Managing for Survival

Strategies

Here are some strategies that I've seen successfully implemented by in-plant managers.

First, look for the low-hanging fruit. If you've read my blog posts and/or attended one of my conference sessions, you may recall that I place a lot of weight on self-advocacy—telling your story. Why? If you won't, who will? And if you want to be seen as contributing to the strategic success of your organization, as opposed to just more overhead, you have to tell people how your work is important. You have to be proactive.

• Do you have a strategic and/or operational plan? You know, the one where you project revenues and expenses, and develop goals to meet strategic objectives. If not, get to it.
• Do you have financial issues? Have you been operating at a loss? Then do something about it. You can adjust your rates, re-negotiate paper contracts, review staffing levels, develop new sources of revenue—scanning and shredding come to mind—review your delivery fleet and trim it down. You have to address financial issues.
• Examine your equipment inventory, and sell what isn't being used.
• Make sure your digital equipment fits your real needs.
• If space is the issue, look for a different, non-central location.
• Develop and promote your own brand.
• Make sales calls to key and potential customers.
• Market your services.

Above all—you must be proactive.