ISO certification is not only a way to help a company become competitive, but it is also a way for a company to beat the competition.
ISO certification is one of the ways that small and medium-sized businesses are becoming and remaining competitive. ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. This is a non-governmental organization that institutes standards around the globe,
joining individuals in private and public sectors in 162 nations. Since our world is rapidly moving toward a global economy, having one's finger on the business pulses around the globe is a necessary characteristic of a successful and progressive company. Why are so many companies opting for ISO certification?
Makes Exporting a Possibility
When a business in one country understands the biz climate and rules in another, it allows for successful import-export relationships.
Best Practices
The term "best practices" is similar to a gold standard model. In order to effectively participate in the world marketplace, an organization must understand what best practices are and how to incorporate them into their own office and workforce.
Competitiveness Is Key
Being competitive means having a streamlined business, a high quality product, or service and knowing all about your competitors. Although networking is key, it is also wise to know the enemy.
Branding Is Crucial
An important part of being a contender is having a recognizable brand. This means a name, logo, product, typeface, and image that are instantly equated with a company. Think "Starbucks" or "Apple Computer" - these companies are instantly associated with their branding.
Grow Smart
Companies are often driven to grow but they must know how to "grow smart." Unbridled growth without an eye on quality can lead to a decline in sales and profit. When a business doesn't focus on topnotch services and products every day, they may eventually cease to exist altogether It is better to have a company with 5 superb employees that put out an amazing product or service than a corporation with 5,000 employees that is run in a sloppy way and puts out a slipshod product. Declining quality will lead to bankruptcy every time.
Industry Lingo
Ever noticed how every sector or industry has its own terms and vocabulary? Special education teachers know what IEPs are, computer programmers know what C++ is, and hairdressers know what 20 Volume Developers are. In order to be a player within a certain business, one must know the language. It's much like a secret handshake. If you want to be allowed into the clubhouse, you must know the passwords.
Efficiency
Why re-invent the wheel? When networks have standards, shared knowledge about efficiency helps everyone.
ISO certification is one more way to become a viable contender in today's mountain climb of a marketplace. If one wants to be able to get to the crest of the mountaintop, he or she will need to have the right tools and equipment. Understanding how the International Organization of Standardization works is a way to be a competitive, efficient, and smart climber. When a business wants to move onward and upward, it will need to understand the global marketplace.
