Several years ago I went to an Association monthly meeting and heard a seminar given on
Business Development. The gentleman said that no matter what business you were in
certain principles applies.
The first principle was Define Your Product. Many businesses fail because they do not
define their goal. Define what your business goals are began to work toward those goals.
Many people never concentrate their efforts to a single goal. Many people spread their
efforts in so many directions that they are not effective in any one area. A field of
sunlight has enough power to melt a rock if the rays were focused on one point. A smart
fox only chases one rabbit
The second principle was Market Your Product. Many business fail due to lack of
marketing. People need to know what services you can provide. Snake eggs are supposed
to be the tastiest eggs known to man, but every morning we eat chicken eggs, why?
Because the snakes go and hide when they lay eggs, and the chicken's crow when they lay
eggs.
Why is McDonald's one of the largest restaurants? Because they have the best food, or is it
the comfortable seating? Do you shop a mall because they have the lowest prices?
Probably you shop at these places because they are good marketers. If you plan to have a
successful business you must market your product.
The third principle was Deliver Your Product. This is where some businesses fail. They
have a good product, and market it successfully, and then never deliver what they
promise. Follow up is very important. You must do what you say.
The fourth principle was Manage Your Business. To manage your business is just to
review and improve the first three principles. See what works, keep doing those items.
See what is not working, try new ideas.
The Japanese have effectively taken American management principles by Dr. Edward
Deming and created an effective business climate. Dr. Deming's principles were to
constantly seek improvement. No matter how good things are, they can be improved. The
is called Total Quality Management. Constantly improve product definition, improve
marketing, and improve product delivery.
The fifth principle was Receive Your Rewards. If you define, market, deliver and
improve you business you will have rewards to receive.
The Rewards of Development
The last section is the rewards of development. Unfortunately there is only one place
where reward comes before work, and that is in the dictionary. Take time to improve
your personal skills, work your business, be wise and reap the rewards of your efforts.
