Efficiency means a lot of things to a lot of different people, but ultimately it means doing more with less. This has never been more important than it is today, as we approach the “new normal.” It’s safe to expect more lean times in the coming years, and your business’ very survival depends on your ability to continue offering outrageous service with less cash flow and a smaller team.

Productivity has been a popular business buzzword for centuries, but what does it really mean these days? The ways we do business have changed a lot over the years, but the need to utilize company resources effectively never has and never will. But when it comes to getting your small business organized, where do you start?

It doesn’t matter if your business has two employees or 2,000: any number greater than one involves finding the best ways to improve communication and collaborate effectively. No matter how experienced or organized you are, you can always find things to improve. It involves taking a good critical look at your operations and finding solutions to the inevitable bottlenecks. There are certainly no “one size fits all” solutions, but the most successful businesses understand the importance of focusing on the details, and the wisdom of learning from industry leaders.