Welcome to I for Improve, the stage where we stop fixing major problems and start refining a company that is "functioning successfully, but not efficiently". Improve is about getting granular: moving the company from a "Camaro to a Ferrari".

Improve begins by establishing and tracking KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). Dean shares how detailed analysis (Part I) revealed massive profitability gains by cutting products outside their "wheelhouse" and correcting pricing errors (like raising a pen price from $1 to $2), increasing margins from 24% to 56%.

Improve focuses on cutting hidden waste. Dean found one company was wasting $30,000 a year on obsolete IT services for just 15 computers. Many owners resist cutting underperforming products due to fear of customer loss, but Dean's experience shows that being honorable—even when saying no—builds greater trust.

Leaders must recognize the common trap: 70-80% of businesses fail at improvement because the owner is afraid and feels alone. This is why the mindset chapters are crucial: if you haven't dealt with fear, you are not ready for this stage. If you hire experts (like a controller) who are better than you, they will pay for themselves by finding these massive inefficiencies.

Next time, we tackle the most important foundational element: Culture.

You don't have to be afraid to fix what's wrong. Your company is worth it.

• Learn the BASICS framework: Pick up Trojan Horse: The Unseen Solution to Critical Business Problems.

• Schedule a complimentary discussion: DeanSvarc.com