We are so excited to have new computers!! Our old computers had gotten to the point that even simple tasks (running Outlook and Photoshop at the same time) were proving difficult. Our systems were over-crowded, overloaded and needed to be retired. We decided that the best thing we could do was get 2 new computers and start fresh.
When I was clearing out my old computer system, I found half installed programs, programs that I hadn’t used in months (and wouldn’t use again), duplicates of documents, and emails that I had no reason to keep (other than I am a habitual pack-rat and tend to keep everything ‘just in case’). As difficult as it was, I only copied over documents that I knew that I needed, and the one draft before it (just in case) to my new computer. I also only re-installed programs that I used on a daily basis, figuring if I needed a program that I didn’t install in the beginning, I could install it later. This cut the amount of programs that I had almost in half. And so far, I don’t miss any of them.
All this starting fresh made me start thinking about how business is a lot like computer systems. Like the headline states, we took 2 steps forward (buying the new computers) but 5 steps back (the horrid process of actually re-installing all our programs). Sometimes in our businesses, we have to take a few steps back and start all over too.
When is the last time that you took a look at your business ‘processes and programs’? Are they working at the optimum level or are they over-crowded and overloaded? Do you keep documents that you don’t need? Do you have a cluttered desk that makes it hard to find things? Or do you go through and clear out things that don’t work, replace them with things that do?
Yes, it is difficult to clear out the clutter, because we all worry about the ‘what if’. What if I need that draft? What if that paper is important? What if I need that? The reality is, if you haven’t used it recently, and can’t see yourself using it in the next week, you probably don’t need it. So, throw it out, or at least create a file for all the unnecessary items and put it in the bottom of your desk drawer. I know it isn’t easy but, and the end of the day you’ll have a faster system and more organized processes.
We took 2 steps forward and 5 steps back, but at the end of the day…our new computer systems are going to give us leaps and bounds back. What do you need to do to get them back for your business?
What did you do with the old computers - heard this story about a local city department giving away their old computers to needy families that applied through HHS. Without exploiting their “charitable” generosity - small businesses could do this from time to time and at least send out press releases announces what they did. It’s a tricky thing managing one’s charity work with PR about it - it seems contradictory at times to “flaunt” your charity - seems less than authentic - but then again, it’s newsworthy, right? Not sure you were wanting ideas or not, but I heard this story on our local station several times throughout the day today and then I read your blog tonight.
http://www.wbap.com/listingsEntry.asp?ID=539713&PT=more+news
MarketingTwins-Randy
April 7th, 2008