Viewing entries tagged
profitability

Unlocking Profit Growth

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Unlocking Profit Growth

In the dynamic landscape of business, profit growth stands as the cornerstone of success. Every organization, regardless of its size or sector, aims to achieve sustainable growth in its bottom line. However, achieving this goal isn't merely about increasing sales or cutting costs; it requires a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of the business ecosystem.

Striking A Balance

At the heart of profit growth lies the delicate balance between costs and sales prices. While reducing costs can directly impact profitability, it's crucial not to compromise on the quality or value offered to customers. Instead, businesses should focus on optimizing operational efficiency, streamlining processes, and embracing technology to reduce overheads without sacrificing product or service excellence.

Equally important is setting strategic pricing that reflects the value proposition while remaining competitive in the market. Pricing strategies should consider factors such as production costs, market demand, competitor pricing, and perceived value. By finding the sweet spot between cost-effectiveness and pricing strategy, businesses can maximize profitability without alienating their customer base.

The Foundation of Sustainable Growth

Trust serves as the cornerstone of every successful organization. Internally, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and mutual respect cultivates trust among employees, driving productivity, innovation, and employee retention. When employees trust their organization, they're more likely to go the extra mile, leading to improved operational efficiency and ultimately, higher profitability.

Externally, building trust with customers is paramount. In an era where consumers have myriad options at their fingertips, trust can be a key differentiator. Businesses can earn customer trust by consistently delivering on promises, providing exceptional customer service, and prioritizing ethical practices. Transparent communication, honest dealings, and a commitment to customer satisfaction build lasting relationships that translate into customer loyalty and repeat business.

Making the Customer a Hero of Their Story

In the narrative of business, customers aren't merely passive participants; they are the lifeblood of success. Recognizing and embracing this perspective can revolutionize the way businesses approach customer engagement and satisfaction. Instead of focusing solely on selling products or services, businesses should strive to empower customers, making them the heroes of their own stories.

This entails understanding customer needs, pain points, and aspirations on a deeper level. By offering tailored solutions, personalized experiences, and ongoing support, businesses can position themselves as trusted allies in their customers' journeys. Celebrating customer successes, soliciting feedback, and continuously refining offerings based on customer insights further solidify the bond between businesses and their clientele.

Profit growth isn't a singular pursuit; it's a multifaceted journey that encompasses various dimensions of business operations and customer interactions. By striking the right balance between costs and pricing, fostering trust internally and externally, and placing customers at the center of the narrative, businesses can unlock sustainable growth and establish themselves as industry leaders.

Have a great week!

Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

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How Is My Business Doing?

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How Is My Business Doing?

Running a successful business requires an understanding of financial metrics, and one that often takes center stage is the gross profit margin. While it's an important indicator, solely relying on this metric may present an incomplete picture of your business's overall health. In this post, we'll explore what gross profit margin is, the costs associated with it, and why it shouldn't be the sole gauge for assessing your business's performance.

What is Gross Profit Margin?

Gross profit margin is a financial metric that represents the percentage of revenue retained after deducting the cost of goods sold. It's calculated by dividing the gross profit by total revenue and multiplying by 100 if you want a percentage.  Forget that last step if you are just focused on the dollar figure.

This is the direct cost of producing goods or services sold by a company is broken into three main areas. The first one is the material cost of the goods and services, the logistical costs to move these items around and then variable costs like that of the sales teams and labor to manufacture the goods and services.

Why Gross Profit Margin Should Not Be The Only Valuable Metric

While a healthy gross profit margin is desirable, it doesn't provide a complete picture of a company's overall profitability.  Gross profit margin doesn't account for fixed costs, such as rent, salaries, and utilities. Net profit, deducts all expenses and provides a more comprehensive view.  These costs are essential for maintaining the day-to-day operations and need to be considered when assessing overall profitability.

Gross profit margin also doesn't consider market conditions, competition, or external factors that could impact business performance. Adapting to these variables is crucial for long-term sustainability.

To truly gauge how well your business is running, it's essential to adopt a more comprehensive approach. Consider metrics like net profit margin to figure out how strong your profits are.  Evaluate customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and innovation as these factors contribute to sustainable growth.  A well-rounded understanding of various financial and operational indicators will guide more informed decisions, ensuring your business thrives in the long run.

Make sure you know if you are running a successful business and if you need help reach out below!

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

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Am I Making Profits?

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Am I Making Profits?

In the intricate world of business, mastering profit margins is the compass that guides your organization to financial success. However, understanding the nuances between gross profit, net profit, and EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) is the secret sauce that separates the savvy entrepreneurs from the rest. In this blog post, we're peeling back the layers to reveal the essence of each, empowering you to navigate the complexities of profit margins with confidence.

Gross Profit

At its core, gross profit represents the money your business retains after deducting the cost of goods sold from your revenue.  By breaking down the cost of producing or acquiring your goods or services. This includes raw materials, direct labor, and manufacturing costs. Your gross profit is the reward for your operational efforts, signaling your ability to generate revenue above production costs.  This is the first level in understanding if you are making money with what you sell to customers.

Net Profit

While gross profit sets the stage, net profit steals the spotlight by subtracting all operating expenses, taxes, and interest from gross profit. It's the bottom line, reflecting the actual profit your business pockets after all is said and done.  The operating expenses are the nitty-gritty of your day-to-day business costs. This includes rent, utilities, salaries, marketing, and other overhead expenses. This can be bundled into a cost and applied to every product sold to understand all of your total costs.

EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes)

EBIT is another term thrown around by financial people to justify profitability and it is basically  earnings before accounting for interest expenses (if you have loans, mortgages, etc) and taxes. It offers a middle ground between gross profit and net profit, providing insights into your operational efficiency and profitability.

EBIT excludes interest and taxes, allowing you to assess your business's core profitability without the influence of financial obligations. It's a powerful metric for evaluating your ability to generate revenue from operations alone.  This is a gauge you can use if you choose to help you understand if your organization is operating efficiently or not.

In the realm of profit margins, understanding the differences between gross profit, net profit, and EBIT is the key to financial mastery. Your journey begins with gross profit, the foundation of your financial strength. From there, navigate through the intricacies of operating expenses, taxes, and interest to unveil your net profit. EBIT, straddling the line between gross and net, offers a unique perspective into your operational efficiency.

Armed with this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to make strategic decisions, optimize your profit margins, and pave the way for sustained success in the ever-evolving landscape of business.

Have a great day!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

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Employee Engagement ROI

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Employee Engagement ROI

In today's competitive business landscape, success is not solely reliant on innovative products or cutting-edge technology. The true driver of organizational growth and profitability lies in the hands of a highly engaged workforce. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of employee engagement and its potential to provide a significant return on investment. By delving into the startling statistic that 70 percent of employees are not engaged, we will shed light on the transformative power of engaged environments, where speed increases and costs decrease, ultimately leading to higher profits.

The 70 Percent Disengagement Dilemma: It's disheartening to learn that a staggering 70 percent of employees are not fully engaged in their work. Disengaged employees often lack motivation, feel disconnected from their roles, and exhibit decreased productivity. However, this statistic also presents a tremendous opportunity for businesses willing to invest in employee engagement initiatives. By addressing the root causes of disengagement and fostering an environment that values and nurtures employee satisfaction, organizations can unlock the potential of their workforce and drive profitability.

The Impact of Engaged Environments: Engaged environments have a profound impact on organizational success. When employees feel valued, connected, and motivated, they are more likely to go above and beyond to contribute to the company's goals. Engaged employees are passionate about their work, have a sense of ownership, and are invested in the organization's success. This leads to increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and reduced turnover rates. Engaged environments foster a positive work culture, collaborative teams, and innovation, creating a ripple effect throughout the entire organization.

Speed Up, Costs Down, More Profits: Engagement directly influences the speed and efficiency with which tasks are performed and projects are completed. Engaged employees are motivated to work diligently, exhibit higher levels of focus and concentration, and take pride in delivering quality results. As a result, work processes become streamlined, decision-making becomes more agile, and productivity soars. Additionally, engaged employees are more likely to contribute innovative ideas, problem-solving skills, and process improvements, reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency. A combination of increased speed and reduced costs directly translates into higher profits and a competitive edge in the market.

Employee engagement is not merely a buzzword; it is a strategic investment that can yield substantial returns for businesses. By recognizing the pressing need to address the disengagement epidemic, organizations can tap into the immense potential of their workforce. Engaged environments foster motivated, productive, and loyal employees who are dedicated to driving organizational success. With speed increasing and costs decreasing, profitability becomes a natural outcome. Investing in employee engagement initiatives not only leads to higher profits but also builds a positive company culture, strengthens employer branding, and enhances customer satisfaction. Embrace the power of employee engagement, and watch your organization thrive in an era where engaged employees are the true catalysts for success.

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

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How To Make A Profit In Business

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How To Make A Profit In Business

In business, the pursuit of profitability remains a primary goal for entrepreneurs and organizations alike. To achieve sustainable success, it is crucial to adopt strategies that focus on optimizing profits. In this blog post, we will explore three fundamental factors that contribute to maximizing profits: understanding the sales price minus costs equation, conducting thorough market research, and scaling the workforce strategically. By implementing these strategies, you can pave the way for increased profitability and long-term growth.

1.     Sales Price Minus Costs: One of the fundamental principles of profit maximization is the calculation of the sales price minus costs. To determine profitability, it is essential to analyze the revenue generated from sales and subtract the costs associated with producing or delivering the product or service. By understanding and carefully monitoring this equation, you can identify areas where costs can be minimized without compromising the quality or value of your offering. Regularly review your expenses, negotiate with suppliers, and explore more efficient processes to optimize your profit margins and you will succeed at managing good profits so you can invest back into your organization.

2.     Doing Homework on the Market Place: Market research is the backbone of any successful business. Understanding your target market, customer preferences, and competitive landscape allows you to position your product or service effectively and identify opportunities for growth. Conducting thorough market research enables you to identify the pricing sweet spot—finding the balance between competitive pricing and maintaining healthy profit margins. Analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and competitor strategies to gain insights that will inform your pricing decisions and allow you to maximize profitability.

3.     Scaling Workforce Strategically: While expanding your workforce may be necessary to accommodate business growth, it is essential to approach it strategically to avoid unnecessary costs that may eat into your profits. Rapidly scaling your team without careful consideration can lead to bloated overheads, inefficiencies, and potential cash flow challenges. Instead, evaluate your business needs and growth projections, and scale your workforce accordingly. Consider outsourcing certain functions or leveraging technology to automate tasks and streamline operations. By scaling strategically, you can strike a balance between productivity, cost-effectiveness, and profitability.

Maximizing profits in business requires a strategic approach that encompasses several key factors. Understanding the sales price minus costs equation enables you to optimize your profit margins by minimizing expenses while maintaining the value of your offering. Thorough market research helps you position your product or service effectively, identify competitive pricing, and identify opportunities for growth. Scaling your workforce strategically ensures that your business remains agile, efficient, and cost-effective. By implementing these strategies and continuously evaluating your business model, you can pave the way for sustainable profitability and long-term success. Remember, profitability is not just about revenue generation; it's about creating a solid foundation that supports growth, innovation, and a thriving bottom line.

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with the best customers and top employees.    How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  How can we land and keep top talent in our organization with the salary wars.  Kevin teaches your sales and leadership teams how to build the key ingredient to be successful with their relationships and take your goals to the next level with high levels of engagement.

Kevin’s website: www.kevinsidebottom.com

Kevin’s email: kevin@kevinsidebottom.com

 

The Sales Process Online Membership Site 

https://www.kevinsidebottom.com/pricing-page

The Sales Process Uncovered Book 

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8XUM4QL2RC6M&keywords=the+sales+process+uncovered&qid=1673274567&sprefix=the+sales+process+uncovered%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

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Profitability vs. Revenue

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Profitability vs. Revenue

I pride myself as being a dumb sales guy.  I do that as joking with customers when we have talks to lower the bar so when I over deliver, I look better in their eyes. 

One thing that I had to learn as I played in larger value discussions is understanding that more revenue did not make the organization more profitable.  That’s right, just selling more stuff does not out sell our costs sometimes.  When we are setting up sales prices to drive our revenue, we really need to study the P and L.  That’s profit and loss.

As I have grown my capacity as a sales professional, I have learned that profitability is more important than sales revenue.  If we sell at negative profit margins then we will soon be bankrupt.  Unfortunately, I did not understand this concept when I first got into sales.

I was constantly frustrated when we would have a sales program that would have iteration 4 by the time I booked half of my customers.  I would have to keep changing my prices weekly so some customers would get a price increase, or decrease and there was no way I could control it.

Let me share a word of advice.  If you think customers don’t talk to each other even though they say they are adversaries, you are wrong.  They talk and usually are more friends than we realize. 

What can we do as sales professionals to understand the profit and loss better?  Why not ask questions and continue to learn how the organization functions?  If it is an organization that fosters a culture of growth and service then they will likely see this request as a way to help groom a future executive. 

We need to understand the basics of our profitability if we are going to sit with a customer because they will always ask for a better deal.  We do it whenever we go out and shop, so why wouldn’t our customers ask.  When we understand our profitability then we can truly know why we can or can not drop the price.  We need to understand this if we are going to be successful.

If we go out and sell a bunch of products / services at losses we will soon be “promoted to customer.”  That’s just a nice way of saying fired.  We need to take pride in understanding our profitability if we are going to succeed. 

This does not mean that we need to go to college to get a financial degree to understand terms.  I haven’t done that.  We should learn about those terms and understand a P and L sheet as well as ask questions.  Yes, we have to be vulnerable enough to ask for clarification and understanding.  This is hard for sales people because we want to think we know everything.  The truly smartest people are those that know their limits and are okay with being vulnerable to learn.

Knowing our profitability will allow us to gain more success and a better future.

Have a great week!

“Businesses wonder why it is still hard to be thought of as the brand of choice with customers.  How can our business make more profitable transactions and stay out of the commodity battle with low profits?  I equip your sales team to walk with the customer through the five buying decisions, and in the correct order to generate explosive revenues with greater profits!”

www.kevinsidebottom.com

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lWIVasmkFsoYL4h0AqIZgH6LC3qaw_gI/view?usp=sharingclient profile sheet

https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Process-Uncovered-Success-Influence/dp/0578421518 - Book

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/5AF12 - Sales Process Uncovered Online Training

https://kevinsidebottom.kartra.com/page/68N10 - Trustworthy Online Training

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