Why Are Some Doing So Well While Others
Struggle?
This month I am wavering slightly from the
lessons in my book. I have consulted for a number of yards this
year and have been thinking carefully about what the common
threads to weak performance (or failure) are. Some folks are
doing real well (defined as 15 percent to 25 percent net profit)
while many are just getting by, if at all.
The reasons some folks aren't doing well aren't
speculation; they are based on my actual experiences this year.
Here we go (these aren't in any special order):
1. Failure to change - I know right away when
I visit a site, within one hour, if significant progress is
going to be made. At least 50 percent of the time, I hear a
lot of defensive posturing and reasons why what they are doing
is the right thing. Even when I explain that I have seen their
situation many times be-fore, and a change will help, they won't
hear of it. Most folks think problems are unique to their site,
when in fact I see the same problems over and over.
2. Too many employees - This is the single
biggest problem. Most of the time I hear all the reasons why
this employee can't do this or that. (See number one.) If you
aren't doing at least $15,000 per month per employee (many are
doing $20,000 plus), you have too many employees.
3. Unresolvable family issues - Dads (and Moms)
that won't get out of the way, unreasonable expectations on
value, and/or unwillingness to recognize that new blood (and
energy) is needed. I guess it's an ego thing, but I always say
I hope I will recognize when it is time to move on and choose
to sell or pass on the business when I am at the top. Many passed
the top some time back and are waiting for those days to return.
4. Unwillingness (or inability) to use the
computer - The power of the information in our computers is
unbelievable. About 10 percent of the sites to which I go are
actually using the sophisticated tools their computer provides.
Many are looking for "advanced techniques", or "secrets", but
aren't doing anything resembling basics.
5. Unwillingness to get help - I talk to lots
of folks that are struggling but say they can't afford help
or are waiting for something to happen or change. It is unfathomable
to me. I always tell folks they will get these costs back in
a day or so on just one or two of the many ideas I (or someone)
will give them. There are lots of folks out there tossing good
money every month, recurring money, every month, until they
wise up. I remember in 1987 when we had one of the worst months
we had ever had. Things were dismal. What did I do? I installed
the Auto Info computer. Within months our business had picked
up, not because of the computer, but it was just one of the
tools we used, albeit an important one.
6. Work ethic & sense of urgency - Where did
it go? My friends and employees (and even my clients) will tell
you my sense of urgency is hard to satisfy. Do it yesterday!
Remember, only you can make BUSINESS GREAT!
