Infrastructure updates ahead

Bursting of the New York City steam pipes.

Collapsing of the Minneapolis bridge.

Near misses at overloaded airports, guided by out-of-date air traffic control systems.

They’re all signs of trouble ahead if we don’t invest in updating, and strengthening our city, state and national infrastructure to make sure it is caught up, and ready for years ahead.

What parts of your business infrastructure do you need to invest in to make sure you’re ready for what’s next, for you?

What needs reworking? Updating? Simplifying? Untangling?

Where are the cracks that could cause major trouble if they are not fixed?

Get ahead of the curve. Fix what needs fixing. Update what needs updating. Make “check ins” and repairs a regular part of the way business gets done where you are.

You’ll thank yourself, in the end.

Make sure your message gets through

Keep your audience in mind when you’re trying to communicate. Make sure your message gets through. Remember, you’re designing your communication system for them, not just for you.

1. Who’s your customer for the information?

2. How can they get – and grasp – it best?

3. Are you sure the process will work (the information will be readily available) when it is needed the most?

4. Did you test?

In just one recent example, I picked up phone messages the other day.

An older woman’s voice said, “Linda? Linda, are you there? Are you coming to take me to the hospital?”

My eyes filled with tears. I don’t know who she was, and she left no contact information for me to check back, myself.

I hope she and Linda found each other in time, and that she got there OK.

I’m not sure how this ailing woman should have been given the phone number so she could use it best. Clearly, though, the way that was used did not work in a circumstance filled with stress.