better business blog

Tips and stories to add value to you and your organisation

Business Sunbathing

22 August 2016

What is business? Well, one definition puts it thus:

‘Business is a collection of ideas, executed as products or services’ (R Maun, 2016)

And it follows then that a successful business is when those ideas are executed to a good standard, which results in satisfied customers, repeat purchases and the generation of a positive cash flow. Without those three outputs a business cannot remain a sustainable and viable entity. 

Tracking back from this, we need to ensure that our business is kept supplied by new ideas. These might be concerned with improvements to our products, new ways for people to buy from us (think about car manufacturers launching lower cost models to provide an easier entry point into their range), or the removal of waste from our processes in order to increase margins, or to stay competitive.

Without ideas we will stagnate and be out-competed by those who constantly innovate. Think about Google vs Yahoo, or Apple vs Blackberry. Two of those started as the underdog in their market, two were leaders who failed to keep pushing the boundaries.

When we are planning our week it is vital that we allow time to think and to create space for ourselves that works for us. Personally, I find a spot of business sunbathing works wonders. My body might be stretched out enjoying the delightful process of gaining a tan, whilst my mind is free to wander and ponder. It’s a perfect combination for me, a win-win that ensures I go brown and my business doesn’t go into the red.

What do you do to give yourself space to think? There’s still some tanning time left if you hurry!

Next week: It’s Ok To Say No