Post about "Business"

Renovating Your Business For Sale

Have you ever purchased a property with the intention of renovating it, only to get most things done but not all of them? Then, as part of the preparation in order to put the property on the market and make it look as appealing as possible – all those last minute, unfinished tasks get done. The ‘improvement’ is finalised – all the things that didn’t quite work are fixed, the tiling is finished, the painting is touched-up, the cracked concrete is repaired etc etc.This is the ‘manage & maintain’ stage – it means that the initial work is completed and only maintenance is required unless a specific development or improvement opportunity presents itself whereby work starts, finishes and returns back to the ‘manage & maintain’ stage. Many people then regret the need to sell, as the property finally represents what they originally envisioned – but someone else gets the benefit of that expense and labour!So it happens in business.Any business should have a business plan, and part of that would include an exit strategy. The exit strategy may be to merge with another organisation, grow to list on the stock exchange or to sell etc. To ensure a smooth exit, the most effective business strategy is to be at an efficient ‘manage & maintain’ stage from the outset, which of course enables the company to go through relevant business development and improvement continuously, not just at the time of exit.Of course, at the time of sale the company must be in the most organised, and fortified, position possible to make it as attractive and of the highest value possible. If it is not at an efficient manage & maintain’ stage, there would need to be a great deal of catching up, frantic documentation and throwing together of information under pressure.I was discussing the sale of an engineering company with the current owner recently. The new (potential) owner had focused on the financial and had undertaken a comprehensive Due Diligence strategy regarding running costs, capital expenditure etc. This necessitated records being dragged out from dusty boxes outlining real costs for purchased items over a long historical period. All very well – and, of course, appropriate.However when I asked the current owner whether the purchaser had asked for the Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all his equipment, for the flowcharts showing the order and delivery to use of raw materials, the customer contact register or the supplier list, customer history and so on – he gleefully told me that no, the purchaser hadn’t asked for any of this – and that he only had 3 more days before the Due Diligence period lapsed so he wasn’t going to have the time. He thinks he is ‘out of the woods’ regarding provision of this information and that his consulting back to the company over a six month period would compensate for this.This not only places him at long term risk regarding what has or hasn’t been provided (years later), it also means that he is not in a healthy position to provide it in the first place.As advocated in the Corporate Fingerprint system, there are four types of records that should be managed, maintained and form the basic culture of every organisation:
The Source
The Client
The Internal Work In Progress
The Archive
In particular, the Source – in this instance, is critical. It should contain all the procedures, SOPs, Registers, Policies, Position Descriptions, organisational charts, marketing material, images etc. It is the ‘how to’ of the business and contribution from all departments should be contained in The Source. Each document should be uniquely identified; it should be able to be found via direct navigation or via a search mechanism and it should be managed as part of the Quality Documentation forming the business culture.This, in itself, would form a substantial part of the Due Diligence required of any purchaser. The Client information, proof of adherence to quality management, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental strategies and other information would also be managed via online & physical records.However, the collation & provision of this information is often, sadly, a last minute throw together and time consuming exercise because it is not maintained as part of the business culture. The business cannot run as efficiently or as effectively without it, and only the new business owner will benefit from the work undertaken, instead of this being an ongoing business benefit.Much of this information is often available in any organisation, but it is scattered, there are different versions created by different people, everyone has their own copy, there is little or no quality control and no one can find the latest version.It really does not have to be an expensive, onerous or difficult task – it simply needs to be recognised, implemented and managed.If the skills are not in-house to implement this as a priority – get outside assistance, it really is worth it.

5 Empowering Tracks From Female Icons To Make You Feel Inspired

Sometimes we all need a little lift. Whether you’ve had a recent knock to your confidence, have been going through stress in your personal or professional life, or have always struggled with your self-esteem, music is an essential tool for lifting your spirits and making you feel better about yourself.

According to a study by Heriot-Watt University, the type of music you listen to not only influences your mood, but also your personality, with indie and rock/heavy metal fans reporting the lowest levels of self-esteem, while fans of jazz, blues, opera, classical, pop, rap and soul all reported high levels of self-confidence.

So if you’re having a ‘down day’, why not boost your spirits by listening to some powerful, uplifting tracks? Here are five perfect confidence boosters.

Britney Spears – Toxic
Britney’s own struggles with her mental health and conservatorship have made her an inspiration for many people across the world.

This classic song is timelessly sensual, and the heavy beats throughout make it impossible not to dance to. A welcome blast of nostalgia, this tune has filled dance floors across the globe with fans old and new.

The video features Britney as a female spy playing the sexy flight attendant, seducing her passenger before she makes her escape on a motorbike and breaks into a high-security facility guarded by a laser security system.

This track and video is a guaranteed way to feel invincible, and deserves a place on your playlist no matter your mood.

Kelis – Milkshake
A cheesy classic that is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and gooey inside, Kelis pumps up the heat in this 00’s RnB track. Underpinned by intricate drum beats and electric elements, Kelis’ self-confidence is infectious, and it’s hard not to find yourself smiling at the lyrics.

This track is a great way to get into a flirtatious mindset, making it a great choice before going on a date or heading out for the evening.

And if you’re staying in? It’s a great mood lift. But beware! You may find yourself craving a sweet treat.

Eve (ft. Gwen Stefani) – Let Me Blow Your Mind
This RnB classic will capture your attention with its assertive rhythm and powerful vocals from 00’s icons Eve and Gwen Stefani. Featuring a laid-back – yet self-assured – beat, and catchy guitar riff, this is a great track for driving, and its empowering feel is sure to help you feel motivated.

Got a job interview lined up, or thinking of asking for a raise? This anthemic number is a quick way to feel positive and more assertive.

The video features Eve and Gwen Stefani crashing an exclusive event on quad bikes, causing a stir among the privileged attendants, and shoving the performer off stage to perform their own music, before finally being arrested and taken to the station in a police van.

This ‘baddie’ track helps you to tap into the hidden ‘bold’ side of your personality, and lifts your mood while keeping you feeling calm and cool.

Fergie – MILF$
If you have kids, it can be difficult to feel sexy. When you’re running around cleaning the house, changing nappies, or up to your elbows in dishwater, you can easily forget your sensual side – leaving you feeling frumpy and lacking in confidence and motivation.

Thankfully, Fergie’s comeback track is a quick remedy to your low mood and lethargy.

Featuring attractive mothers dressed in curve-hugging latex and silky lingerie going about their daily life in a dreamy, colourful suburbia, this track is a quick way to transform your self-esteem and transport you to a world where you are not just a mother, but a goddess too.

Why not shake off the day and tap into your feminine energy with Fergie, your sexiest PJs, and a bottle of your favourite wine?

Marina And The Diamonds – How To Be A Heartbreaker
Low confidence after a breakup? You’re not alone. Having your heart broken can leave you feeling depressed, undesirable, and unmotivated. So flip the tables on your ex and become a heartbreaker with Marina’s catchy club classic.

This empowering dance track will make you want to move your body and get in touch with your bad girl side, with its heavy beat and pounding rhythms.

Plus, if your libido has suffered as a result of your low mood, take a sneaky peek at the video – it will get your blood pumping with its steamy shower shots and smoking hot male models.