Does Your Business Need Some Pruning?

Apr 7, 2011, Written by Sue Miley

I am not much of a gardener.  I have a black thumb.  But, I could be called a weeder or a pruner.  I like getting into an overgrown garden and cleaning it up and getting it back looking good.

I think I enjoy this role in business too!

Face it, if you are a small business sometimes it so enticing that we accept jobs that may not be in our area of specialty.

Soon your coffee shop is selling ice cream blizzards…..

….your graphic design company is selling ad space

….your I Fix Iphones business is fixing HP printers

and so the weeds invade your business and your core purpose is being overrun!

You have a meeting one day with your friendly business coach and they ask you what percent of sales comes from each product line or service area.  When you start to figure it out, you realize most of the weeds, I mean business lines, are little bitty percentages.

Yet, when you begin to look at the time this product requires in accounting, follow-ups and other administrative functions, you begin to see where the business coach is leading.

This can’t be profitable!

Time for Some Spring Cleaning

It’s Spring and maybe time for some spring cleaning in your business.  It is time to evaluate your product lines, and the associated time and cost to provide them, and start pruning.

Are You Diluting Your Core Message

Also consider if the product or service is in line with your mission, vision and marketing message.  If they aren’t then they are diluting the message of your business.

Potential customers won’t know who you are or how you can help them.

Eliminate products and services that are not in-line with your mission.  Remove those that require time and resources in great excess to their sales contribution.

Once you are pruned back and looking good start selling. I think you will be surprised at the rejuvenation in your business!

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If you aren’t sure how to get started begin by calling us to help you.  We can be reached at (225) 341-4147 or[email protected].  We specialize in helping business owners streamline their business.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. David Rupert says

    Sue
    You continue to produce invaluable resources. Although i don’t own a business, I still many companies that need that ‘pruning.’ The current economy has forced many companies to reduce costs, labor and frivilous items. But there’s still room to go. Once the fluff is trimmed, then they can produce and thrive again.

    • S_Miley says

      I know David…after I pressed publish I began to ponder Jesus verses on pruning us so we will produce fruit. I think there are many follow up posts on this topic!

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Sue Miley

Sue Miley MBA, MA, LPC helps small business owners build successful businesses on a foundation of Christian values. After 20 years in business, and 10 years as a Christian counselor, Sue uses a combination of faith, business and psychology to help clients in business and in life.

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