By Steve Steele, Steele Dynamic Services, LLC, Golden

Shift. Change. Innovation. Three words define how companies will need to navigate still-murky post-pandemic waters, which may be impacting their ability to thrive or even survive, in the uncertain market conditions that see now. While hope remains that “the Fed” (Federal Reserve) will navigate a soft landing economically—cooling consumer demand without massive job loss—there is general professional agreement that recession will occur in some form.

Dictionary.com defines shift as “a slight change in direction, position or tendency.” Change is “to make something different; alter or modify; replace something with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better.” Finally, innovation is “a new method, idea, product, etc.” The key to success is properly balancing all three.

I recently visited Pisa’s Leaning Tower in Italy, an area largely unchanged over a millennium. While wandering the complex, I noticed a small machine docked on beautifully manicured turf. Closer inspection revealed an electric powered, robotic mower. In that moment, I realized this exact balancing act of shift, change and innovation was working here.

These four steps may help businesses achieve that critical balance. For more detail on each step, please read the full article in the Sep/Oct 2022 issue of Colorado Green.

1. Assess the company’s ability to quickly pivot based on economic changes

2. Utilize technology to its fullest potential

3. Know your numbers

Gross margin
Production hours and overtime
Sales versus gross margin

4. Find a thought partner

Please read the full article in Colorado Green magazine.

 Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:
Steep-slope terraced outdoor living
CNGA Women in Horticulture Luncheon                                                                                                                                                             LatiKnow Leadership Committee kickoff event