Even the very best entrepreneurs can struggle, when faced with making significant changes. A successful operation can quickly be thrown into turmoil, however, if there is a failure to give sufficient thought to what is required.

Identifying the impact

I think that the first element that you need to identify is who will be affected by the impact of your proposed changes. In general terms, you’ll want to think about the likely impact on employees, colleagues, suppliers and customers.

Within this context, it’s important to note that the thoughts of others are almost as important as the direct impact that you are expecting. What this means is that it’s perfectly possible for individuals to expect worse outcomes than are actually likely. The process of managing expectations will be central to your chances of being successful here.

Most people tend to have a certain level of fear, when it comes to facing major changes in life. Since your employees may be spending many hours each week at work, it’s only natural that they should be fearful of anything that will bring about dramatic alterations. You need to realise that this is the case, before you start to think about solutions.

If you fail to communicate your thoughts properly, then there’s a clear danger that people will start to suspect that you are hiding something from them.  As a result, it makes sound sense to let employees know what is being planned and to be as open as you possibly can be.

Avoid missing out on sales

Major changes may appear to be bad news for your customers. In general terms, clients will be looking for reassurance that they will continue to get the level of service that they have become accustomed to.

That’s not always easy to achieve, particularly when significant upheavals are being planned. Since it’s likely that you will be making changes in order to improve your business, it’s so important that you make a positive case for what is happening.

When dealing with customers, there’s also a real balance to be struck. Although you’ll want to keep them informed, it’s also important that you can demonstrate that you have a comprehensive plan in place. You don’t want to fall into the trap of only giving them half the message.

It’s also critical that your employees are fully briefed, prior to discussing any plans with customers. As ever, handling the way in which the message is communicated is almost as important as managing the more practical elements that are associated with any change.

Whether you are thinking about dealing with customers, members of staff, or employees, the clear message here is that it’s vital that you think about how you will present your plans. A lack of information creates a void that will tend to be filled with gossip and speculation.

You need to make sure that you provide an honest view of what’s happening and that you are available to answer any questions that may crop up. That’s the best way to manage the change process.

With inline removals online, Keith Barrett understands that it’s possible to get professional help, when dealing with a change of business premises. Such upheavals need to be handled in the right manner.