Business Leader, Dare You Answer This Question?

I want to keep this short and sweet but very relevant to you and your concern for profits. After all, more than likely that’s one of the major reasons you’re in business.

In addition, I don’t expect you to believe what I have to say nor agree with it. However, if you’re a business person who IS concerned about costs, savings, and profits, you’ll read this article and investigate its content for relevance to your organization.

Another call came into our corporate office today asking the question we hear many times a day, every day, “How much does your training cost?” As usual, we pointed out that there is NO COST for our training. Not bad, huh? There is an INVESTMENT which is based on what you’re looking for … a half-day seminar, a full-day seminar, a seminar series, a boot camp, a keynote, a package, consulting, etc. Give us an idea of what you’re looking for, and we’ll gladly reveal the INVESTMENT you’ll need to make.

But wait! While you’re in the spirit of asking questions, consider a few of these:

• What’s it going to cost us if we DON’T train our staff to make the necessary changes to deal with the ever-growing challenges causing chaos in today’s business world?
• What’s it going to cost us if we settle for the lowest bidder we can find? We may save money but not provide the best training, tools, tips and strategies that our people need to grow, compete and succeed. Is that really saving us money? Inadequate, ineffective training at any cost is not a bargain!
• What’s the difference between a “COST” and an “INVESTMENT”? Look up the formal definitions if you must, but you know that a good investment will yield a return that will keep you productive, profitable, competitive, and successful!
• Can we spare the time to conduct training at this point? Here’s a better question. Can you afford NOT to strive for Continuous and Never-ending Improvement (CANI) for your staff at a time when your competition is doing exactly that? You’d better give that question some serious consideration!

One last question!

If you knew that productive, innovative, motivational training of your staff could do the following:

• improve morale
• empower your workforce
• reduce turnover
• enhance communication and teamwork
• nurture greater creativity
• provide better customer service
• increase productivity and profitability

… would you consider what you paid as a “COST” or an “INVESTMENT”?

Check media reports to find examples of what’s happening in today’s business world, and you’ll find your answer in what leading companies are doing:

• Disney is adding to the size of its parks while competitors merge, sell or close their doors.
• McDonald’s is investing a billion dollars to enhance its facilities and menu while competitors downsize, merge, sell or struggle to keep their doors open.
• The Super Bowl increases the price of a 30-second ad to a record $3.5 million.
• The Big Three automakers are reopening closed plants, building new plants, and adding employees.

At this point you might think: “Sure, these companies can do these things because they’re so successful!” Re-frame that thought as you ask: “Are they doing these things because they’re successful, OR are they successful because they’re doing these things?”

COST or INVESTMENT? The choice is yours! The decision is critical! The answer can be life-changing!