Rewind your mind to a time of neon lights, outrageous perms, Wham!, and a quirky film about time travel that would become a timeless classic. In 1985, Back to the Future premiered and would go onto become the highest-grossing film of the year.
It might not seem like it at first glance, but the 40th anniversary of Doc and Marty’s DeLorean-based hijinks could offer a unique opportunity to boost your business.
Read on to discover four simple lessons you could gain from the time travel saga that may give you a fresh outlook (or at the very least give you a good excuse to break out the popcorn).
1. Great Scott! New technology could allow you to gain control of your time
Doc Brown’s invention of a time-travelling DeLorean gives him very literal control over time. While you might not be able to travel back to the past, you could gain your own time-related benefits by embracing new technologies at your business.
You could reduce inefficiencies, streamline processes, and automate key functions using useful financial management software, such as:
All three products have features that allow you to reduce manual data entry and streamline your business. Sage software can greatly reduce the time spent:
- Planning projects
- Budgeting
- Managing sales and purchase orders
- Producing reports.
The time gained might not equate to time travel, yet its value shouldn’t be underestimated. It could help you assert greater control over your business, while focusing your efforts elsewhere – potentially boosting your growth long into the future.
2. Be like George, remember it’s never too late to change your approach
George McFly, Marty’s dad, is introduced as a weak, cowardly, and downbeat character. However, Marty’s arrival in 1955 changes George’s original path in life. Marty accidentally stops his dad and mum (Lorraine) from falling in love. Faced with the prospect of fading from existence, Marty must coach George into being a better version of himself, so that he can win Lorraine’s heart.
The plan was for Marty to upset Lorraine at the Enchantment Under the Sea school dance and for George to come to Lorraine’s rescue. Yet, due to a series of events involving school bully Biff, George instead interrupts his tormentor groping Lorraine. In the moment, George steps up and knocks Biff out, saving Lorraine, and ensuring Marty has a future.
On his return to 1985, Marty discovers a much happier (and wealthier) version of his family.
Change is possible, and sometimes necessary to produce better outcomes. In business, it might involve adapting or modernising your company to overcome new challenges.
Adopting a modern, cloud-based, financial software option, such as Sage Intacct, could boost your:
- Visibility across your business
- Overall efficiency
- Control over ongoing projects
- Team’s ability to collaborate and communicate
- Cash flow and bottom line.
Remember: Change can be scary, but being brave and seizing the moment, could lead to a brighter future.
3. Don’t promise plutonium to Libyan Nationalists – ensure you fully understand all your comings and goings
Early on in Back to the Future, it is revealed that Doc needed plutonium to fuel the DeLorean and in order to source some he persuaded Libyan Nationalists that he’d build them a bomb. Once they figure out they’ve been double crossed, they show up as Doc and Marty are testing out the DeLorean with machine guns firing.
As a business, you’ll want to have a thorough and up-to-date understanding of all your comings and goings. You’ll also want a detailed understanding of your suppliers and any external contractors.
It is vital that you know exactly who you are working with and all the costs involved in doing business.
Sage software, especially Sage Intacct, can provide you with the kind of oversight and visibility that could ease any concerns and ensure you are completely covered.
This might involve:
Keeping thorough and up-to-date sales and purchase orders that can be reviewed from anywhere, at any time, as long as you have internet access
Performing supplier checks to ensure you’re working with the right businesses
Managing compliance checks and making certain your business adheres to important standards, regulations, and guidelines.
Sage software has a variety of modules and functions that could help you address these needs and avoid potential problems.
4. If you know when lighting will strike, be in a position to seize your moment
As they don’t have access to plutonium in 1955, Doc and Marty must find an alternative power source to send the DeLorean back to 1985. Luckily, Marty’s future knowledge, and a handy flyer, means they know the exact moment that lightning will strike the town’s clocktower. They seize the opportunity and use the bolt to send Marty – Back to the Future.
As a business, you’ll want to be in a position to seize any valuable opportunities that come your way. You may not know the exact moment they will arise, but you can ensure your company is in the best possible place to take them on when they eventually arrive.
Tools within Sage relating to planning, budgeting, and forecasting could help you build stronger financial foundations, boost your cashflow, and prepare your business to take on any new challenges at a moment’s notice.
Don’t let your business get trapped in the past, it’s time to look to the future.
To paraphrase a line from Biff: “Now make like a tree and get in touch”
The benefits of switching to a Sage software solution can be numerous and might be the key to unlocking your company’s full potential. All it takes is a willingness to take a leap and try something new.
As Doc Brown said to Marty: “The future isn’t written. It can be changed. You know that. Anyone can make their future whatever they want it to be”.
Our team of experts are here to guide you through the many ways Sage could help you streamline and modernise your business. The first step is to get in touch by emailing enquiries@solutionscloud.uk or calling 0115 840 5075.
We’re not here to rush you into making a decision at 88mph, instead we’re here to build a relationship with you over the long term.
