With SME's leading the way in creativity, innovation and design, how is it that some just seem to "get lucky" whilst the rest of "us" don't? What is it that sets these two groups apart - is it really down to luck, to personality types, or is it more ingrained and intrinsic that determines outward success?
With special thanks to smartcompany.com.au - a regular news feed I follow - I have plated up some insight into the "why them and not me" scenario.
Top smart SME tips from around the world....
Carolyn Creswell of Carmen's Fine Foods keeps her team happy by employing an office nanny to do errands, believes in lunch sharing and arranges for her staff cars to be washed every couple of weeks - "you create greater long-term productivity and dedication to your business if your people love working there".
The famed creative thinker Edward de Bono says everyone should have a creative thinking hit list stuck to their computer, and each organisation have a "listen and receive" ideas person to gather these creative thoughts.
Phillip Weinman - Australia's ultimate serial entrepreneur - beleives it is always about the people never the business, never the product. And when finding the right people, David Snoad of Pinz uses "bring a friend to work" to find the best people in the industry. "When we need people, our staff are the first point of contact".
Costa Anastasiadis of Costa Gourmet Pizza engages with online customers through daily conversation - "if you call a friend and they don't call you back, you give up in the end".
Young Rich List entrant Dorry Kordahi beleives he sells a service not a product. Founder of merchandising and marketing company DKM, he used Richard Branson's "Power to Act" theory to go out and meet his customers, and uses that relationship to gain leverage.
"We grow people from within, because I focus on my people and I look after them, and they look after me", says Abraham Hatoum founder of clothing alteration franchise LookSmart Alterations.
Entering industry and "peoples choice" awards will gain traction for your product of service said 99Designs entrepreneur Mark Harbottle. Mark used his nomination to reach out to customers through social media to gain winning votes. And whilst on social media, engage with one or two forms and do it well. James Griffin of SR7, an online reputation management group, says "pay attention to what is being said about your organisation online. Use people interaction to reinforce positive comments whilst addressing the negative".
And the final entrant for advice is Peter Ritchie,mMcDonald's Australia ex-chief executive. Peter says by providing the "extra service the customer will notice it, and you get the credit".
Whilst this is a mixed bag of advice there will be one or two or three that resonates with you and your business. Just run with it ....
