Effective communication is one of the most critical factors in any business relationship. It can make or break a partnership, and it’s especially vital in manufacturing. Keeping track of details, sharing files, and staying organized is essential to maintaining a solid working relationship with your suppliers. If you’re thinking about establishing new partnerships with your suppliers or want to strengthen your existing ones, read on to learn more about effective communication.
Communicate with your suppliers from the beginning
Communication is key at all stages of business, but it’s even more crucial when working with overseas suppliers. Therefore, it’s important to communicate your expectations and requirements from the beginning of your relationship. This way, you should reduce the likelihood of miscommunication later down the line.
The best way to communicate is in-person, but this is often not an option for many businesses. Whether due to time issues, distance issues, or other problems – as we found in recent times with the coronavirus pandemic – meeting in person isn’t always an option.
Try video calling or speaking on the phone. Email can work too. These forms of written communication should be drawn up carefully to ensure everything is clear.
Stay on top of updates and changes
Communication is what holds your business relationships together. It helps partners stay informed, collaborate more effectively, and make smart decisions. While that initial communication is key, continuing to communicate with each other throughout your partnership is the only way to ensure your work goes smoothly.
However, communication can only be effective if it’s two-way. Make sure you’re staying on top of updates and changes. If you’re working with a supplier, they should keep you informed of any changes, too.
When managing a large, global operation, you’re bound to have unplanned changes and updates. So make sure everyone involved in your supply chain knows about these changes as soon as they happen.
Sending regular B2B emails can effectively ensure everyone is aware of any updates or changes. Finding good B2B email ideas can be difficult – especially when there aren’t many changes to update on, but keeping these emails regular will create trust in your suppliers that, when there are changes, they will be made aware.
Keep track of your suppliers’ communication patterns, too. If you notice an increase in a supplier’s communication, it could indicate a problem. This could be anything from a miscommunication to an issue with their operation.
Use cloud-based file storage
Cloud-based file storage is an integral part of effective communication when working with suppliers. You and your partners will likely be sharing files, but you don’t want to put sensitive information on someone else’s server. Cloud storage offers security and privacy that a physical server doesn’t.
It also makes sharing files more straightforward for everyone involved—without compromising security. Use a cloud-based file storage system as soon as you start collaborating with suppliers. This will help you keep track of all the files you’re sharing, make them easily accessible, and keep them safe.
For example, Dropbox is an excellent option for B2B manufacturers who want to streamline their communication, collaborate more effectively, and stay organized. It’s secure and simple to use, making it easy to share files—and track what’s being shared.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/team-g7fde32924_1280.jpg8531280StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2022-05-24 08:00:022022-05-24 01:44:06The Importance of Effective Communication: 3 Ways to Keep Contact With Your Suppliers
If you want to make sure that your business is a success, then you have to make sure that your customers feel valued. If your customers or clients do not feel valued, then you may find that they seek the same service from elsewhere and this is the last thing that you need. If you want to do something about this, then you need to make sure that you are doing everything you can to focus on your customers and also make sure that they are respected at every stage of the process. Want to find out more? Keep on reading.
Clients are People Too
Everyone loves the feeling of being acknowledged, even in very small ways. One thing that you can do to try and help them here would be for you to ensure that you are treating them as if they are real people. They are not robots that sit on the other side of your computer screen, and they are not another number in your sales pipeline. Find out when your clients are going to be celebrating their birthday or even an anniversary. If it works for your company, then you need to try and offer them a discount if you can. This can work wonders for your sales, and you may even find that it shows your customers that you value them and the business that they bring in. Sign the discount card personally whenever you send it to them in the mail as well. If you can do this, then you’ll soon be able to make them feel more looked-after.
Give them some Personal Attention
Nothing says “very important person” than having someone actively roll out the red carpet. That being said, you do not want to suffocate your customers and clients. You do not want to pounce on them the moment they walk through the door. If you know that your clients do a lot of business with you online rather than in a storefront, then don’t send them emails all the time. If you do, then you may find that they end up feeling overwhelmed. You may even find that you end up turning them off if they feel pressured into using you, and this can cause you to lose out on business in the long run. If possible, you need to find the right balance so that you don’t seem pushy, but caring and supportive instead. This will help your customers to feel valued more than you realise. If you want to support all of your customers, then you may want to invest in something like LoopTV.
Thank Them
Whenever possible, you need to try and thank your clients for doing business with you. You do not want to overdo things here as you may come across as being false. If possible, you need to make sure that you are always genuine and that you are also speaking to them from the heart. By being authentic you can really resonate with them, and you can show them that your company cares more about them than the money they give you. This is an essential step when it comes to customer satisfaction.
Use Gift Cards
Newer clients can easily be given things like gift cards. That being said, you need to make sure that you are not forgetting about the clients that you are working with right now. Your repeat customers, who have come to you time and time again need to feel rewarded too. Loyalty programs are a great way for you to do this and it rewards them every single time they make a purchase. You might also want to think about holding a client appreciation day too. This is a set day where you can thank all of your clients for doing business with you. You have to remember that they are the reason why you are even in business, so it helps to make them feel appreciated.
So, if you can follow this guide then you should be able to make your clients feel way more looked-after and appreciated. If you can implement changes now, then it should not be long before you start seeing great results, so keep this in mind and always be mindful of tracking your bottom line. This will help you to know if the money you are investing is benefitting you in the long run. It will also help you to really push your company to that next level in terms of profit and customer satisfaction.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-mentatdgt-1526819.jpg8001200StrategyDrivenhttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngStrategyDriven2022-05-24 07:00:402022-05-24 01:33:314 Ways to Make Your Customers Feel Valued
This article will discuss the basics of a 401k plan and how to enroll employees year-round. We’ll also cover setting up a trust for the project, payroll integration, and an employer match. The following section will cover some common questions related to 401ks.
Enrolling employees year-round in a 401k plan
Enrolling employees in a 401k plan for your business requires time. Recruiting a new employee means waiting for an enrollment period and paperwork. Making this process easier, you can make it easier by enrolling employees year-round.
Another way to increase employee engagement is to use auto-enrollment. Employees may usually adjust their contribution amounts or investment selections and request a refund under most auto-enrollment programs. Employees should be informed about the strategy and guidance on how to opt-out. In addition to offering employees a more affordable way to contribute to their retirement accounts, automatic enrollment encourages workers to take advantage of the plan and save more money.
Automatic enrollment allows employers to enroll all eligible employees into the plan automatically. During their employment, an employee can elect to make voluntary contributions or to deduct predetermined amounts of their wages. Automatic enrollment is usually a good option for new plans because the tax credits could offset the costs of setting up the plan. Additionally, automatic enrollment offers employers a $500 tax break for the first three years.
Establishing a 401k trust
You can set up a 401(k) account as a legal entity. It will require a trustee, who will usually be the company’s owner or its president. If you are self-employed, you will likely serve as a trustee. This role can be risky, as you are responsible for compliance and plan design. The trustee may be the business owner, or you could be the self-employed person who has no prior experience running a business.
Once you have chosen your plan document, you will need to decide how many employees you want to enroll. Most 401(k) plans require at least a half-dozen people to participate. However, a 401(k) plan may be too small if your company is smaller. If so, you can consider a third-party administrator for ease of administration. Third-party administrators typically have a team of experts who can help you with the plan setup and maintenance.
Getting payroll integration for a 401k plan
A 401(k) plan can significantly impact the program’s administration. Payroll integration connects payroll data with record keeping systems and benefit providers. It automates compliance monitoring and focuses on maximizing retirement benefits.
Getting payroll integration for a 401(k) plan for your company allows you to streamline the administration of your retirement plan by automating the process. For example, the payroll provider will relay census information to your 401(k) record keeper, which helps you save time. The payroll provider will also process employee contributions. In addition, once the integration is complete, the payroll provider will no longer rely on manual data entry.
Getting an employer match for a 401k plan
While getting an employer match for a 401k is free money, there are some restrictions and other conditions. For example, most employers do not match 100% of contributions. You can, however, get as much as 3 percent of your salary matched by your employer. If you can get an employer match of 3 percent or more, you will have the potential to double your retirement savings. You could potentially earn up to $150,000 and receive about $42,000 in free contributions during your lifetime. Getting an employer match is an excellent way to increase your retirement savings.
Before receiving the employer match, you must know how it works. For example, some employers cap their match at 6% of your salary. In this case, your employer would match up to $1,800 of your 401(k) contributions. However, many employers provide employees with documents detailing their benefits. If you are unsure about your plan, contact your HR office or the benefits manager. Be sure to understand the specific terms of the match, including when it will begin and how often it will be transferred.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/pexels-tara-winstead-7111543.jpeg19201280Nathan Iveshttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngNathan Ives2022-05-22 17:32:032022-05-22 17:32:03How to Set Up a 401k for Your Company
Given all the unprecedented challenges businesses have been dealing with in the past two years, I support you and your organization in having a fantastic second half of 2022 instead of another six months of survival mode.
Given the Challenges such as rising fuel prices the supply chain, COVID-19, inflation and on and on, you ask, What the heck are you talking about? How can I have a fantastic second half with all that going on? Simply put, what if you and your organization chose to embrace the present and stopped resisting the past? I am inviting you not to resist what you are dealing with and simply engage in having a remarkable rest of the year.
An opportunity that I had during the pandemic is being able to see organizations and their various responses to the Pandemic. A case in point are three commercial Uniform laundry and delivery companies that reacted differently to the Pandemic. One thing about these companies, that even in a pandemic, people need their products delivered to their door. So, the plants ran, the trucks delivered, and the organizations functioned as best they could.
In the first example, the Leadership really took on COVID-19. This was led by the Owner/CEO. Even before the lockdown, they were researching and learning about COVID-19. Early on, when COVID-19 was just in Wuhan, one of their executives raised a flag of concern and the rest of the leadership group began to study what was happening. Once Lockdown occurred, they embraced the Pandemic. There was no denial or resistance. Of all the companies that I worked with, they were the most initiative-taking in securing a safe and functioning workplace. They took on having their company continue to run and deliver great service to their customers and to the greatest extent possible supply a safe, healthy work environment.
This company is in the middle of one of the largest American cities. COVID-19 was prevalent and surrounded them. Real time was spent communicating on Zoom and face to face. Real money was spent on air filtration systems. As knowledge was gathered on COVID-19, it was applied. The best ideas on how to social distance and use zones for bathroom coordination were studied and adopted.
There were challenges and definite hiccups. With that said, profitability improved. The scores from customers in their annual survey all were at their highest levels. Their sales force made their numbers, and they added several new accounts.
One thing that stood out is that the employees of this company were demonstrably appreciative of how the owner and the leaders went to every length to have a safe and healthy environment. The employees were appreciative of being able to work in a company that took on dealing with COVID-19 seriously and in the most initiative-taking and safest way possible. The leadership team supported employees as they dealt with their families and COVID. Even though some co-workers have left, retention has been high. Hiring has been challenging and workable. Interestingly, the frontline has remained stable.
The second example is of a company that was not as initiative-taking or fast moving as the first. They were dealing with COVID-19 circumstances and engaged. However, they were not as engaged as the first company. This company reacted to COVID-19. They did not embrace the challenge of COVID-19. There was resistance and confusion. They certainly muddled through.
This company is rurally found where COVID-19 was not as present. Money was not spent like in the first example. Communication did not happen, and the company got through COVID-19. Deliveries were always made, and the plant continued.
They did lose some customers, retention slipped, and sales decreased. Profits declined and the Sales Department had a tough time connecting with prospects and did not make its numbers. There was also higher than normal turnover. Given all that was going on, they did ok.
The third Company example is in an urban setting with COVID-19 present everywhere. They were not set up prior to the pandemic to work remotely and they struggled to get that set up. They struggled to get social distancing working, the offices safe and worked with protocols. There was resistance to dealing with COVID-19 and changing things. All the communication issues that were present before COVID-19 now occurred on steroids.
This company was hit by COVID-19 with many of the office staff getting it at the same time. I remember talking with one of the leadership group members from the hospital before he was put on a ventilator. The way COVID-19 ripped through the plant nearly prevented them from getting the trucks out and delivering. A competitor was called to see if they could cover for them and manage their deliveries.
Leadership tended to work at home and stay away. There was a big communication issue that occurred among the leadership team where executives threatened to quit. The GM, because of disastrous communication and what happened with direct reports was fired. Another top leader did not vaccinate and because of the state regulations, moved his family to Texas where he would work remotely. The CEO/Owner, after a traumatic and challenging two years, sold this company to a competitor.
Can you find your company in one of these three examples? What can you learn and apply from the above? I am supporting you in learning from the past, being present to right now, and complete with what has occurred.
The third quarter and beyond of 2022 is unwritten. However, the story of 2021 is written. It happened. Yet is it accepted and what does it mean to be accepted? Is the pandemic accepted? Is inflation accepted?
For many I say not. For many it seems as something wrong has happened, pandemic wrong, inflation wrong, fuel prices rising wrong. The incompletion and resistance as to what has happened before has you ensnarled… shackling you with a lack of freedom and power.
The rest of this year is unwritten. Every day is unwritten. While I can theoretically understand this, it is hard to live. What is it like to live your circumstances newly and to bring possibility to them? To hold them up to inspect, to look at them from a different frame, a unique perspective. What allows you to do that? Where does acceptance fit in? Where does creating and embracing fit in?
What if it is always possible to be engaged in a positive way? What if it is always positive to create anew if you are not resisting what is happening? Carl Jung said, “What you resist persists”. I find this idea to be useful in helping me see where I am stuck.
Part of resistance is a notion that whatever is happening should not be. Resistance, rather than embracing what is, gets in the way of acceptance and again, for me, stops any notion of being free to take new creative actions.
From the examples that I have presented of the three organizations and their differing responses to COVID-19 and other challenges, I think the power of choosing and embracing what you are dealing with is clear. You can see how resistance and just muddling through can be disempowering and produces subpar results.
Choosing it the way it is, is an action that allows for being present and for new possibilities. Then acceptance allows for lessons from the past to be learned, the past to be in the past and for new actions to be taken. I am complete with COVID-19 and the many challenges of the last two years. I am choosing to embrace the rest of 2022 exactly the way it is. From here, I am engaged in having a fantastic year.
I invite you to do the same from that place of acceptance and choosing to engage in having a fantastic rest of the year. I ask that you get your organizations to be accepting of whatever happened over the last two years, and from there create a powerful future to live into. Let us know how it goes and what you and your organizations are creating.
About the Author Bruce Hodes, President and Founder of CMI, is dedicated to helping companies grow. The focus of his work is developing work teams, business leaders and executives into powerful performers. Bruce has an MBA from Northwestern University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work.
https://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/poppy-g9f9d22e3a_1280.jpg8531280Sharon Kastorianohttps://www.strategydriven.com/wp-content/uploads/SDELogo5-300x70-300x70.pngSharon Kastoriano2022-05-22 09:00:592022-05-22 02:24:59Accepting What Is and Creating Your Future
An inefficient warehousing operation can be the difference between profitability and losing money. Technology plays such a huge role in warehousing and logistics in today’s economy, that it would be almost impossible to run a modern warehousing system without it.
Even with technology, there’s still a lot of room to improve processes and maximize productivity.
Focus on employee engagement
Research has shown that engaged employees benefit a company in numerous ways. For example. Engaged employees are more productive, take fewer sick days, and have fewer workplace health and safety incidents.
Take steps to ensure that your employees are engaged through good pay, conditions, and professional development.
Survey your workforce regularly and act on their feedback. This kind of continuous listening is far more effective than an annual survey, which is often cumbersome and rarely leads to any time changes that improve the business. By the time you’ve collated all of the information, employees may have already left.
Use warehouse management software
If you aren’t already using a comprehensive warehouse management system, then you really should think of investing. It will document your business to a granular level, from inventory to supply chain. It can show you the best and most efficient ways to store and fulfill your orders. It can keep track of every inch of your warehouse, and tell you where things should be stored, whether in a 1200mm retention unit, pallet, or roll cage.
Invest in training
The equipment and software you use are only as effective as the people who use it. By investing in your people and giving them regular, quality training, you’re ensuring that they can work at a high level of quality. You’re also showing that you’re committed to their safety and development.
It’s also a good idea to train employees in other areas of the business too. That way, if you’re ever short-staffed through illness or employee turnover, you have people who can step in at short notice to plug any gaps.
Encouraging employee feedback
The best people to ask about improving the efficiency of the warehouse are the people who work in it. They know the job in a way that others do not and will be able to identify areas that need improvement.
Develop clear and open channels with employees at all levels. Encourage them to give honest and open feedback on how things are working and especially the areas where they are not.
Develop good relationships with your suppliers
An efficient warehouse relies on stock being delivered and shipped on time. By building up your relationships with suppliers, you can help to ensure that things run smoothly in this area.
Have your purchasing department put a strategy in place to nurture these relationships.
Final thoughts
There are many ways that you can improve the efficiency of your warehouse. Some are more obvious than others, but by looking at issues both large and small, you can address these problems and make real changes that will positively impact your bottom line.
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Business Programs
The Importance of Effective Communication: 3 Ways to Keep Contact With Your Suppliers
/in Business Communications/by StrategyDrivenCommunicate with your suppliers from the beginning
Communication is key at all stages of business, but it’s even more crucial when working with overseas suppliers. Therefore, it’s important to communicate your expectations and requirements from the beginning of your relationship. This way, you should reduce the likelihood of miscommunication later down the line.
The best way to communicate is in-person, but this is often not an option for many businesses. Whether due to time issues, distance issues, or other problems – as we found in recent times with the coronavirus pandemic – meeting in person isn’t always an option.
Try video calling or speaking on the phone. Email can work too. These forms of written communication should be drawn up carefully to ensure everything is clear.
Stay on top of updates and changes
Communication is what holds your business relationships together. It helps partners stay informed, collaborate more effectively, and make smart decisions. While that initial communication is key, continuing to communicate with each other throughout your partnership is the only way to ensure your work goes smoothly.
However, communication can only be effective if it’s two-way. Make sure you’re staying on top of updates and changes. If you’re working with a supplier, they should keep you informed of any changes, too.
When managing a large, global operation, you’re bound to have unplanned changes and updates. So make sure everyone involved in your supply chain knows about these changes as soon as they happen.
Sending regular B2B emails can effectively ensure everyone is aware of any updates or changes. Finding good B2B email ideas can be difficult – especially when there aren’t many changes to update on, but keeping these emails regular will create trust in your suppliers that, when there are changes, they will be made aware.
Keep track of your suppliers’ communication patterns, too. If you notice an increase in a supplier’s communication, it could indicate a problem. This could be anything from a miscommunication to an issue with their operation.
Use cloud-based file storage
Cloud-based file storage is an integral part of effective communication when working with suppliers. You and your partners will likely be sharing files, but you don’t want to put sensitive information on someone else’s server. Cloud storage offers security and privacy that a physical server doesn’t.
It also makes sharing files more straightforward for everyone involved—without compromising security. Use a cloud-based file storage system as soon as you start collaborating with suppliers. This will help you keep track of all the files you’re sharing, make them easily accessible, and keep them safe.
For example, Dropbox is an excellent option for B2B manufacturers who want to streamline their communication, collaborate more effectively, and stay organized. It’s secure and simple to use, making it easy to share files—and track what’s being shared.
4 Ways to Make Your Customers Feel Valued
/in Customer Relationship Management/by StrategyDrivenClients are People Too
Everyone loves the feeling of being acknowledged, even in very small ways. One thing that you can do to try and help them here would be for you to ensure that you are treating them as if they are real people. They are not robots that sit on the other side of your computer screen, and they are not another number in your sales pipeline. Find out when your clients are going to be celebrating their birthday or even an anniversary. If it works for your company, then you need to try and offer them a discount if you can. This can work wonders for your sales, and you may even find that it shows your customers that you value them and the business that they bring in. Sign the discount card personally whenever you send it to them in the mail as well. If you can do this, then you’ll soon be able to make them feel more looked-after.
Give them some Personal Attention
Nothing says “very important person” than having someone actively roll out the red carpet. That being said, you do not want to suffocate your customers and clients. You do not want to pounce on them the moment they walk through the door. If you know that your clients do a lot of business with you online rather than in a storefront, then don’t send them emails all the time. If you do, then you may find that they end up feeling overwhelmed. You may even find that you end up turning them off if they feel pressured into using you, and this can cause you to lose out on business in the long run. If possible, you need to find the right balance so that you don’t seem pushy, but caring and supportive instead. This will help your customers to feel valued more than you realise. If you want to support all of your customers, then you may want to invest in something like LoopTV.
Thank Them
Whenever possible, you need to try and thank your clients for doing business with you. You do not want to overdo things here as you may come across as being false. If possible, you need to make sure that you are always genuine and that you are also speaking to them from the heart. By being authentic you can really resonate with them, and you can show them that your company cares more about them than the money they give you. This is an essential step when it comes to customer satisfaction.
Use Gift Cards
Newer clients can easily be given things like gift cards. That being said, you need to make sure that you are not forgetting about the clients that you are working with right now. Your repeat customers, who have come to you time and time again need to feel rewarded too. Loyalty programs are a great way for you to do this and it rewards them every single time they make a purchase. You might also want to think about holding a client appreciation day too. This is a set day where you can thank all of your clients for doing business with you. You have to remember that they are the reason why you are even in business, so it helps to make them feel appreciated.
So, if you can follow this guide then you should be able to make your clients feel way more looked-after and appreciated. If you can implement changes now, then it should not be long before you start seeing great results, so keep this in mind and always be mindful of tracking your bottom line. This will help you to know if the money you are investing is benefitting you in the long run. It will also help you to really push your company to that next level in terms of profit and customer satisfaction.
How to Set Up a 401k for Your Company
/in Managing Your Finances/by Nathan IvesEnrolling employees year-round in a 401k plan
Enrolling employees in a 401k plan for your business requires time. Recruiting a new employee means waiting for an enrollment period and paperwork. Making this process easier, you can make it easier by enrolling employees year-round.
Another way to increase employee engagement is to use auto-enrollment. Employees may usually adjust their contribution amounts or investment selections and request a refund under most auto-enrollment programs. Employees should be informed about the strategy and guidance on how to opt-out. In addition to offering employees a more affordable way to contribute to their retirement accounts, automatic enrollment encourages workers to take advantage of the plan and save more money.
Automatic enrollment allows employers to enroll all eligible employees into the plan automatically. During their employment, an employee can elect to make voluntary contributions or to deduct predetermined amounts of their wages. Automatic enrollment is usually a good option for new plans because the tax credits could offset the costs of setting up the plan. Additionally, automatic enrollment offers employers a $500 tax break for the first three years.
Establishing a 401k trust
You can set up a 401(k) account as a legal entity. It will require a trustee, who will usually be the company’s owner or its president. If you are self-employed, you will likely serve as a trustee. This role can be risky, as you are responsible for compliance and plan design. The trustee may be the business owner, or you could be the self-employed person who has no prior experience running a business.
Once you have chosen your plan document, you will need to decide how many employees you want to enroll. Most 401(k) plans require at least a half-dozen people to participate. However, a 401(k) plan may be too small if your company is smaller. If so, you can consider a third-party administrator for ease of administration. Third-party administrators typically have a team of experts who can help you with the plan setup and maintenance.
Getting payroll integration for a 401k plan
A 401(k) plan can significantly impact the program’s administration. Payroll integration connects payroll data with record keeping systems and benefit providers. It automates compliance monitoring and focuses on maximizing retirement benefits.
Getting payroll integration for a 401(k) plan for your company allows you to streamline the administration of your retirement plan by automating the process. For example, the payroll provider will relay census information to your 401(k) record keeper, which helps you save time. The payroll provider will also process employee contributions. In addition, once the integration is complete, the payroll provider will no longer rely on manual data entry.
Getting an employer match for a 401k plan
While getting an employer match for a 401k is free money, there are some restrictions and other conditions. For example, most employers do not match 100% of contributions. You can, however, get as much as 3 percent of your salary matched by your employer. If you can get an employer match of 3 percent or more, you will have the potential to double your retirement savings. You could potentially earn up to $150,000 and receive about $42,000 in free contributions during your lifetime. Getting an employer match is an excellent way to increase your retirement savings.
Before receiving the employer match, you must know how it works. For example, some employers cap their match at 6% of your salary. In this case, your employer would match up to $1,800 of your 401(k) contributions. However, many employers provide employees with documents detailing their benefits. If you are unsure about your plan, contact your HR office or the benefits manager. Be sure to understand the specific terms of the match, including when it will begin and how often it will be transferred.
Accepting What Is and Creating Your Future
/in Practices for Professionals/by Bruce HodesGiven the Challenges such as rising fuel prices the supply chain, COVID-19, inflation and on and on, you ask, What the heck are you talking about? How can I have a fantastic second half with all that going on? Simply put, what if you and your organization chose to embrace the present and stopped resisting the past? I am inviting you not to resist what you are dealing with and simply engage in having a remarkable rest of the year.
An opportunity that I had during the pandemic is being able to see organizations and their various responses to the Pandemic. A case in point are three commercial Uniform laundry and delivery companies that reacted differently to the Pandemic. One thing about these companies, that even in a pandemic, people need their products delivered to their door. So, the plants ran, the trucks delivered, and the organizations functioned as best they could.
In the first example, the Leadership really took on COVID-19. This was led by the Owner/CEO. Even before the lockdown, they were researching and learning about COVID-19. Early on, when COVID-19 was just in Wuhan, one of their executives raised a flag of concern and the rest of the leadership group began to study what was happening. Once Lockdown occurred, they embraced the Pandemic. There was no denial or resistance. Of all the companies that I worked with, they were the most initiative-taking in securing a safe and functioning workplace. They took on having their company continue to run and deliver great service to their customers and to the greatest extent possible supply a safe, healthy work environment.
This company is in the middle of one of the largest American cities. COVID-19 was prevalent and surrounded them. Real time was spent communicating on Zoom and face to face. Real money was spent on air filtration systems. As knowledge was gathered on COVID-19, it was applied. The best ideas on how to social distance and use zones for bathroom coordination were studied and adopted.
There were challenges and definite hiccups. With that said, profitability improved. The scores from customers in their annual survey all were at their highest levels. Their sales force made their numbers, and they added several new accounts.
One thing that stood out is that the employees of this company were demonstrably appreciative of how the owner and the leaders went to every length to have a safe and healthy environment. The employees were appreciative of being able to work in a company that took on dealing with COVID-19 seriously and in the most initiative-taking and safest way possible. The leadership team supported employees as they dealt with their families and COVID. Even though some co-workers have left, retention has been high. Hiring has been challenging and workable. Interestingly, the frontline has remained stable.
The second example is of a company that was not as initiative-taking or fast moving as the first. They were dealing with COVID-19 circumstances and engaged. However, they were not as engaged as the first company. This company reacted to COVID-19. They did not embrace the challenge of COVID-19. There was resistance and confusion. They certainly muddled through.
This company is rurally found where COVID-19 was not as present. Money was not spent like in the first example. Communication did not happen, and the company got through COVID-19. Deliveries were always made, and the plant continued.
They did lose some customers, retention slipped, and sales decreased. Profits declined and the Sales Department had a tough time connecting with prospects and did not make its numbers. There was also higher than normal turnover. Given all that was going on, they did ok.
The third Company example is in an urban setting with COVID-19 present everywhere. They were not set up prior to the pandemic to work remotely and they struggled to get that set up. They struggled to get social distancing working, the offices safe and worked with protocols. There was resistance to dealing with COVID-19 and changing things. All the communication issues that were present before COVID-19 now occurred on steroids.
This company was hit by COVID-19 with many of the office staff getting it at the same time. I remember talking with one of the leadership group members from the hospital before he was put on a ventilator. The way COVID-19 ripped through the plant nearly prevented them from getting the trucks out and delivering. A competitor was called to see if they could cover for them and manage their deliveries.
Leadership tended to work at home and stay away. There was a big communication issue that occurred among the leadership team where executives threatened to quit. The GM, because of disastrous communication and what happened with direct reports was fired. Another top leader did not vaccinate and because of the state regulations, moved his family to Texas where he would work remotely. The CEO/Owner, after a traumatic and challenging two years, sold this company to a competitor.
Can you find your company in one of these three examples? What can you learn and apply from the above? I am supporting you in learning from the past, being present to right now, and complete with what has occurred.
The third quarter and beyond of 2022 is unwritten. However, the story of 2021 is written. It happened. Yet is it accepted and what does it mean to be accepted? Is the pandemic accepted? Is inflation accepted?
For many I say not. For many it seems as something wrong has happened, pandemic wrong, inflation wrong, fuel prices rising wrong. The incompletion and resistance as to what has happened before has you ensnarled… shackling you with a lack of freedom and power.
The rest of this year is unwritten. Every day is unwritten. While I can theoretically understand this, it is hard to live. What is it like to live your circumstances newly and to bring possibility to them? To hold them up to inspect, to look at them from a different frame, a unique perspective. What allows you to do that? Where does acceptance fit in? Where does creating and embracing fit in?
What if it is always possible to be engaged in a positive way? What if it is always positive to create anew if you are not resisting what is happening? Carl Jung said, “What you resist persists”. I find this idea to be useful in helping me see where I am stuck.
Part of resistance is a notion that whatever is happening should not be. Resistance, rather than embracing what is, gets in the way of acceptance and again, for me, stops any notion of being free to take new creative actions.
From the examples that I have presented of the three organizations and their differing responses to COVID-19 and other challenges, I think the power of choosing and embracing what you are dealing with is clear. You can see how resistance and just muddling through can be disempowering and produces subpar results.
Choosing it the way it is, is an action that allows for being present and for new possibilities. Then acceptance allows for lessons from the past to be learned, the past to be in the past and for new actions to be taken. I am complete with COVID-19 and the many challenges of the last two years. I am choosing to embrace the rest of 2022 exactly the way it is. From here, I am engaged in having a fantastic year.
I invite you to do the same from that place of acceptance and choosing to engage in having a fantastic rest of the year. I ask that you get your organizations to be accepting of whatever happened over the last two years, and from there create a powerful future to live into. Let us know how it goes and what you and your organizations are creating.
About the Author
Bruce Hodes, President and Founder of CMI, is dedicated to helping companies grow. The focus of his work is developing work teams, business leaders and executives into powerful performers. Bruce has an MBA from Northwestern University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work.
5 Ways To Improve Warehouse Efficiency
/in Tactical Execution/by StrategyDrivenEven with technology, there’s still a lot of room to improve processes and maximize productivity.
Focus on employee engagement
Research has shown that engaged employees benefit a company in numerous ways. For example. Engaged employees are more productive, take fewer sick days, and have fewer workplace health and safety incidents.
Take steps to ensure that your employees are engaged through good pay, conditions, and professional development.
Survey your workforce regularly and act on their feedback. This kind of continuous listening is far more effective than an annual survey, which is often cumbersome and rarely leads to any time changes that improve the business. By the time you’ve collated all of the information, employees may have already left.
Use warehouse management software
If you aren’t already using a comprehensive warehouse management system, then you really should think of investing. It will document your business to a granular level, from inventory to supply chain. It can show you the best and most efficient ways to store and fulfill your orders. It can keep track of every inch of your warehouse, and tell you where things should be stored, whether in a 1200mm retention unit, pallet, or roll cage.
Invest in training
The equipment and software you use are only as effective as the people who use it. By investing in your people and giving them regular, quality training, you’re ensuring that they can work at a high level of quality. You’re also showing that you’re committed to their safety and development.
It’s also a good idea to train employees in other areas of the business too. That way, if you’re ever short-staffed through illness or employee turnover, you have people who can step in at short notice to plug any gaps.
Encouraging employee feedback
The best people to ask about improving the efficiency of the warehouse are the people who work in it. They know the job in a way that others do not and will be able to identify areas that need improvement.
Develop clear and open channels with employees at all levels. Encourage them to give honest and open feedback on how things are working and especially the areas where they are not.
Develop good relationships with your suppliers
An efficient warehouse relies on stock being delivered and shipped on time. By building up your relationships with suppliers, you can help to ensure that things run smoothly in this area.
Have your purchasing department put a strategy in place to nurture these relationships.
Final thoughts
There are many ways that you can improve the efficiency of your warehouse. Some are more obvious than others, but by looking at issues both large and small, you can address these problems and make real changes that will positively impact your bottom line.