To be smart, you check your electrical cords now and then to be sure they are not frayed. A frayed cord can cause a break in power that damages productivity. Worse yet, it can cause a fire that could destroy your business.

The same thing is true of frayed relationships in a business. Those frayed relationships may be a big part of "fire extinguisher management," energy spent to avert daily crises instead of advancing your business. Take a moment to check the status of your relationships. How is your customer satisfaction rating, your employer to employee communications, your supplier interactions, and your community involvement?

Have you talked with customers lately to see if they are getting what they need, when they need it? Do they need additional features that you could offer that would give you a competitive edge and add value to your products? You won't know if you don't continue to communicate even after an order is placed and delivered. Building relationships with customers really pays off. They know a lot about your product and see it from a different perspective.

What about lost customers? Have you lost a contract lately but not followed up with a phone call or visit to see why? At a recent marketing class, MMEC learned of a company that was afraid to call about a lost order. The company owner did not want to hear "the bad news." The news may have given insights into doing business better. It may have been good news.

Do you have a company strategic plan, and do employees know about it and how they can help to accomplish it? Do you ask your employees what difficulties they run into during the workday and for suggestions about how to overcome it, thereby improving productivity and morale? One company recently visited by MMEC has made great strides in redesigning workstations with point-of-use storage. Among the gains was a significant reduction in walking back and forth to retrieve needed materials. The employees provided information for meaningful changes and say they are delighted with the new, more productive arrangement.

What about your suppliers? Do you talk with them about your needs? Maybe you would prefer to get your deliveries in smaller quantities to better level both your production load and theirs. Maybe they are wrapping product more than is necessary for you or could do something else on their end that would help you with inspection, storage, or handling. Have you asked; have you collaborated?

Your company contributes to the community with jobs and wages spent in the community. There are other things that you do or don't do that impact your relationship with the community. Let people know what you make; talk about obstacles you face. Voice how community decisions impact you. Your silence may contribute to the poor image of business and working for profit.

Checking business relationships before they become frayed is smart business. It might help you put away your fire extinguisher.