Greater Sandpoint Chamber: The one constant is change

Change can make or break a business. If a business never makes any changes, that business is going to become obsolete and die. On the flip side, a business that is constantly changing things up, without clearly thinking through and planning the impact that the change will have on their systems, customers, and employees will have so many fires to put out! There will be confusion, chaos, and a loss of productivity and sales. Change is not a bad thing, but there are some important steps to take that will help ease the discomfort of it.

For existing businesses, here are some steps that will help as you determine if making a change is the right thing for your organization. 

1. Take time to plan. What exactly are you trying to achieve by making this change? 

2. Involve the right people. Establish a way to get someone from every department involved. 

3. Test and try. Look for one thing to change, in some small way, so you can give it a try without totally wrecking havoc. Use it as a test case and adjust as needed before implementing a mass change. 

4. Take time to review and gather feedback. Listen to your team. Consider the feedback from your users and those who work on the front lines. 

Using these tips will help you anticipate the impact of the changes you are planning to make which will help you have a better outcome. 

A new business in the Sandpoint area, Big Toy Condos is an excellent example of how to handle it when an unexpected change is thrust upon your business. When co-owners Craig Cozad, Derick Driggs and Todd Kaufman purchased land at the corner of Schweitzer Cutoff and North Boyer Roads, their intent was to build apartments, but due to some complexities with the proximity of the Sandpoint Airport, their plans had to change. So, they pivoted, and decided to pursue an emerging trend of creating a storage community.  

Big Toy Condos, located at 4002 N. Boyer Road, offers their storage condos for sale. There are 101 units and over 30% were purchased by the time they held their Grand Opening last month. The condos can be customized as the owner prefers. The units are insulated, have electricity, lighting and heat. The property has secure, gated access. It offers a basketball court, soon-to-be-completed pickleball court, an on-site clubhouse with a common area for lounging, a kitchenette, restrooms with shower facilities, office space and conference room. This is the first of its kind in Bonner County. The owners plan to open 2 more locations soon in Kalispell and Missoula. 

Whether you are considering a change for your business, or due to some unforeseen circumstances you are forced to react to a change that is beyond your control, careful and thoughtful review, research, and planning will help you in taking the steps to move forward in the best way. 

Use these steps as you approach change or are forced to deal with a change. Change can be difficult, but it is inevitable. There is only one constant in our world, and that is CHANGE! You don’t have to like it, but you can be smart about it.

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Mickey Quinn is the executive director of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.

    Big Toy Condos celebrated a ribbon cutting at 4002 N. Boyer Road.