How The Green GPS Came To Be
It’s not often we admit our frustrations publicly. But, we are willing to share with you that creating this “green GPS” took some real time. And thought. And patience. And a lot of long hours. As a matter of fact, it took a lot longer than we initially thought. A whole lot longer.
Why? Because, while we were very sensitive to your immediate need, we wanted it to be the best possible guide we could create for you. Just like you, we’re die-hard perfectionists. It’s not an easy plight, but we accept it – just like you do. And, your time is limited, so getting it right the first time is critical! We wanted to give you a “green GPS” that worked exceptionally well regardless of your location, size or starting point.
We have to admit - we got into a little trouble at first. We experienced the “uncomfortably behind” feeling more than once. Just tying to keep up with this rapidly growing subject was a challenge. Every day hundreds of new relevant items appear on blogs, news channels and websites. Perhaps you’ve experienced the same feeling?
When we stepped back for a little reflective time, we realized that, regardless of the topic, when we’re successful as a team, we always follow the same basic steps. At a high level, here’s what we do:
1. Question Why
We work to understand WHY something needs to change – an understanding of the forces requiring the adjustment – and the justification (economic, social, environmental) that would tell us it was the right decision. Next, we evaluate this against all the other priorities tugging at our attention, and determine the relative priority. If it floats up above something else on our current “to do” list, we make the adjustment and refocus our efforts.
2. Learn rapidly and fill in any knowledge gaps
Assuming we’re convinced it’s something we have to do (and start immediately), we then work hard to learn all we can about the subject at hand. We gather intelligence from our industry. We take a look at what other industries are doing around the same topic to see what we can assimilate from others’ successes (and failures!) and apply them to our situation. By the way, we do this in rapid fire because we, just like you, don’t have a lot of spare time to get lost in information overload.
3. Follow the strategic planning model
Once our “mini-education” is completed, we move straight to the Peak Focus strategic planning model. We’ve worked on this model and have field tested it to see if it really works. It does. And, best of all, it can be applied to any strategic planning process – whether used for a company-wide master plan or laser focused on one particular opportunity (like your green/sustainable plan). Although in the past we’ve facilitated this type of planning in person, now, in this document, you have a self-guided version. It’s like having us in the room with you, but at a tiny fraction of the cost!
4. Create and tell the story / get everyone on board
Since we’re not a one person company, (and we doubt you are either), we recognize the need for the help, support and cooperation of everyone in our business. Not just our core team, but also our extended team – our colleagues, friends, family, clients, community leaders… the list goes on and on. So, how exactly do we enlist such help for our own strategic plans? By telling them our story. And, finding ways to help them achieve their own plans! By finding overlaps and helping each other out, we all win.
5. Measure & report our progress to reap the benefits
We next develop our story by benchmarking our starting point, creating a complete communication plan, a training/enlightenment schedule and then we implement that plan – all while keeping all those “interested parties” in the loop. We regularly update them on our progress, even if it’s just a casual update, and ask about their progress. We openly share insights, and lend a hand from time to time. And, what we ask most from them is their full, enthusiastic cooperation, without which we will surely fail. We offer that in return.
That’s how we do it. And, if experience is a reasonable guide, it will work!
So, it’s no surprise that’s how we constructed this “Green GPS” for you.
As you can see below, this guide is divided into logical, interrelated steps. One part builds on the next, and is organized in a way to help you create your plan and really get going in the most efficient way possible. Just like a GPS with step-by-step instructions to get you where you want to go.
Will This Be Over My Head?
No, because you're not in this alone. We've created a guide to help you every step of the way.
Here's the highlight reel of the above items: Immediately after the introduction, you’ll find an assessment to help you determine the priority for doing this project. Your score will be unique to your company, and will give you clear direction on just how fast you need to get started – and finish!
No one can be expected to create a plan about which they have no core knowledge. The buzz words and terms section will give you a great head start.
Next comes strategic planning. No need to be afraid. We take you step-by-step. It’s like having us in the room, right by your side, all the way. You’ll end up with a plan that’s carefully crafted, focused and likely light years ahead of any other plan you have in place in your business today.
Your plan is only words on paper until you put it in motion. Benchmarking is the first step. We help you look in some common and not-so-common places to determine your starting point. From there, you’ll measure progress – and tell the world about it!
You can be the greenest, most sustainable printer in the world, but if only you know it, you can’t extract the most value from your efforts. That’s why we help you with a plan to create your unique story and then market it. From one end of your business to the other, everyone will be involved – and will be able to tell your story with confidence and pride.
Living your story is where the fun really begins. Not only do you get to extract value inside your walls, but you get to help your clients achieve their goals as well. Nothing will endear you more, or help you forge new and deeper relationships, than that. Using this guide will help you get the most from your efforts – building stronger relationships, winning new clients and making more money!
We’re confident you understand just how important the topic of green/sustainable is, and that it’s not going away. We’re far past the “fad or trend” debate. Green/sustainable is here to stay. You need to find out now how it will affect your business, and then make a plan to leverage every little piece you can. And, to do it now – before your competitors pull the rug out from under you.
We’re just happy to offer you this tool to help you create your plan and get the most out of it. Please let us know how we can be of help.