Small Business School
The Case Study Guide
Small Business School  last update: 03/18/2005  |   view prior episode Small Business School
Small Business School
Small Business School
Small Business School
Small Business School Small Business School
prevention pays
Small Business School
Overview Transcript Case Study Video
Though there were smiles, from 1933 to 1960,
"We struggled ..." said Hubert Opici.
Small Business School
Small Business School
Small Business School Small Business School Small Business School
WATCH TELEVISION THAT TEACHES 
Small Business School
Small Business School Small Business School
Small Business School
Small Business School Small Business School Small Business School
Key Ideas of this episode
Small Business School
 
1. Fix It Before It Breaks
Small Business School
2. Trust Your Experience
Small Business School
3. Use Technology To Beat Competitors
Small Business School
4. Recruit The Best
Small Business School
5. Eat Dinner With Your Customers
Small Business School
6. Treat Suppliers Like Family
Small Business School
7. Search The World For Value
Small Business School
8. Be Tough On The Next Generation
Small Business School
 
Fix It Before It Breaks

Preventative maintenance saves time and money. This is a distribution business which means trucks have to be on the road everyday delivering to the customers. Restaurant and shop owners are dependent upon drivers who arrive on a predictable schedule. Hubert said if a truck breaks down it could cost $250 for towing and repair. If the truck is maintained properly it will not break down.

Topic for Discussion: Other than saving time and money by taking care of equipment, are there other good reasons for keeping your systems in good condition?

Answer: Your reputation. Good customers can be patient but you don't want to try that patience. If you miss a delivery once in a blue moon that can be understood. Missing delivery schedules repeatedly makes you seem unreliable and customers will leave you to find the company that can deliver.

You think about it: What needs to be repaired, refurbished, painted, oiled or upgraded? Is your software and hardware than three years old?

go to this transcript...
Small Business School
Small Business School
Small Business School
Small Business School
Small Business School

The Small Business Index of Learning Companies
Click here to be listed and linked from within this site
.