What dreadful weather we have had this winter. It's cold and wet and every time I go out with the dogs I get covered with mud.At this time of year I think of my friend Michael, living in the equable calm of San Diego. Constant nice temperatures, no snow or ice and when it rains it's that warm Summer rain which always makes me feel good.
But .......... San Diego is a place I've been to a few times and I like it but the fact that the weather never changes means that it can be dry and dusty.There are no real seasonal changes and you never get to see the annual renewal that comes with them.I love the days late in the year when the wind is strong and lashes the leaves left after late Autumn. I love that feeling I get, about this time of year when it is crisp and cold outside, freezing maybe but somehow cleaned and new. I love the autumn colours and the fresh green that will start to appear all over the place very soon.
So San Diego can wait until I am very old and need the heat all the time. Give me the seasons.
Salutary lessons this week. I've seen a few business owners and their businesses and one in particular stands out. What should be a very successful business is failing. The guy running it has done everything he can to make it a success. Looking at all he has done - it all makes sense. He has trimmed back his overheads and lost staff. He is more hands on and working both himself and his staff harder. He has tried to widen his appeal by taking on a new outlets at minimal cost.
The whole thing should be working well and it is not. I racked my brains as to why not and could not come up with a reason. Then we visited a competitor and the whole thing started to fit in place. Bright and airy. Clean and accessible.His shop is everything my prospective client's is not. My guess is that the competitor is doing very well and making money. He is always busy and employs a lot of people.
The change is not obvious from the shop - on the surface it looks the same as any other but I was looking at it with eyes that are 58 years old and what is familiar to me can be and on this occasion is, really out-dated. My prospective client is about the same age as me and time will tell if he can hear that his problem is that time has passed him by.
I don't agree with "modernisation" as a solution to all of businesses problems but sometimes the wheel does need to be reinvented - or at least motorised!
We are looking for businesses in trouble. If you know of anyone that is struggling, the chances are that we can help them and may stop them from going under. I am very good at what I do - but I want to do it more often.
See you soon
Chris
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