Tackling Business Like A Crime Scene
It might sound strange, at first, to compare running a business to solving crimes. Ultimately, the last thing you want as an entrepreneur is for someone to suggest that your activity might be criminal. Of course, when we’re talking about crime scenes, here, we’re focusing on the key attributes of each role. Close your eyes and transport yourself back to your favorite crime stories. There is a sense of mystery that can only be resolved through the cunning use of deductions, experiments, testimonials, but also cleaning – someone has to remove the incriminating evidence once the inquiry has come to an end – and reporting about the case. In short, there is a lot going on, and somehow, there is a lot you can learn from detective stories.
In the world of detectives, Sherlock Holmes has opened the way to a new wave of thinkers and solvers. When Holmes first appeared in the Strand magazine in the late 19th century, he was one of the first characters to make extensive use of science, logic, and observation. As a pioneer in the crime novels and also the detective world, the private sleuth has maintained his popularity since his creation. The latest regeneration of the detective, via Benedict Cumberbatch, has placed him straight into the 21st century. You can find a lot of positive and innovative inspiration in the character, when you start applying his methods to your business.
Can crime scenes teach you a thing or two about how to run a tight business? The answer is yes, definitely.
The cleaner who comes after everything has happened
When you are trying to launch your business, it can be challenging to think of companies that have long closed down. However, you need to consider what happens once a business stops its activities. The brand disappears from the market. The former employees are released. But more importantly, the site is left unoccupied. In most cases, a new business can move in. However, there are situations where you need a professional cleaner to put the site back to normal. For instance, former industrial companies in the first half of the 20th century have had a dramatic impact on the environment. More often than not, the site where the company used to stand is still contaminated.
The cash pro who makes sense of money
One of the preferred crime storylines is making money a motive. You’ve probably come across countless movies and books where the crime perpetrator was motivated by the desire to inherit a fortune from a relative or a friend. In real life, however, the money matters are a little more complicated than what is portrayed on TV. Indeed, in the case where an individual has left a will, a specialist law advisor has to manage the distribution of assets and goods in the way that was decided. Unfortunately, as it is more often the case, most people don’t prepare a will, which means that a financial specialist will have to review the cash allocation to avoid confusion. In the business world, cash is also the primary source of issues, and more especially managing cash flows. Just like in the case of inheritance, you need a specialist to manage your payments and your earnings effectively – and that includes collecting payments on your behalf and advising on purchases.
The detective who searches for clues
Of course, the best character in a crime story is the detective. Whether you love Sherlock Holmes, Columbo, Hercule Poirot, or even a modern sleuth such as Det. Decker and Lucifer, every detective knows how to research the clues and make sense of them. There is a role in the company that is very similar to what your favorite crime hero does, and it’s the business analyst. Indeed, in this position, you are faced with an unknown problem which you must solve by gathering information and data to uncover a solution. A good detective always analyzes all the facts before arresting the criminal. Similarly, a good business analyst needs to conduct data reviews and reports with an open mind to make sure their conclusion is data-based and not gut-dictated
The witness who observes the scene
There is no crime without a witness. The witness gives shape to the story. They anchor the crime into an everyday reality. They share their knowledge of it with the relevant characters. While they don’t always get the recognition they deserve, witnesses are an essential element of the crime story. In a business environment, trustworthy and reliable witnesses are indispensable to your brand awareness and reputation. You need someone who can share with others what your company is doing or what is happening behind the scenes. This strategy of sharing moments has launched interactive and engaging social media campaigns, where brands capture real moments of everyday life to introduce their products and services.
The reporter who gives longevity to the story
And finally, there’s the reporter who builds up an account using only a few facts. The reporter is the person who provides durability to the crime. Would the world have remembered Whitechapel if the newspapers didn’t refer to the killer as Jack the Reaper? The truth is, nothing is memorable unless you pick words that nobody can forget to describe it. You need a reporter’s mind in your company; you need someone who knows which words to use to get through to the audience. Finding the best keywords is not only a matter of creating valuable content, but it also means that you become findable and unforgettable.
In conclusion, while it would be inaccurate to compare business management to a crime scene, there are a few things you can learn from the fictional crime experts on TV and in books. From knowing how to remove evidence effectively to copying the skills of the first reporter who pinned the name Jack the Reaper, you could boost your business presence significantly.
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