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Posts Tagged ‘solution’

Providing Value beats the Billable Hour

August 27th, 2009 by Steve Swann | No Comments | Filed in Business, Innovation, Problem Solving

Here’s a real world example of a major corporate re-thinking and re-inventing how they engage with others – and have others engage with them.

Time will tell if the model works. I really hope it does. The key benefit, as articulated in the interview, is that the relationship is outcome focused. The objective is finding a solution and making it work, instead of how much revenue can we generate or how much cost can we save.

I disagree in part with Amy Schulman’s assertion that the partners will have to  get used to making less money. Those Partners that really understand this new model and adjust their own structure, practices and process to make it work could end up making more money. In the end it’s the value that you can provide.

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and one idea that does it all

July 7th, 2009 by Steve Swann | No Comments | Filed in Great Design, Low Tech, Thinking

Last week I posted about a great idea that just fell short. In the interests of balance here’s what a really great well thought out and well delivered idea looks like. Again, this is a very simple idea.

More than 510,000 tons of milk and juice cartons are generated every year in the United States, but sadly, less than .05% ever get recycled according to an EPA report of (MSW) Municipal Solid Waste). That’s what got us thinking and how Milkmuny.com was created. Milkmuny is reaching out to schools and non-profits, desperately in need of funding, paying them for the collected ‘empties’, then making clever origami-esque wallets and other products and selling them on this site and at specialty retailers. We are on mission, join us! Read the blog, learn more, and please recycle.

This great video explains it all:


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Is the Boss always the problem?

June 18th, 2009 by Steve Swann | 1 Comment | Filed in Business, Doing, Inspiration, Problem Solving, Solutions, Thinking, Tools & Resources

I’ve commented recently on the need to retain an innovative mindset to make the best of the current economic situation. In fact I’m certain that those who are creative at this time are building innovative businesses for the future.

But whagordon-ramseyt about everyone else? I’m not really a TV watcher but One Reality TV genre has me facinated and is providing some insights. It’s the “business makeover” show. You know the type – Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares, Ruth Watson as The Hotel Inspector, and Tabatha Coffey’s Salon Makeovers. I’m sure there’s others.

I know that these are highly produced and edited for dramatic effect – BUT – they all have a common thread.

The Boss is always the problem.

 
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So this made me think. If these programs highlight bad operators, what are the characteristics of a good operator? Here’s a list that I’ve put together (in no particular order). What would you add or take off this list? Leave me a comment and let me know.

  1. Understand why customers choose you and make that experience better.
  2. Value every customer and put a value on every customer.
  3. Provides value to the customers (note: this does not mean cheap!)
  4. Builds good people and trusts them to deliver.
  5. Invests in quality infrastructure, systems and processes.
  6. Looks for ways to maximize revenue.
  7. Watches the pennies.
  8. Builds trusted relationships with experts and advisors.
  9. Doesn’t do things just because everyone else does.
  10. Doesn’t over complicate things (keeps it simple).

All these characteristics create an environment where the objectives of the business are clear, risks are managed, and opportunities for creative thought are encouraged, welcomed, and actioned. So, if you’re the Boss get your head around this list. And you can’t don’t blame the troops, they’re doing the best they can in environment you’ve created for them. Go set the example and they will follow.

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