ISO Certification

ISO Certification Category – Integrated Consulting Services

Fakes, frauds and cheapsters: Part 2 – Beware of cheap: What’s wrong with most template systems?

In Part 1 we talked about how to identify rogue suppliers of ISO systems- and the too-quick-to-be good-providers. In this July edition, Parts 2 and 3 explore the dangers of template systems and how to identify dodgy certificates from (particularly overseas) suppliers and what to do about them.

As described above, we at ICS are fundamentally not big fans of template systems because in our experience, very few are written well (usually to the clauses of the standard which is no way to run a business!) and very few companies have sufficient knowledge to transform a template into a usable business system for themselves. (Although there are exceptions, of course)

Read moreFakes, frauds and cheapsters: Part 2 – Beware of cheap: What’s wrong with most template systems?

Fakes, frauds and cheapsters – navigating the maze to find reputable ISO providers (Part 1)

Obtaining ISO certification from a JAS-ANZ registered certification body tells your customers and the community that you have been assessed by a reputable independent body as meeting  an internationally recognised standard of excellence.  Ultimately, it is this reputation that can allow you to gain a significant competitive advantage in your market through achieving certification.

Read moreFakes, frauds and cheapsters – navigating the maze to find reputable ISO providers (Part 1)

How to ensure your ISO certification is “done right” to achieve real business value

ISO certification real business value

Your first thoughts about commencing the ISO certification process may be that it is very difficult and daunting and of dubious value to your business (except to win the tender/ get the certificate of course).  While this can often be the case if the process is poorly planned and understood there is no reason why it should be if you understand a few simple principles.

Last week, while preparing this topic, I stumbled upon an excellent article titled “ISO 9001 Done Right! Leveraging ISO 9001 to Achieve Real Business Value” – which turns out to be a great (if rather long) compilation of many of the tips I routinely give to prospects and clients to get their ISO project off to the right start and squeeze the maximum value out of it.

Read moreHow to ensure your ISO certification is “done right” to achieve real business value

The top 10 ways to market your ISO certification

Congratulations ! If you have gained your ISO certification, you have reached an internationally recognised standard of excellence- no mean feat. However, are you really getting the full marketing potential out of all your investment and hard work? You have the edge over un-certified businesses, so the promotion of your certification status should be a key part of your marketing strategy.

The key to getting the best marketing ROI from your certification is both visibility and helping your clients understand the significance of the certification you have gained and how it will benefit them. If all you’ve done so far is hang the certificate on the wall and use the logo on your marketing materials, you are really missing out.
But I have great news for you. You can get SO much more leverage out of your certification by implementing a few simple strategies. And don’t worry that you got your certification years ago. All of the strategies I am about to show you can be implemented either right now or directly after any certification audit and will increase the marketing benefit you receive many times over.

Read moreThe top 10 ways to market your ISO certification

Our most commonly asked questions….

Should we go ahead with ISO certification or not? Should we add more standards to our existing certification?

We will not attempt to persuade you to achieve certification if we feel it’s not in your business’s best interests. And that’s a promise. Talk with us; we can help you decide whether your company has the maturity, resources and real need for certification or if additional certifications are going to produce the ROI to be justified. . Certification is not for everyone. Small businesses should not be put off, however. A really small and uncomplicated system that simply describes what you do now, can be enough to gain your company certification. And once you have it, it will open doors towards better sales, bigger contracts and helping your business to be more competitive. We specialise in INTEGRATING additional standards to your existing system.

Read moreOur most commonly asked questions….