Toolbox for your business
Maybe you have a toolbox in your garage which is filled with many different tools. You never use most of them. However, once you need a tool, you are likely to find the right one in there. In order to establish a toolbox for your business, we first need to identify the required tasks that need to be completed. Based on the tasks at hand, the tools will be designed. Basically, we will follow this sequence:
- Identify the problem areas – Asking the right questions
- Solutions for problem areas – Paper and pencil
- Proven examples – Case study
- Fix It – Project plan and tips
Based on the previously mentioned observer effect, I would like to call this concept the Business Observer Toolbox for Operational Xcellence—in short, BOTOX. Many successful businesses are already using it. However, nobody will admit to it.
Identify the problem areas—asking the right questions
Before we can fix a problem, we first need to identify it. It sounds obvious. However, it's easier said than done if it's your own business. You may be tangled up in a series of competing interests that need to be balanced. Or, maybe you are just blind. Asking the right questions is the key element to bring problem areas to light. Therefore, the first element in our BOTOX system is a set of questions. Please review the questions I asked in the beginning of the chapter. They are focused on identifying a potential disconnect. As you go through the questions, make a note every time you have to access more than one system. Be aware of the repetitive steps and synchronizations that you need. You need to be demanding! Demand a solution that can do it all in a simple workflow.
Solutions for problem areas—paper and pencil
Based on the questions asked, you may find surprising answers that will reveal the problem areas. How do you think these problems can be solved? As a business owner, you are the expert. Write down your ideas. The second element in our toolbox is a piece of paper and a pencil. Your goal should be a simple, integrated solution. That's why you should document all the different systems you are using. Make a circle for each system and create an arrow connecting it to the next system. For example, create a circle for your web site, CRM, finance system, email, newsletters, and so on. I will help you a bit more later in this chapter.
Proven examples—case study
Using the example provided in this book, you can select proven techniques and workflows that will help you achieve end-to-end processes. End-to-end essentially means that all the information is integrated and transparent. The case study serves as a platform to present how you use the tools and techniques introduced in each chapter. Therefore, an important aspect of our toolbox is a structured set of examples. Alongside the case study, I will also provide some tips and tricks which you can use for your own project.
Fix It—project plan and tips
The final elements in our toolbox will help you translate the concepts and ideas into action. Namely, a template-style project plan is used as a step-by-step instrument to move forward with the implementation. As the implementation is organized into sections that represent common departments, the project plan is also structured into sections. Therefore, you can take the parts you need for your own project.