In December, I was honored to make a presentation to the Grand Rapids Section of the American Society for Quality. This was a very special opportunity for me providing a chance to both reacquaint and reaffirm.

First, years ago (many), I was an active member of this Section, even serving as a member of the Leadership Committee. I learned so much from the very bright and dedicated people on that team...and we really were a team. This was indeed a special chance to reacquaint.

Second, my topic was how quality tools and principles could be used to make a very important management report, in this case the Business Plan, even better. Ever since I first learned about quality and process improvement, one of my strongest interests, I've continued to find ways in which the fundamentals, and even some specific tools, could be used in other business practices and products including finance, professional development, and even Strategic Planning, my other strongest interest. So my presentation focused on ways I have used various improvement concepts and tools to create a better business plan...a Business Plan Designed for Quality. And to clarify, this refers to the business plan that a CFO, a Board, or a bank would want to see before approving a major investment to fund product or service development or capital expense.

I was anxious to hear what this group of quality improvement professionals and specialist would think of my ideas. And the ensuing dialogue was even better than I had hoped it would be. As always, I came away from a presentation feeling like I learned more than the attendees!

Want to learn how the brilliant work of Joseph Juran, Noriaki Kano, Bob Camp, Thomas Noland, and others can help you build a better business plan, one designed to deliver better (and better) quality? Give me a call. I'd love to talk with you about it too!

All the best,

Jeff