All business needs routine and whilst for some that means comfort, security, peace of mind and stability, for many others it strikes fear into their hearts. For some of us it makes us feel cold, staid, inert and we avoid it as best we can. Frankly, though we all have routine in our lives whether we like it or not, even if its the weekly shop! But perhaps we need to change its focus.

Routine, possibly a sequence of actions followed on a regular basis or perhaps its a fixed program of action. We’ve associated it with audits, stock takes, appraisals, paperwork, filing, accounts, team meetings and thats where it has got its poor reputation. In fact, its time to change its perception. Stop seeing it as negative, a necessary evil and something to procrastinate about.

Instead, see the positive aspects of your business and do them routinely. Innovation should be routine, product development should follow a strict program, talking and influencing your top 20% of customers should be organised in a routinely fashion. Even creating time to think should be built into any routine. Oh and excitement, enjoyment, inspiration and fun needs to routinely happen too.

Routine doesn’t need to be associated with the boring, mundane or dull. In fact, its essential to build it into the most influential parts of your business as well.