Addition Through Subtraction

“Doing more with less is a crucial principle to learn; especially if you’re going to be in business in this rapidly changing world.” – Robert Kiyosaki

Is it possible to do more with less?

In his book, Flash Foresight, Daniel Burrus defines Eight Pathways of Technological Advancement.

One of those eight is Dematerialization.?

Consider this. 5.44 BILLION people around the globe now have in the palm of their hand a

• Phone
• Still Camera
• Video Camera
• Calculator
• Clock
• Alarm Clock
• HD Video Player
• HD Music Player
• Video Game System

And MUCH more!

Each of those technologies was previously a stand-alone device that occupied space. Now, they have been dematerialized and fit into one device that is infinitesimally small in comparison to the size of all those previous iterations of the same.

At one time, I had a vinyl record collection that I kept in a peach crate – like the one they used to sell at Peaches Records & Tapes.

For those of you under 40 years old, I promise that was the actual name of a store. ??

That crate full of music was heavy! I still remember because I used to tote that to parties so we would have music to listen to.

And, even though I may have still owed the Columbia Tape and Record Club money ??, eventually, I re-bought much of my music collection on C.D.’s which were much smaller, lighter and easier to transport.

Music had been dematerialized.

But, as we all now know, music got even further dematerialized until there was hardly any material at all!?

Who recalls the one line benefit statement for the iPod?

A Thousand Songs In Your Pocket

Now, with YouTube, Spotify, Pandora et al. music is available on demand in the ether.

Why am I talking about the dematerialization of music delivery?

Sometimes, an industry can have addition through subtraction.

There is far more music being consumed now – both bought and simply listened to - than when music came on bulky vinyl records.

There is a lesson in that example.

Just because something has always been a particular way doesn’t mean it always will be.

Which leads me to this week’s idea.

Addition Through Subtraction

What if there was a hotel that employed few housekeepers and where you brought your own linens?

Ridiculous?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

By providing no linens or workers to change them out, a significant cost savings would result.

A portion of this cost savings would be passed on to guests in the form of lower nightly rates.

The cost savings and peace of mind guests would have from knowing they were the only ones who had slept on those sheets and used those towels would make an appealing marketing campaign.

Guests would be provided tokens for laundering their linens during their stay.

Obviously, the hotel would need to have an adequate number of washers and dryers to facilitate this.

But, they already have those.???

Is this a crazy idea?

Consider this. Prior to the discount store movement spearheaded by Target and Walmart people shopped in department stores.

As those discount stores began gaining traction department stores felt the pinch.

In some states, the owners of department stores even tried to persuade politicians to pass laws making discount stores illegal! ??

Those who lead the charge in shifting the paradigm for their industry are sometimes ridiculed.

But, they can also reap the biggest rewards.

Applying This Concept

If you are not in the hotel industry, ask yourself:

• What could we eliminate that would allow us to lower prices?
• What might customers be willing to do themselves?

As you are considering possibilities, avoid judging too quickly what customers would be willing to do themselves.

Remember:

At one time, there was no such thing as people pumping their own gas or self check-out lanes.

In what ways might you apply this idea to your business??

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About?Bob Sager

The Founder of?SpearPoint Solutions, Bob’s professional background includes over three decades of experience in sales, leadership and training. Combined with creative thinking, he uses that experience to develop business strategies that help organizations increase sales and margins. Additionally, Bob facilitates training on methods of thinking more creatively that organizations can practically apply to all aspects of their business so they can thrive in the modern?economy.?