At a recent conference, one of our customers raised a hand to ask a question… Shouldn’t your company be called OneToManage? Needless to say we were struck by the comment. His point: you can do it all from my.whentomanage.com. Naturally, we think so… However, we’re a little more humble than that. And there’s a reason for it. Any back-office system can only go so far. There is no way to replace the human element of managing a restaurant or retail establishment (but using a back-office system can help). So what are the most important management to dos:

• Deliver Superior Service – SMILE, and smile often! Does it get any simpler than that?
• Manage Product Quality – Inventory management can help here. However, what really matters is paying attention to the details. In Steve Job’s autobiography, what comes across loud and clear is that he managed as many details as possible. If it wasn’t perfect, it didn’t ship. Granted, not everyone can do this, but try, a little.
• Create A Great Place To Work – We’ve been reading the book, Beyond the Cloud, by Marc Benioff, creator of Salesforce.com. In the book, Benioff speaks to creating a very positive work environment. If employees feel good about what they are doing, you’ll reap the rewards! Stay happy!
• Discipline Consistently and Praise Lavishly – Many employees view discipline as a path to the door. However, can it be true that there is a learning experience to be gained? Of course… Your job is to discipline with care and be consistent. If you’re erratic and all over the place, employees see this. Finally, praise like you would want to be praised and do so with style!
• Watch The Numbers – Our business is all about sales! Without product moving out the door, you’ve got stale inventory and empty tables or counters. Knowing your PMIX and where to invest is key! Marketing plays a huge role here, where numbers matter even more. Pay close attention to your sales figures and investments, and always look for the Return on Operations!