How can a struggling business right-size itself during these difficult economic times?

 

Consultants usually offer to ply their trade by replication: take the same solution to every business that can fit their solution.

 

Why can't businesses do the same thing?

 

Approach other similar businesses and share the same set of solutions.

 

What do I mean?

 

Buy the output from your competition!

 

For example take a dry cleaner struggling in a down market... outsource by purchasing the cleaning services of a nearby competitor.

Attorney hourly billing down?  Either become a rainmaker for another firm's associates or partner with a larger firm.

Restaurant table count down? Modify the menu with local specialists in baking, fresh local foods or themes, and expand by catering at hotels, meal plans for senior residences or cantinas at office parks.

 

Some of the largest companies have completely eliminated distribution of their products.  Tech Data for example provides the bulk of the distribution network for hundreds of companies like Xerox and Hewlett Packard to many smaller niche technology companies.  By concentrating on the highest value added segment of a company's core, profits will be greater than maintaining soup-to-nuts in-house capabilities.

 

Apple Computer is a design company and leaves virtually everything else to others.

 

If your business is struggling and obtaining credit isn't an option.  Call us, we can help you determine your options and fit a plan that suits your immediate needs. We can help you pare down to your core.