Ruminations

I'm Moving!

Like many people at the start of a new year, I'm planning to make a few changes in the coming 12 months. At the top of my list of things to do in 2024, I'm planning on moving. I've been in my humble abode for almost 28 years now and I think it's evident that we've both had enough of each other.

Back when I moved here, I made the conscious decision to live in a very quiet neighborhood with lots of tress. I wanted quiet, and trees make a significant contribution to a peaceful and quiet existence. It was the right choice at the time, and for the entire time I've lived here.

What was right for me all those years ago has changed. Not completely, but enough that it's time to plan for what's next. It's not that I'm unhappy. I'm just ready for something that's a better fit for me now.

There are a few things I'm taking into consideration. In no particular order: economics, infrastructure and well, user interface.

If this sounds like I'm shopping for a new business system, you're not that far off.

Affordability is important since this new landing spot will probably be where I retire. In all likelihood, my dinosaur bones will have had enough of working all the time within the next decade. So overhead and maintenance costs will matter more than ever.

I'm also finding that I want to be closer to more things. It's not that I live in the boondocks or in the unincorporated outlands. I just want things to be easier to get to. That includes daily destinations, services and even entertainment. Those things aren't far away from me now, but they are often inconvenient to get to.

Finally, I want things at home to be easy to use. A new HVAC system and new entertainment systems will be a nice upgrade to my current old-school setups. I'm also looking forward to having an open living space rather than having what now feels like unnecessary walls. It will just make everything easier to get to.

Sometimes knowing what you want, or what you want to change, makes all the difference in finding what you want or need. It's not always going to be something off the rack, but if you know what you're looking for it makes it much easier to find.

My personal experience is defining what I'm looking for when I move. This is no different from your staff knowing what would make their jobs easier and more efficient when you upgrade. For example, your Customer Service team may be going back and forth between several systems. This works because they have made it work. But this makes some things hard to find and can get in their way while they're working.

Figuring out what your current requirements are isn't easy, but you don't have to do it all by yourself. Your staff will gladly tell you what they think would make their work lives easier.

Moving is a disruptive experience. And so is migrating to a new system. But both can make a big difference.

The start of a new year should be an opportunity for reflection. Whether you think your system needs a new coat of paint, some new appliances, or even something brand new entirely.

So here's to 2024, and whatever upgrades are right for you and your small business.

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