It’s my observation that as business people we can often become myopic in our focus and not see things that clearly need our attention for the health and well being of the business.

Sure they may not be pressing or urgent but their impact on the business can be catastrophic if something were to go wrong or indeed if these areas are left unattended.

What do I mean you ask?

Well let’s take for instance the areas of the security of your buildings, equipment, cash valuables, business records and theft.
 
Are you sure you take appropriate measures to protect your business against these risks in the course of running your business? 

Why don’t you print this article now before reading further and circle one:  YES       NO

Or perhaps you have become complacent.          YES       NO

Well now let’s do a reality test and ask you some practical questions.

1. Have you had security experts assess the security of your premises recently?
2. Do you, at regular intervals, inspect the following:

• Fences
• Walls
• Doors
• Locks
• Windows
• Skylights
• Roof

3. Have you installed an alarm system?
4. IF YES, do you test it frequently?
5. Are rear doors locked between deliveries?
6. Have you recorded the serial numbers of all valuable equipment?
7. Have you marked all valuable equipment?
8. Do you have a safe?
9. Is it correctly installed?
10. Are combinations changed when staff with access leave the business?
11. Do you store the combination off site in case of fire etc?
12. Do you know precisely who has keys to your office/shop/factory?
13. Do you replace locks when any keys are lost, or employees holding keys leave?
14. Are all your staff handling money trained in appropriate routines?
15. Do all your staff know how to handle cheques?
16. Are your money handling functions performed away from public gaze?
17. Do you bank cash frequently?
18. Do you vary the route and time that you/your staff go to the bank?
19. Are all your vehicles secured?
20. Do you remove expensive, valuable items from windows at close of trading?
21. Have you checked your insurance policies to ensure they give you full coverage?
22. Are your premises well lit at night?
23. Are your staff trained what to do in case of armed robbery?
24. Do you have nominated staff responsible for night locking up?
25. Do you store important legal papers off site, or in a secure appropriately rated fire proof safe?
26. Do you store computer records off site, or in a suitable fire proof safe (for paper and disk/back up tape)?
27. Do you ensure important working papers are shredded or destroyed beyond readability before being disposed of?
28. Do you back up your computer records at appropriate intervals?
29. Do you store back ups off site?
30. Have you issued instructions to staff concerning safety of records during emergencies? (fire, flood etc)
31. Do you know what records should be kept by law and for how long for taxation purposes?
32. Do you make all employees aware of their responsibilities as far as theft is concerned?
33. Do you conduct security checks on job applicants for employment?
34. Do you ensure staff don’t take home stock without paying?
35. Do you monitor sample stock and manufacturer’s gifts?
36. Do you record lent items to employees?
37. Are you sure that staff don’t pocket cash register “over rings” or surplus petty cash?
38. Have you established a system of internal controls?
39. Do you check outward delivery dockets at irregular intervals?
40. Do you watch for “friends” in the business?
41. Do you check your rubbish bins for “stolen” merchandise?
42. Do you irregularly check employees’ personal packages on leaving your business premises (being mindful of their rights and your rights)?
43. Do you have shoplifting problems?
44. Do you ensure that your front end is always staffed?
45. Do you have mirrors to help staff see hidden corners?
46. Do you have anti-theft signs around the store?
47. Do you lock, chain. Secure small expensive items?
48. Are all entries and exits covered by staff or closed with fire escape locks?
49. Are your staff aware of how to (or not to) apprehend shoplifters?
50. Do you check price tickets to ensure they are firmly attached?

How did you go?

Did you do as well as you expected or worse?  Would you change your initial answer that you gave before reading the questions?

If you did what are you going to do about it?

Who in your business will be responsible to undertake a review and get your procedures up to date and by when?

These questions are an extract from one small section of the Business Review Checklist that The Right Team Business Growth Specialists has available for use with our clients.

Other areas that are covered include: You, Your Trading Structures, Your Legal Matters, Your Employees, Your Product, Your Marketing, Your Advertising, Your Selling Techniques, Your Image, Your Records, Your Financial Matters, Your Overhead Expenses, Your Taxation and Your Future.

So if this article has been eye opening for you and you would like to have a conversation for possibility concerning your business send an email to businessreview@rightteam.com.au or call 1300 66 44 89.

Your Help Needed – Success Oriented Sales People Sought

If you are (or someone you know is) success and results oriented sales person with experience in making B2B sales in the SME business sector then this may be the challenge you are looking for.

You will be responsible for managing the complete sales cycle through to the initial sale.  The successful candidates will be well versed in consultative B2B sales with key decision makers in the SME business sector with turnovers in excess of $1 Million p.a.

If you enjoy helping people, have an “abundance mentality”, are self motivated, ethical, disciplined (as you will be working from home), success oriented, have your own phone and car and would like to be part of a growing team that assists SME businesses identify and retrieve untapped profits, sales, cash and productivity from within their businesses then this opportunity may be for you.

Positions are available for the right people in the following areas:

Northern Beaches
Parramatta – Inner West
Hills District
Sutherland Shire
Illawarra
Southern Highlands (Bowral, Moss Vale, Mittagong)
Shoalhaven
ACT

To arrange a confidential chat in the first instance, email salesperson@rightteam.com.au with your name and contact details & your professional profile or call me direct on 0413 266 515 this Wednesday between 3 & 5 pm  or Friday (between 7 am & 9 am) .

Remuneration is structured to attract the best. OTE in excess of $230K p.a.