I am a big believer in learning from other industries. I believe all small business owners can learn something from the 2018 Oklahoma Engineering Conference.
The conference topics were what one might expect at an engineering conference. The topics included roads, bridges, water systems, flares (used in the energy sector), project management, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and doing business in foreign countries. Many of the topics were presented in case study format. Below are a couple of takeaways for the small business owner.
Problems Have Many Variables
The case studies made this very clear. In general, business is a mix of marketing, operations and finance. Each of these areas have much detail. While growing and operating your business, each of these variables should be considered along with their affects on each other. For example, does a lack of qualified employees (operations) impede your growth plans (finance)? More marketing (marketing) may or may not add to growth, but can you afford the marketing (finance)? These are simple examples. It is easy to see how complex these issues can become.
Teamwork was Required
The case studies also made it clear that teamwork was required to solve problems. The case studies showed how engineering, manufacturing, construction, logistics, sales, accounting, vendors and customers working together and communicating were the best solution. Input from many parties was gathered and taken into consideration. The small business owner should seek input from employees, customers and service providers. Everyone has a valuable point of view.
You don’t need to be an engineer to learn something from the engineering conference.
Let me know how I can be helpful to you.