Every small business is looking for a way to do more with less these days. But, after they have reduced headcount, slashed the budget and eliminated all waste, what else can they do? Well, the last person they might think to ask is the CEO of a non-profit. But, think about it. Who would know the most about doing more with less than the CEO of a well run non-profit?
Recently, Todd O’Connor of ABC News interviewed Nancy Lublin, CEO of Do Something, a non-profit organization that helps award grant money to young people who want to make a difference. Nancy is the author of a new book, Zilch-The Power of Zero in Business. In the video below, Nancy offers several tips for doing more with less. If a business owner implements Nancy’s tips they can enhance their company’s results with little or no investment.
Zilch has eleven chapters which provide tips for getting by with zilch. This doesn’t mean getting by on nothing. It means getting by with a lot less than you used to spend when you were fat, dumb, and happy.
Nancy’s approach in the book is to share stories of her own experience as well as other successful people. You’ll find lots of great ideas for motivating people without throwing cash at them. Like the idea of being liberal with titles. Titles are free. Banks are known for giving big titles instead of big paychecks. Another idea is to rearrange your workspace so it is more stimulating and fun. A happy staff equals a happy workplace.
Nancy recommends that everyone from all levels in your company understand and support the company’s vision and purpose. She encourages making investments in skills development for your staff which will increase their value to you and give them more career options. In addition, you should help your people set and achieve goals. Then, make a big deal out of those achievements. And, be sure to thank your staff for the work they do.
A company always has unintended and intended brand ambassadors. Everyone inside and outside of your company has the ability to strengthen or weaken your brand. For example, if employees feel they are not treated right at work, what do you think they tell their family and friends about the company? What do you think your vendors say about your company? By strengthening your brand inside and outside of your company, you are creating brand ambassadors.
Focus on doing more for your customers and your employees. Then, think through what you are asking from people. What else could you ask of your board? Your staff?
The one point I wasn’t sure that I agreed with Nancy on was term limits for CEOs. In almost every small business, the CEO is also the owner and not likely to turn over the reigns to someone else just to make sure the company has the benefit of new ideas. While I agree that having fresh ideas is crucial, this can be accomplished just as easily by having an advisory board without disrupting the organization by replacing the CEO. Continuity is also important.
These days, CEOs need to take pinching pennies to a whole new level. Ironically, for-profit organizations can learn a lot from not-for-profit organizations when it comes to doing more for less. For non-profits like Do Something, pinching pennies is just business as usual.
If you would like to contact me, you can do so by visiting my LinkedIn page or emailing me at mike.clough@bestbizpractices.org.
Posted by: Mike Clough
