THE 3% SOLUTION

We live in a world of constant change and daily
competition. Everyday, someone is working to reduce costs,
increase performance, and take your customers from you.
This doesn't just apply to big business or the "other guy."
It applies to your business, every single day.
Most of us know this, and yet most businesses, especially
small businesses and professional practices, take no
practical action to enhance their unique position in the
market place, or their productivity. That is a recipe for
disaster!
Day by day, every business leader must enhance productivity
to serve your customers better, faster, cheaper and with
greater attention to detail. 
Here are a couple of systems for doing this:
1.  Re-invest at least three percent of gross revenue in
research and development. Every month, set aside three
percent to improve performance, buy new equipment or up-
grade your skills. Some industries invest more (sometimes
far more!), but at a minimum, set aside three percent.  You
can't afford not to.
2.  Use the "3% Solution". Every day, strive to be just
three percent better at your work. Answer the phone a bit
faster and more cheerfully. Be a touch more thorough in
your sales presentations. Up-grade your email, your
brochures, your packaging, your reliability, and make them
just slightly better than they were last week. 
Every business can improve by three percent! That's hardly
difficult or even challenging. The key is to think in terms
of constant and never-ending improvement. It doesn't have
to be dramatic and it doesn't have to cost a lot, but the
drive for excellence requires your constant attention and
intention. If you don't do it, someone, somewhere,
certainly is.