This post, although profound is not perfect or anything to do with Mr. Poppins Penguins. It is filled with propaganda issues pertaining to profit and procurement in your small business. So without further pause, here are the 13 P’s, in no specific order, you should be peering at when leading a business, proactively of course.

•  People – be attentive in all your relationships. Understand each person you deal with as to where they come from and where they want to go. Remember to thank them for their contribution to your business each day.
• Product – be prepared to change this based on constant feedback. Understand the difference between benefits and features. Know the true value of what you do and market this with confidence.
• Planet – This is the only one we have. Be aware of your impact on mother earth and constantly aim to reduce this.
• Procedures – The foundation to any sustainable business is the solid procedures and processes. Develop these and then communicate them to all.
• Profits – Just one way to measure your business, Keep an eye on financial management, cash flow and waste.
• Procurement – Develop solid relationships with all your suppliers. Aim for 30 day accounts and then pay on time. Buy just enough, just in time.
• Proposition – Define your niche and focus 80% of your effort on this at all times. The rest will come on its own if you do what you do well.
• Placement – Know where you stand in relationship to other businesses and constantly move away from competition and into blue water
• Property – Lease at first but buy as soon as you can. Location is key, but so is space and functionality.
• Plans – Constantly build on your vision, long term plans, one year goals and your 3 month action list. Share these with staff and family to hold you accountable.
• Proposals – Build a solid platform for your marketing. Provide convenience to your customers through the benefits of your product and service. Always propose to do extra and then exceed this.
• Promises – Customer service is the voice of your marketing platform. Always do what you say you will do, on time, within budget and done well.
• Poo – when all else fails, fail fast, learn, get up and try again. To wallow in failure, just gives us nappy rash.

Profound wisdom to push you proactively forward. Read, Share, Grow