Articles

"That is the Way, We Have Always Done It"

BUSINESS TIPS FROM THE EDITOR

March 2025

Richard T. Hendee, Editor
The Silver Fox Advisor

“That Is The Way, We Have Always Done It”

Over my years in working with all sorts of businesses, large and small, for-profit and non-profit, when I have been asked to help to improve policies, procedures, ways of doing business or just general processes, I usually try to understand why and how things are presently being done the way they are. Then, based on my experiences, I might suggest some ways or techniques of doing things differently. One of the biggest push backs I hear is – “Oh we can’t do that, we have always done it the way we are doing it now”!!

Change is a very difficult thing to accept and sometimes even harder to even talk about. But, in today’s fast moving business environment and with the rapid changes in technology more often than not if changes are not made, then the business may actually be taking steps backward by doing nothing.

Making changes was on full display during the COVID pandemic. Workers who never participated in a virtual meeting became Zoom meeting experts. Restaurants focused on take-out orders and cut back on the dining-in experience. Supply chain issues caused many businesses to find alternative products and materials and sources thereof. So, changes can be made if it comes right down to it.

I am not saying you should make changes for the sake of making changes, but if you can improve efficiencies, save money, cut expenses and/or save time, shouldn’t consideration be given to at least trying something different? Further, if you are afraid that a change wouldn’t be perceived well by your customers, vendors or suppliers, than don’t make a wholesale change, but rather try making the change with one client or one vendor and see how the change is received. That way you will be able to make an educated decision rather than the wrong decision or not making one at all.   

If you need help with making changes in your business, I would recommend you seek an experienced business advisor, coach, consultant or mentor with a financial or business background for your Company: Contact a Silver Fox Advisor. Remember, having experience on your side always helps.

We encourage you to visit our Website at www.silverfox.org or www.silverfoxadvisors.com to select a Silver Fox Advisor and also to learn more about the Silver Fox Advisors and their businesses, as well as our great programs and community outreach endeavors.