The Secret Weapon Question

Here is a Secret Weapon Question for business owners, managers, and employees to always keep in mind:

Does the customer pay us for that?

Think about everything you do at work. In a perfect situation, every single thing you do should be because the customer pays you to do it. It might be making a product. Maybe it is quoting a job or writing up an order. Perhaps it is ordering or gathering materials so a job can be produced. Whenever you are doing these things, you are making money for yourself and everyone associated with your company.

On the other hand, no situation is perfect. Sometimes people get into the trap of doing things the customer doesn’t pay them to do. Having arguments with fellow co-workers. Spending too much time visiting or being on cell phones. Fighting equipment that isn’t working well. The customer doesn’t pay for any of this. Whenever people engage in these activities, they are spending money instead of making it.

No one is perfect. Everyone occasionally falls into the trap of doing things the customer doesn’t pay for. But here is the secret: Successful companies always keep the Secret Weapon Question in mind.  

Does the customer pay us for that?

If you keep the secret weapon question in mind, the more quickly you'll get back to productive work, and create more success for yourself and every employee.