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TQM Is For The Small Business
Contrary to what many may think TQM is for small businesses. Well what is TQM? For those that don’t know, TQM is total/ top quality management. Many may feel that only larger corporations have to implement or maintain TQM but that’s not the case, it’s for businesses large & small.
TQM is a management process used in all kinds of business and public sectors as a means of achieving quality through feedback and awareness of customers’ needs.
Total = Quality involves everyone and all activities in the company.
Quality = Meeting Customer Requirements.
Management = Quality can and must be managed.
TQM = A process for managing quality; it must be a continuous way of life; a philosophy of perpetual improvement in everything you do.
You may be looking for new customers & trying to maintain the ones that you have, so in the midst of that: Are your competitors taking your best customers?
In order for a small business or entrepreneur to compete in this competitive business world, a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction programs are imperative. Think about “post-sale” customer satisfaction (or managing customer “dissatisfaction”) programs as a way to reinforce customers’ buying preferences for your products and services for their current and future purchases.
Make TQM the foundation for your business practices. It is the foundation for activities such as:
A new small business has limited financial, personnel and capital plant/equipment resources and is especially vulnerable to instability brought on by rapid changes in customer behavior. One way to help ensure your business success is to make quality and customer satisfaction the number one priority for all the staff in your company. Make sure your company is providing “customer management,” not just “product management.”
The Ten Steps to TQM are as follows:
- Pursue New Strategic Thinking
- Know your Customers
- Set True Customer Requirements
- Concentrate on Prevention, Not Correction
- Reduce Chronic Waste
- Pursue a Continuous Improvement Strategy
- Use Structured Methodology for Process Improvement
- Reduce Variation
- Use a Balanced Approach
- Apply to All Functions
The task of implementing TQM in a small busines starts at the top. It is generally taken on by the CEO or top management. There are various aspects to the successful implementation of quality TQM.
It may require months or years to fully incorporate TQM into your companies value system. There are several keys to a successful TQM program for small businesses:
- Quality work and customer satisfaction must be a commitment of all staff.
- Improving quality and customer satisfaction must also be a commitment of everyone in the company.
- Every company activity must incorporate quality and customer satisfaction, including all communications with customers and suppliers.
- It doesn’t have to cost more to make quality and customer satisfaction your priority.
- Significant changes may be required to make quality and customer satisfaction improvements.
- Small advantages in all company functions can set your quality and customer satisfaction apart from the competition.
TQM requires rigorous assessment and strategic planning for every aspect of an organization. The CEO, owner or top management should always be looking to achieve top quality. TQM is a method that can help them do just that. However, TQM involves every part of the organization, and has to start at the top, so head management must set the TQM example.
~Author~
(c) 2009 All rights reserved. Clerical Business Solutions~business management co., virtual assistant services & business strategy consulting. http://www.clericalsolutionsinc.net
lazyanimation 1:46 am on January 16, 2009 Permalink |
Hi my friend,
Outsourcing would be a great business..
It really has the advantages of both entrepreneur and the clients..
Clerical Business Solutions 5:04 pm on January 18, 2009 Permalink |
Hi Lazyanimation,
You’re right, outsourcing is a great resource, for businesses large & small. It benefits both parties or however many are involved.
Depending on what outsourcing resource that you choose for your business or projects, you can gain a fresh perspective & support for your business.
You can gain someone or a team of people who will help you out in the long run, stick with you until you reach a specific goal or help you to accomplish a task that you may need assistance with.
Outsourcing locally can also be a big help. When you venture into outsourcing you can open up a whole new range of possibilities.
Clerical Business Solutions~
Strategic Business Planning,Consulting & Support
http://www.clericalsolutionsinc.net
Renee: renee@clericalsolutionsinc.net
total quality management 10:28 pm on February 10, 2009 Permalink |
total quality management…
I never thought I will agree with this opinion, but you know… I agree partially now…