Business - Uncluttered

Horse flu? I don't get it...

Horse Flu is one of the biggest natural disasters to hit this country - So you would think if you listen to the media. But worse still, our governments are pouring millions into stopping the spread of it (quite unsuccessfully). From what I understand, this flu is similar to the human flu - snotty nose, etc.

But here's the thing, human flu costs this country billions! I know from my own business that when the flu hits, productivity goes down for 2-3months. But what does the government do? Nothing. Why?

What is wrong with a horse getting the flu? They'll get over it won't they? If they are a race horse, temperatures are taken before racing. If they have a temperature, then the don't race. Simple? The governments are very unsuccessful at stopping it, yet millions are still being pour in.

I don't get it.

Lead in toys? I DON'T THINK SO!

21 million Chinese-made toys were pulled from the market because of lead paint fears. I read the below article on the weekend. The story was lost on about page 14 of The Sunshine Coast Daily. What had hit the headlines several weeks ago and even lead a company owner to suicide, seems to be Big Company propaganda and lies. What can you do about it? Don't buy Mattel or Fisher-Price toys this Christmas.

What's your BHAG?

Everyday we are flat out (which is a good thing!). But everything that happens, small things, big things, complaints, wins, everything has some form of distraction. It is very hard to keep an eye on the big picture. Where are you going? What are you doing and what do you stand for?

To help us remain focused, everyone in our company knows what our core values are, our purpose and what we are trying to achieve today, this week, this month, this quarter and this year. It is up to the bus driver to ensure that you are headed in the right direction and able to look past the chatty passenger or the kids fighting in the back seat.

And what is the right direction? What is the destination? We call it our BHAG - Big Hairy Audacious Goal! This is where you want to be in 10years time. It is aspirational, bold, adventurous and not easy to attain. It is what will make you the king of your sandpit.

Want to know what our BHAG is?

"By 2016, we want to achieve revenues of $100m with the reputation that Blackmores has today."

Simple, clear, straight to the point and not making sales at the expense of customer loyalty, reputation and just for the sake of an extra dollar.

What's your BHAG?

Criminals show a business opportunity

Last night we were broken into at about 12.45am. The bastards smashed our back door with a crow bar. Obviously they only got as far as my top draw before they were startled by our alarm. The cops set it off as well when they came through. In their words "It scared the S**t out of us! I was almost on the ground having an epileptic fit!"

Two interesting things came from this. Firstly, when our alarm goes off, they call me to tell me so. The security people also suggest I go there to have a look. "Are you kidding me? What if they are still there???" Luckily I didn't answer the phone so the cops were called. Even though they have their own security guys driving around, they arrived after the cops and myself. Is it really best to send the client to investigate a break-in? There is a reason I pay for security!

The second thing is that our door is busted. We got three quotes.
Duce Doors - $1,020 plus installation and 2 month wait. (Are you kidding?)
Spence Doors - Quote tomorrow and at least 2 week wait (it's only a door, how hard can it be?)
Doors Plus - $443 and completed within 3days. (getting better)

Our door was smashed in! It has no locks! It is useless as a secure door! I know on the same night, there were 5 other places hit with the same thing and all are probably trying to get a door to secure their premises.

Business Idea - Same Day Doors. I would pay $1,000 for that!

Just in case you were wondering, we have used metal plates to secure the door and bolt it shut.