Hold onto the Good Stuff

Principles of managing a business improve an individual's life. Relating value-added and non-value-added concepts to personal life bridges the gap between the bottom-line and life.

Value-added is anything adding value to products and services. A candy bar needs to taste good. Carefully packing delicate plates saves a lot of time and money. Offering consistent service adds value to the service.

Non-value-added is the costly parts of a process that is unnecessary work and frivolous actions, because it does not increase or standardize quality. A company has to produce a quality chocolate, peanuts and caramel bar; otherwise, customers start shopping for another chocolate bar. Does chocolate have to be imported across the world or peanuts cured in-house? The goal is to make a great product and create loyal customers. Chocolate might have to be imported; however, if the process of curing peanuts is simple as toasting them in oil and adding salt, contact a nearby factory specializing in curing peanuts. The nut factory wants to expand, buy more land and build bigger warehouses for the sole purpose of curing nuts. The candy company wants to melt chocolate and caramel in large vats. They have an oven, yet there are many other products to toast.

Companies send customer surveys to gain feedback to identify what customers thinks is important. This assists in establishing future goals. A rule in business is to produce a product and calibrate it later. However, sometimes people overvalue the things they remember and forget about the expected options they really desire. Computer companies were enthralled to learn people enjoy games, yet they buy it for school and work. Remembering having fun playing games, the real feature is the word processor.

It is a constant, ongoing process of modification. Imagine fine-tuning your own life. Is important to have a closet full of old or unworn clothes? They take up space and rarely fulfill their purpose. Standard methodology states pack up all the clothes you never wear and offer them to friends in exchange or give them to charity. Exchange programs save some money. Giving clothes to charity is noble; however, it was an expense with limited benefit. This resolves the ultimate loss, which is lacking space in the closet which prevents buying new clothes.

Throwing away a shirt because it was worn is sad. Was the full value of clothing achieved? We must create a method to buy clothes we will wear. Some people employ stylist, drapers and tailors to find and quantify clothing. My blog "Illusionist" features tips in establishing a look. The methodology limits mistakes when buying clothes.

Clothes do more than cover the body. People want clothing to make a first impression, create an image and be attractive. Therefore, clothing includes additional value-added factors related to profession and lifestyle. A warehouse worker wants heavy, durable clothing. An athlete wants functional, comfortable clothing. An executive wants to project an image of confidence and power. A man wants to look masculine and a woman wants to look feminine.

As a long legged, hourglass shape shirts and dresses with solid colors over lighter or pattern pants are appealing. As a Goth I want to portray a mysterious image, while still being feminine. Animal, plaid and stripes prints in subdued colors are better than bright floral prints. Wearing the same black shirt or dress is boring. It could be dark grey with black embroidery. Now it is better than a bag.

Assessing value-added concepts establishes a balance between excess and emptiness. Beyond efficiency and saving money, a candy bar should taste good without costing $10. Move out all the uncomfortable, over-elaborate benches and move in a plush, full-length couch to listen to music. Free doughnuts in the morning add to employee moral. People feel better when they see effort. Obtain the most value in life with the least cost.

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