__________
SPONSORED: With numerous branches worldwide, Pyramids Freight Services provides a multitude of options that meet your logistical needs on time. Mr.
Remon Sarofeem, the Founder of Pyramids Freight Services, is a Coptic Chamber Platinum Member. For more information on how PFS can help you with supply chain and logistics, go
to: www.pyramidsfreight.com. __________
This will
surprise you.
One day I was hired by a motor oil distribution company to help them find out why sales were slumping.
They were so excited -- here I was a "miracle worker" who would solve all their problems.
Or so they
thought.
So I sit down with the management team. They briefed me on sales, expenses, key employees, logistics and all that fun stuff.
Seems fine. I'm wondering why there's a sales problem.
Then I sit down with the employees and get the scoop on morale, management style,
company culture, enthusiasm and other challenges they're facing.
And the Problem Jumps Out at Me
Like a Creepy Clown at the Circus!
I call back the management team together for an emergency meeting.
"Who is Derek?" I ask.
The Sales Director replies with pride, "He's our top salesman. We probably wouldn't be around if it wasn't for him."
"Hmmm... ok... You might want to
consider firing him immediately."
"Say what?" the sales head counters with astonishment.
I tell him who and what the problem is -- it's Derek (I changed his name for this newsletter). His negative, condescending and lazy attitude was infecting the entire company. The management made a star out of him because of his occasionally
hight sales numbers, and this made him feel invincible. The other employees all wanted Derek's approval and so they emulated his behavior.
Company culture was so negative, I honestly didn't think they could bounce back from it.
And I told them that:
"f you don't fire Derek and do a complete 180, your company won't be around for more than a year."
The CEO disagreed with my assessment.
Well, I was wrong. It didn't take a year to shut down.
It actually took
about eight months.
Mind you, this was a company that was doing over $2 million in sales. Not bad for a small little operation that was only three years old
So, What's the Lesson Here?
First, it's usually a good idea to bring in a fresh set of eyes to help you tackle whatever business challenges you can't figure out on your own (qualified eyes, of course).
Second, your business culture is much more important than your realize. It defines the ethos and gets everyone working towards the same goal (or away from the
goal).
Third, it reinforces the adage, "Hire slow and fire fast." That's so true. I can say I've almost never been wrong following this advice -- neither have any of my clients.
Fourth, no amount of salesmanship can overcome the negative impact even one employee can have on all the others. I'v seen this time and time and time again.
Reminder...
Coptic Northeast Business & Networking Dinner
DATE: June 4, 2023
TIME: 5pm - 8:30pm
PLACE: Grand Marquis
CITY: Old Bridge, NJ
WHY ATTEND? If you are a business owner/entrepreneur or
professional, this is the ideal opportunity to be amongst some of the smartest, most talented and SUPER WELL-CONNECTED Copts in the Northeast. If you want to network, build your business with solid relationships and enjoy a great time with some great people, DO NOT MISS THIS.
Until next time...
As always, K.I.C.
(Keep It Coptic)!
