I recently imported some goods from overseas and thought that most issues had been addressed in relation to unloading and storage of the goods. Upon arrival of the goods I realised how wrong in my assumption I was. The job of unloading and storage took many more times than estimated and if not for the generosity and good nature of those helping could have been a complete disaster.

How often does this happen in your business? When it does, how much time does it use up where you cant afford it and more importantly how much stress does it create which in turn takes your focus off critical tasks.

For a remedy,  just think back to when you were a kid and the Scouts were always banging on about BEING PREPARED.

Just take your planning and thinking process that one step further when you have a new project coming up and ask you and your staff the following:

* Do we have the right tools for the job on hand when the job needs doing?

* Do we have the right people for the job on hand when the job needs doing?

* Have we thought through together how the job needs to be done - remembering to check with each other and always asking "What do you think"

* Get someone to take pictures or do a video - see my last post.

These simple questions asked before the "Job" turns up can save valuable time and reduce stress. So.... next time you start a job/project think about the scouts and do your "BE PREPARED" analysis.

Save some time....and then spend it doing something you love

Tim