Bryan Keith Hawker’s business work includes consulting, corporate leadership, and distribution. He chairs BK Consulting Inc. and serves as a principal of BKH Holdings Group Inc.
What makes a business durable
A durable business starts with knowing what customers value and whether the company can deliver it consistently. Reviewing costs, customer feedback, and delivery performance together gives owners a clearer view of where the business is improving.
Growth at a manageable pace
New opportunities are easier to evaluate when the team knows what resources they require. Setting a budget and a review date before expanding gives a business room to adjust as it learns.
Measuring operating performance
Review sales alongside returns, overdue orders, and the time it takes to collect payment. Higher sales can hide service problems if returns rise or cash takes longer to come in. Looking at those measures together helps an owner decide whether to expand, adjust pricing, or improve the existing operation.
Watching cash as sales grow
A business can book more sales and still have less cash available if customers pay later than suppliers require. Review overdue balances and upcoming payments together before committing to more inventory.
Compare the forecast with actual receipts each week. If collections slip, find out whether invoices are reaching the right person or whether disputes are delaying approval.
Clarifying who makes the call
If a delivery date slips, identify who can approve overtime, who contacts the customer, and when the issue needs to reach leadership. Write those rules down before the next delay so the team can act quickly.