Business Aerodynamics

Top of Your To-Do List

I want you to consider the concept of business aerodynamics and what’s currently streamlining or hindering your business from achieving its goals.

Take a moment to reflect: if I could peer over your shoulder and see your to-do list, what are the top one or two items that are truly preventing you from reaching your objectives?

For example, you might be facing:

• A lack of funds or financing to grow
• Difficulty recruiting the necessary skills
• Challenges in conducting market research for new ventures
• The need for larger premises because you've hit a glass ceiling and can’t expand without more space

The Articulated Truck Aerodynamics Example

As I drive along the motorway, I often notice trucks, and it makes me think about their design.

An articulated truck typically has a tractor unit in front and a box or trailer behind it.

What’s interesting is the aerofoil on top of the cab.

This addition is crucial because trucks often achieve only six or seven miles per gallon, which isn’t efficient.

The aerofoil helps streamline the airflow over the trailer, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency.

Business Aerodynamics

Now, let’s translate this truck analogy back to your business.

What’s that big box pushing against the wind that’s holding you back?

Start by identifying what’s stopping you. Look at it from a high level and consider areas like:

• Finance
• Operations
• People and recruitment (HR)
• Marketing
• Sales

Recognizing the Priorities

I encourage you to leave a comment below: What’s the drag that’s preventing you from reaching the next level? Is it related to your business or personal development?

I'd love to learn what’s holding you back. Together, we can identify these challenges and design an "aerofoil" that will help streamline your business processes.

Here are some quick pro tips:

1. Identify the Key Department: Determine which area is the biggest obstacle to your progress.

2. Break It Down: Look at this challenge from a 10,000-foot perspective [Marco]. Dissect it and strategize on how to remove it. What kind of “sledgehammer” do you need to break it down?

   • If finance is the issue, do you need a commercial loan or equity investment?
   • If recruitment is the challenge, do you need a recruitment agency, changes in salary bands, or enhanced training packages?
     
     

3. Tactics for Execution: Narrow it down to 1,000 feet[Micro] - what specific actions do you need to take?

   • Do you need to write a job spec and post it online by the end of the day?
   • Should you create a financial forecast for your bank to secure a working capital overdraft?
   • Do you need to draft a business plan or obtain quotes for necessary equipment?

To summarize, pinpoint the department causing the blockage in your progress. Then, identify which aspects need addressing and the type of actions required to overcome these hurdles.

A Call to Action

As Wayne Gretzky famously said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”

If you’re feeling stuck in your business and not addressing what’s hindering your progress, you’ll miss valuable opportunities for growth.

I’d love your comments on these three areas:

1. What is the number one thing holding you back?
2. How will you approach breaking it down?
3. What specific tactics will you execute to move forward?

I’m here to help and happy to provide answers to your queries!