Alicia Sisk Morris CPA | Business Evolution Revolution
218
post-template-default,single,single-post,postid-218,single-format-standard,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-theme-ver-9.0,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-5.0.1,vc_responsive

Business Evolution Revolution

13 Jan Business Evolution Revolution

The Lean Startup written by Eric Ries, takes its name from the lean manufacturing revolution that Tiaiichi Onhno and Shigeo Shingo are credited with developing at Toyota. Lean thinking is radically altering the way supply chains and production systems are run. Among its tenants are drawing on the knowledge and creativity of individual workers, the shrinking of batch sizes, just-in-time production and inventory control, and an acceleration of cycle times. The Lean Startup adapts these ideas to the context of entrepreneurship, proposing that entrepreneurs judge their progress differently. The unit of progress is called validated learning. With the focus being on cross training and learning, a company can change (or pivot) to adjust their products or services. Every set back is an opportunity to learn how to get where they want to go.

As George Bernard Shaw was quoted as saying “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. “ Some of our greatest thinkers and tinkers made a lot of prototypes before going to market. It was through this development process that a company created, adjusted, and finalized a product. Imagine how different the world would have been had Steve Jobs sat back on his laurels and had thought the final “it” product was the iPod. Sure it revolutionized how we purchased and listened to music but he was not satisfied. He knew that we as a nation would prefer to have one electronic item to keep charged. Instead of us running around with a cell phone and a Day-Timer or a Palm Pilot we could just use one device… the iPhone. As a business person who came of age in the 90’s, I lugged so many devices around with me from client to client. I had my Motorola bag cell phone, a Sony Walkman CD player, my huge Compaq laptop computer, my 8 ½ x 11 Day-Timer and a small file box of brochures. Every night I would have to lug all my information into the hotel to update my notes. Today all of these functions, and more, are performed by my Smartphone. Boy and I glad that Steve Jobs chose to push the envelope and help all of us do more while carrying less.

So where does that leave us? I believe we are living in a world of rapidly developing technology. We have shifted from the manufacturing age and into the information age. The better we are able to work with our clients to provide support, systems or products the better we are tooled with the ability to make an impact in our industry. We need to not only make a better mousetrap but we also have to market it better. How do you want to set yourself apart from the competition? What do you offer that your competition doesn’t offer? Is it better customer service, faster shipping, unusually unique products? It is through innovation in all aspects of business that new companies can grow and succeed in an ever crowded world market.

Other articles  you may find interesting:

Types of Business Organizations:

Does my business need an operating agreement?

Partnership Agreements

Alicia Sisk-Morris, CPA  is a native of the Asheville area.  A Certified Public Accountant since 1999, she has a diverse background in tax, financial and business consulting.  She is dedicated to helping small and medium-sized companies grow profitably while helping them establish practical and sound tax and financial processes.  She is committed to meeting each client’s unique business objectives.  Alicia has expertise in providing comprehensive accounting services, including individual, corporate, partnership, and nonprofit income tax returns, financial statements, bookkeeping and payroll tax reports. Alicia earned a Bachelor’s in Business degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an Accounting degree from University of North Carolina at Asheville.  She is currently working on her master’s degree from Western Carolina University.

 

 

9 Comments
  • Mitch McDowell
    Posted at 00:00h, 14 January Reply

    Good article Alicia!

    I have come to view entrepreneurship as the process of constantly adapting goods and services to satisfy best the customers wants and needs. Hey, that actually sounded pretty good!

    In effect, sell something and then use customer feedback as a catalyst for improvement.

    Thanks,
    Mitch

    • asmcpa@yahoo.com
      Posted at 18:54h, 14 January Reply

      Thanks Mitch!

  • Maria-Elena Surprenant
    Posted at 02:50h, 16 January Reply

    Thought provoking article! This course is making me think of how I can be innovative within my industry of interest, such as the dance industry. Dance in the 20th century has taken a turn toward the idea of dance on camera, and the incorporation of video and sound in choreographic pieces. This is something that came to mind in relation to innovation within the dance world. I look forward in reading your reflection posts, and learning from what you will be mulling over!

    Maria-Elena

    • asmcpa@yahoo.com
      Posted at 20:05h, 16 January Reply

      Thanks for your thoughts Maria-Elena

  • Pat Mills
    Posted at 16:30h, 20 January Reply

    Really enjoyed reading your article Alicia! Great point about how smartphones consolidated all of those necessary devices into one. I think regardless of your field or industry, its all about finding a way to offer something to customers unique or superior to your competition.

    • asmcpa@yahoo.com
      Posted at 16:32h, 20 January Reply

      Thanks for your comments Pat!

  • Nadia Phillips
    Posted at 02:42h, 02 February Reply

    I think you used some great examples to get the point across and posed some great questions at the end to get business owners thinking and staying on their toes! Good post

    • asmcpa@yahoo.com
      Posted at 15:29h, 02 February Reply

      Thanks for your comment Nadia!

    • asmcpa@yahoo.com
      Posted at 18:06h, 05 February Reply

      Thanks so much Nadia!

Post A Reply to Mitch McDowell Cancel Reply