worry, I will send you an MP3 recording within 48 hours of the teleseminar). Spend an hour with me and learn how to save thousands of dollars (if not tens of thousands) in inventory investment. You won't regret it! Register by visiting http://inventoryteleseminar.eventbrite.ca Time is Running Out to Join Our Upcoming FREE Webinar: Effective Leadership for Maximum Results June 24th at 11:00am EST In this webinar we will contrast the difference between effective and ineffective front line leaders. More importantly we will discuss how to develop the traits to be an effective leader, balancing the demands of senior management and employees to achieve the organizations strategy. This webinar is geared toward front line leaders who wish to improve their performance and for senior managers and business owners who lead front line leaders. For more information and to register for this event you can send an email to shawn@casemoreandco.com. |