My husband's boxer shorts - a lesson in creativity

About two months ago, when we relocated from Savannah to Atlanta, my kids didn't have any toys. They were all packed away.

Did that stop them from playing? Heck no. They found my husband's boxer shorts and put them on their head, arms, legs and then ran around the house for hours, just having a ball.

The reason I bring this up is because it was a great lesson. My kids, like Americans overall, can be crafty and inventive. They can take resources at their disposal and build value.

Because of this, I am thoroughly confident that American companies will overcome this economic crisis, and many will be stronger and more versatile. The catch, though, is that they have to think creatively. They have to challenge current assumptions and make changes - in just about every part of the organization.

A few easy ones, are suggested below:

• Does your company really need an office? Can your staff or some of your staff telecommute?
• Can your company generate more sales leads online, (see post, Can Your Website Beat a Bad Economy) and eliminate some of the travel expenses?
• Can your company leverage your website more for customer service and ordering? (See post, Does your Website Pass the Publix Test).
• Can your company deploy remote access software and other technologies to eliminate site visits?
• Can your company produce products and services that are more likely to get customers off-the-fence?
• Can your company retain customers effectively or more effectively than your competitors? (See post, Retention Programs - Start with Free or Low-cost Perks)
• Can your company provide products and services that serve customers better?
• Can your company stay top of mind with customers, so they don't bolt? (See post, Staying Top of Mind in a Bad Economy)

While there are plenty more questions to ask, the bottom line is this: Can your company put on boxer shorts?

Technorati Tags: creativity, economic crisis, customer retention

Comments

[Mark Gregory]

Great post! As always, company leaders shouldn't get caught in their underwear!