Over the years I’ve had the good fortune of working with and learning from countless company directors. Some were just starting out in business and others had plans for growth, but there was one noticeable differentiator between the ones that were successful and the ones that fizzled-out or struggled - quality in every detail. Not just the quality of a finished product or quality of service, but striving for the very best, perfection or as close as they can achieve and never settling for “that will do”, quality of every minute detail and the careful consideration of what effect these details would have on their clients.
Having witnessed the importance and the benefits of quality first hand, I apply the rule of “mediocre - not in my business” to every aspect of what we do. Our standards are extremely high and we don’t settle for anything less than the very best for ourselves or for our clients, nor will we ever. I’ve met many business owners that recognise their work could be better, but are far more concerned about getting the orders in, out and the cash flowing, with little regard for standards. Yes high quality costs more and takes longer, but it nets so much more in the long run. By applying high standards across the board, your business will become synonymous with quality and your reputation and brand will be strengthened because of it.
Demonstrating high standards will enable you to take on the larger and more exciting clients and projects. The flip-side of this is that you’ll have to work through the night to meet deadlines, run over budget at your own expense, constantly rework things and often reject the work of your staff and suppliers in order to keep the levels high. You’ll set a precedent that will raise the expectations of your clients. You’ll find it difficult, as we do, to find staff that share your attitude and can achieve the high standards your clients demand and you’ll have to invest a lot of time in training. All of this adds a lot of additional pressures, above and beyond those of the day-to-day activities of your business.
There is no doubt that consistently achieving high standards is hard and there may be times when you question whether it is all worth while. Consider it an investment in the future of your business. Without high standards the foundations of your business are fragile and progression can be slow, at best. There will come a time when all your efforts will pay off. You’ll be able to step back and be proud of what you’ve achieved, your reputation will go before you and you’ll be well on your way to realising your dreams. Maintaining high standards throughout your business and consistently going the extra mile will help you to achieve success and ensure your financial reward in good time.
Written by James Good
Published in Enterprise Magazine - Autumn 2007