How John Deere's Example Can Make Your Business More Profitable

John Deere, a name synonymous with agricultural equipment, revolutionized farming with his innovative creation: the polished steel plow. This breakthrough invention, patented in 1837, significantly improved farming efficiency and productivity, laying the foundation for modern agriculture.

The Problem with Existing Plows Before Deere's invention, farmers relied on cast-iron plows that were prone to clogging and breaking, especially in heavy, sticky soil. These limitations hindered their ability to cultivate land efficiently and effectively.

Deere's Solution: The Polished Steel Plow Recognizing the need for a more durable and efficient plow, Deere developed a design that incorporated polished steel. This material was harder, smoother, and less likely to clog with soil. The polished surface allowed the plow to glide through the ground with greater ease, reducing the amount of effort required by farmers.

The Impact of Deere's Innovation The polished steel plow had a profound impact on agriculture. It enabled farmers to cultivate larger areas of land more quickly and efficiently. This increased productivity led to higher crop yields and improved economic conditions for many. Deere's invention also helped to drive the expansion of agriculture into new territories.

The Importance of Tool Improvement in Business John Deere's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of tool improvement in business. By investing in innovative and efficient tools, businesses can:

• Increase productivity: Better tools can help employees work faster and more effectively, leading to increased output.

• Reduce costs: Efficient tools can help businesses save money on labor, materials, and energy.

• Improve quality: High-quality tools can lead to better products and services.

• Stay competitive: Businesses that embrace new technologies and tools are more likely to remain competitive in today's rapidly changing marketplace.

  
  

Conclusion John Deere's polished steel plow was a groundbreaking invention that transformed agriculture. It demonstrated the power of innovation and the importance of investing in tools that can improve efficiency and productivity. By following Deere's example, businesses can unlock new opportunities and achieve greater success.

"Okay that sounds great but what does that mean for me? My small business is doing fine but it is more of a headache than something I'm excited to work on."

Let's get obsessed with operational efficiencies of your business. The more you work ON your business rather than in it, you will notice how much easier it is to adjust the right levers.

Three Underutilized Business Tools for Small Businesses

Small businesses often face challenges with efficiency and productivity. Here are three business tools that are underutilized but can significantly improve their operations:

1. Project Management Software

• Benefits: Streamlines project planning, tracking, and collaboration, reducing the risk of missed deadlines and oversights.

• Improvements:

  • Task assignment and tracking: Clearly assign tasks to team members and monitor progress in real-time.

  • Collaboration features: Facilitate communication and teamwork through shared calendars, file sharing, and messaging.

  • Time tracking: Accurately measure project time spent and identify bottlenecks.

    
    

2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

• Benefits: Centralizes customer information, improves communication, and enhances sales and marketing efforts.

• Improvements:

  • Customer data management: Store and organize customer details, preferences, and purchase history.

  • Sales pipeline management: Track sales opportunities, forecast revenue, and streamline the sales process.

  • Marketing automation: Automate tasks like email campaigns and targeted promotions to increase customer engagement.

    
    

3. Cloud-Based Accounting Software

• Benefits: Provides real-time financial data, simplifies bookkeeping, and enables remote access.

• Improvements:

  • Automated bookkeeping: Reduce manual data entry and minimize errors.

  • Financial reporting: Generate customized reports to analyze financial performance and make informed decisions.

  • Expense tracking: Easily track and manage expenses, including receipts and reimbursements.

By leveraging these tools, small businesses can optimize their operations, improve customer satisfaction, and achieve greater success.