One of our most recent projects reminded me about the never-ending layers of bureaucracy and the slug-like speed at which things are sometimes accomplished (if that ever happens) in large corporations. This sort of thing can be frustrating for a virtual company proponent. Nevertheless, it has inspired me to keep a running list in my mind (and now here) on the slow & stodgy traits of the big boys vs. those of the small and nimble. Which area describes your business?
Slow & Stodgy Traits:
- Unnecessary people, doing unnecessary tasks, collecting unnecessary paychecks
Watch out for the “paycheck collectors” who are drawn to behemoth companies and governso they stake out cube/office territory and remain until retirement - Very little ability to innovate because of past decisions and investments in software technology that limit growth potential
- Old, outdated processes created in part for reasons no one can now recall
- Have invested in equipment that now sits in a storage room instead of selling it to create a profit
- Never questioning the status quo or comparing your company to the best in class
- Employees who prefer to impress the boss instead of doing what’s right
And on the flip side – we find the Small & Nimble who
- Have the ability to turn on a dime – creating quick, workable solutions which solve client’s challenges
- Opting for the best in class which is not always the most expensive option
- Decide at the outset to build a company which will remain virtual and profitable
- Allow for smart and calculated growth
- Automate 90% of what they do
- Limit the number of full-time employees – as they consider this model to be outdated
- Are never afraid to toss out something that’s not working
- Constantly ask whether they can do better and improve the process and returns
- Run a company with a skeleton crew
- Plan, automate, improve, repeat.
Growth and profitability does not always mean that a company becomes weighted down. Start now to build organizations that stay lean and smart.