Mission Control

While holidaying in San Diego we visited USS Midway an aircraft carrier which was decommissioned in 1992. In simple terms Mission Control back at the base, created the overall plan and strategy to win. This information was conveyed to the Captain of the Midway who was responsible for ensuring that they arrived at the designated point ready for deployment. The "Deck Boss" was responsible for the very complex maneuver required to dispatch and land the aircraft safely so that they could complete the Mission. He was supported by a team of navy personnel who gave updates of the position of each aircraft so that they took off and landed safely. It was explained that safe and successful take-off and landings took three things - everyone knowing what their role is, having a process which gives predictable results and practice, practice and more practice. But when it's real-time, those three key ingredients make a successful mission possible.

 

While all this was being explained I thought it was a great metaphor for running a profitable bookkeeping business. You are not only responsible for the bookkeeping for your clients, you need to look after the other departments in your own business in order for you to be successful:

• Leadership (Mission Control) - creates the Vision and Mission and unites the team
• Management (the Captain) - creates strategies to make sure the team are on track to fulfill the Vision and Mission and constantly reviews progress and makes necessary adjustments
• Finance (the Bursar) - Reports to Management the financial position so that they can make adjustments
• Production & Systems (Deck Boss) - creates the necessary systems and products to give consistent, reliable results for your clients and ensures the team are fulfilling the Mission on a daily basis

And there's also:

• Marketing & Sales
• HR
• Admin

If you would like more information about this and the psychology behind each of the different departments then I would recommend you read "The E Myth" by Michael Gerber. It transformed my understanding of how to run a business.Schedule some time at the end of BAS-ON to get your house into order. Review your financials for the 9 months from July last year, see if you've reached your targets (Finance). Have a "meeting" with Management to review your figures and reduce unbillable or unprofitable hours and make important adjustments including planning to put up your prices by at least CPI from July 1st. Develop your systems to ensure you and your team provide your clients with consistent, reliable results (Production) and set your targets and vision for the 12/13 FY (Leadership).Make yourself accountable to someone (family, friend, mentor) and discuss your plans with them or feel free to email me your goals if that helps. Get serious about what you want and plan when you're going to get there.Don't forget Pure Bookkeeping now has a Facebook page and we would love to have you as our "friends". If you haven't done that yet just click on the link below to "like" us and as a special thank you, you will receive the fantastic eBook "Love Your Business". "Love Your Business" is a 3 part common sense method that will help your company grow and prosper.

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