Manufacturing Network Issues Resolutions For Small Companies

Compiled ByJill Jusko For small manufacturers who have not yet compiled a list of New Year's resolutions for 2002 -- never fear. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a nationwide network of resource centers that assists small manufacturers in becoming more efficient, productive and competitive, has put together its own list of 10 resolutions of cost-saving and productivity-increasing measures it says can positively impact a company's bottom line. MEP's top resolutions for 2002 are:

Re-examine your marketing approach. Is your company taking measures to identify areas of market growth?

Profile your best customers. A profile of your best customers can help locate prospective customers suited to your company's products and services.

Invest in sales training and technology.

Refresh your business perspective. Get fresh ideas on your business from an outside, objective third party.

Streamline business strategies.

Upgrade network security to combat the increasing frequency of computer viruses.

Review your disaster plan.

Invest in employee training.

Take stock of what you measure and why. Are they aligned with business strategies?

Talk to your employees about ways to improve the company. MEP is a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology.