Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business
New employees need to be trained. You can train a person to do just about anything. What you look for is someone who knows how to apply himself/herself to the tasks at hand, comes to work on time, has an interest in what they are doing, and shows self discipline and integrity.
You are always short-handed. Never do you have all the help you could use. So you tend to do everything yourself.
But you can be overwhelmed. It's causing you stress, you don't get enough sleep, and you could use a vacation--never an option when you are operating a small business.
If you cannot afford to add a full time employee, consider a part timer. High school and college students always need a little extra money. Hire one for 4 hours a day. Retirees also can use more money and many want to remain active. Hire one for part time--they make good employees.
You might consider bringing in an intern. Not every business is appropriate for an intern. But a law office, a chef, an insurance agency, a small advertising firm, even a grower of plants and others can bring interns into their business. Interns work for the experience and little pay is involved. It helps you and it helps them. To find someone, talk with your local vocational schools.
If you decide to add a full time employee, consider the position carefully. This is an opportunity for you to extend yourself. It's a time to carve out those activities that take up lots of your time and turn them over to the new person. Or, it's a time to bring in new talent--someone who can do things that you don't know how to do or no longer want to do. In this case, write down the things that you expect the new person to do--be specific and discuss it with them so they get off on the right footing.
Whichever path you take--part timers, interns, or full time employees--you are extending yourself. Then, you can concentrate on the parts of the business that you enjoy and the parts that are critical to the future of the business. Extending yourself allows you--and the business--to grow.
It's time to grow when you are overworked. Just make certain that your new hire fits into your long-range plans.
Always bring your business plan up-to-date before hiring anyone. That new employee must fit into your business plan.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Monday, January 18, 2016
Space size and location
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to help you better manage your small business
Every business needs space to operate. Even a virtual business conducted entirely on the Internet requires a place somewhere that anchors the business.
I'm not talking about making calls and contacts as you sip a latte in the local cafe--you still need a space somewhere else. Setting aside a corner of a room at home can suffice, but some small businesses require a warehouse to house the goods they hope to sell.
Location: Some businesses can be run out of your garage. Others benefit from a high traffic location. Still others are unique enough that your clients/customers will seek you out, no matter where you are located. And then there are those that only ship--filling incoming orders.
Consider locating or expanding your sporting goods shop in a farmer's country barn. A used car lot might benefit from being located on a busy thoroughfare, but a travel agency can attract people to a website in your home office. A frozen yogurt operation can do well on a small town's Main Street or in a mall, but a shop that repairs machines can be located in a rural area.
Two things are of major importance when considering location--your business plan for the future and pertinent zoning regulations. Is there a location impact in your plans? Is the neighborhood in transition--where is it headed? Are there plans afoot to raze the building in 3 or 5 years? Talking with a local real estate professional can provide some answers.
Size: Some business owners walk into a prospective space, make an intuitive guesstimate about the size, and sign on the dotted line. A much more prudent approach is to look to your business plan for clues.
If you are opening a coffee shop, cafe or restaurant, what's the number of tables you need to generate the income you've projected in your business plan? What percentage of the tables can you fill? If you are performing accounting services for clients, how much space do you need as you grow and hire additional employees?
If you are a therapist or chiropractor planning to expand into a wellness center in the future, can this space accommodate those plans? Will you need open spaces? A big reception area? A series of offices? Will you be able to expand here or will you be searching again in 3 years?
Homing in on space size and location is important to your future. It goes to how big a market you plan to serve, how you will attract your clients and customers, who they are and where.
All of these considerations flow from your business plan. And your business plan depends first and foremost on the market out there.
to help you better manage your small business
Every business needs space to operate. Even a virtual business conducted entirely on the Internet requires a place somewhere that anchors the business.
I'm not talking about making calls and contacts as you sip a latte in the local cafe--you still need a space somewhere else. Setting aside a corner of a room at home can suffice, but some small businesses require a warehouse to house the goods they hope to sell.
Location: Some businesses can be run out of your garage. Others benefit from a high traffic location. Still others are unique enough that your clients/customers will seek you out, no matter where you are located. And then there are those that only ship--filling incoming orders.
Consider locating or expanding your sporting goods shop in a farmer's country barn. A used car lot might benefit from being located on a busy thoroughfare, but a travel agency can attract people to a website in your home office. A frozen yogurt operation can do well on a small town's Main Street or in a mall, but a shop that repairs machines can be located in a rural area.
Two things are of major importance when considering location--your business plan for the future and pertinent zoning regulations. Is there a location impact in your plans? Is the neighborhood in transition--where is it headed? Are there plans afoot to raze the building in 3 or 5 years? Talking with a local real estate professional can provide some answers.
Size: Some business owners walk into a prospective space, make an intuitive guesstimate about the size, and sign on the dotted line. A much more prudent approach is to look to your business plan for clues.
If you are opening a coffee shop, cafe or restaurant, what's the number of tables you need to generate the income you've projected in your business plan? What percentage of the tables can you fill? If you are performing accounting services for clients, how much space do you need as you grow and hire additional employees?
If you are a therapist or chiropractor planning to expand into a wellness center in the future, can this space accommodate those plans? Will you need open spaces? A big reception area? A series of offices? Will you be able to expand here or will you be searching again in 3 years?
Homing in on space size and location is important to your future. It goes to how big a market you plan to serve, how you will attract your clients and customers, who they are and where.
All of these considerations flow from your business plan. And your business plan depends first and foremost on the market out there.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Your daily hustle simplified
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business
It began many years ago when I was in college. To pay my way, I always had two or three part time jobs. Classes were mornings, so I had the rest of the day to earn my way.
At some point I began keeping a handwritten list of things to be done. It was always with me. As I thought of things, they went on the list. As the list sometimes grew, I began keeping a list for today and another for later.
I found it very useful. I didn't have to clutter up my thinking trying to remember all the things facing me. I simply consulted my list, checking off things done and adding additional items as they occurred to me. A quick jot on my list and I moved on to more important things.
Keeping a daily list organizes you--and your day. It frees up your thinking to concentrate of other things--like being creative, dreaming, planning, thinking through ideas. The daily grind is kept in strict perspective. Meeting schedules becomes a breeze.
Joining Corporate America after college, my daily list grew. It included items with a star beside some of them. These were things important to the boss. They took priority. My desk was a mess, but my list was very organized. And it organized me.
When I left Corporate America and set up my own business, that's when the list came to full maturity. Follow up with a customer. Meet the banker. Update insurance coverage. Do some tax planning with my accountant. Order supplies. Interview a prospective employee. Take out the trash.
I began keeping a weekly list--in addition to the daily. Attend a network meeting on Wednesday. Meet a new client on Friday for breakfast. Call three new suppliers and home in on one to deal with.
In your business, the lists you keep become a record. All the dates exist in papers you've collected, but your list pulls everything together in one place.Yes, these days you can keep lists on some electronic device, but the electric goes down, the batteries need charging, the thing can crash on you and you're left hanging.
Retired now, I still keep handwritten lists. I don't worry about viruses or breakdowns or the electric disappearing. Critical things to do today get checked off as I consult my daily list two or three times every day.
No matter how you do it, get the crap out of your head and onto a list. You'll then have more time to think about the important things. Free up some brain cells to dream about next year--instead of increasing your stress trying to remember what is waiting your attention.
A daily list is a good way to collect information you'll need for your business plan. No mistake about it, you need a business plan.
to help you better manage your small business
It began many years ago when I was in college. To pay my way, I always had two or three part time jobs. Classes were mornings, so I had the rest of the day to earn my way.
At some point I began keeping a handwritten list of things to be done. It was always with me. As I thought of things, they went on the list. As the list sometimes grew, I began keeping a list for today and another for later.
I found it very useful. I didn't have to clutter up my thinking trying to remember all the things facing me. I simply consulted my list, checking off things done and adding additional items as they occurred to me. A quick jot on my list and I moved on to more important things.
Keeping a daily list organizes you--and your day. It frees up your thinking to concentrate of other things--like being creative, dreaming, planning, thinking through ideas. The daily grind is kept in strict perspective. Meeting schedules becomes a breeze.
Joining Corporate America after college, my daily list grew. It included items with a star beside some of them. These were things important to the boss. They took priority. My desk was a mess, but my list was very organized. And it organized me.
When I left Corporate America and set up my own business, that's when the list came to full maturity. Follow up with a customer. Meet the banker. Update insurance coverage. Do some tax planning with my accountant. Order supplies. Interview a prospective employee. Take out the trash.
I began keeping a weekly list--in addition to the daily. Attend a network meeting on Wednesday. Meet a new client on Friday for breakfast. Call three new suppliers and home in on one to deal with.
In your business, the lists you keep become a record. All the dates exist in papers you've collected, but your list pulls everything together in one place.Yes, these days you can keep lists on some electronic device, but the electric goes down, the batteries need charging, the thing can crash on you and you're left hanging.
Retired now, I still keep handwritten lists. I don't worry about viruses or breakdowns or the electric disappearing. Critical things to do today get checked off as I consult my daily list two or three times every day.
No matter how you do it, get the crap out of your head and onto a list. You'll then have more time to think about the important things. Free up some brain cells to dream about next year--instead of increasing your stress trying to remember what is waiting your attention.
A daily list is a good way to collect information you'll need for your business plan. No mistake about it, you need a business plan.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Your business core
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business.
Businesses have a way of pulling you in various directions. No matter what you operate, you will be tempted to head off down a side road.
More people are turning to therapy to achieve weight reduction, so should a nutritionist go off in that direction? More people are looking for healthy meals, so should you turn your cafe into only farm fresh, vegetarian meals?
You created your business using your dream. That dream is your core. Messing with it can destroy your business. Be careful.
Example: Jennie opened a bakery. She was inspired by the looks of kids when they sampled her brownies. Her baking passion caused her to expand into high-end, high priced cakes. It was a good move. The business thrived because she took advantage of a market that was ripe for the taking. But she missed the children's faces. She kept the high-end cake part of her business, but she brought back the brownies and added cookies. One evening each week, Jennie holds an open house. Kids are invited to sample the goodies at no charge. Their parents buy more to take home, and they remember Jennie when they need a high-end cake.
If you move away from your business core, you are leaving something behind. Maybe you can incorporate a new direction with the old direction and be the better for it.
Example: Josh is an environmental engineer. Frequently, he gets caught up in the lengthy permitting process for a project. Getting permits in place means keeping abreast of all the local regulations and permits, and this sapped his time and energy. He decided to put part of the process onto his clients--he began requiring them to go for permits and deal with the local bureaucracies. This left Josh with more time to devote to his first love--environmental engineering. But clients resisted his new procedures, and he lost some work because of it. He did a U-turn and, again, as before, began offering to handle the whole project, end to end.
What saves you time can weigh heavily on your customers. Changing the way you offer your goods and services can have dire consequences in the marketplace. People know what they want, and they come to you to provide it.
Your business core is who you are. You can grow, expand and even go off in a new direction. Just be careful messing with your original dream.
to help you better manage your small business.
Businesses have a way of pulling you in various directions. No matter what you operate, you will be tempted to head off down a side road.
More people are turning to therapy to achieve weight reduction, so should a nutritionist go off in that direction? More people are looking for healthy meals, so should you turn your cafe into only farm fresh, vegetarian meals?
You created your business using your dream. That dream is your core. Messing with it can destroy your business. Be careful.
Example: Jennie opened a bakery. She was inspired by the looks of kids when they sampled her brownies. Her baking passion caused her to expand into high-end, high priced cakes. It was a good move. The business thrived because she took advantage of a market that was ripe for the taking. But she missed the children's faces. She kept the high-end cake part of her business, but she brought back the brownies and added cookies. One evening each week, Jennie holds an open house. Kids are invited to sample the goodies at no charge. Their parents buy more to take home, and they remember Jennie when they need a high-end cake.
If you move away from your business core, you are leaving something behind. Maybe you can incorporate a new direction with the old direction and be the better for it.
Example: Josh is an environmental engineer. Frequently, he gets caught up in the lengthy permitting process for a project. Getting permits in place means keeping abreast of all the local regulations and permits, and this sapped his time and energy. He decided to put part of the process onto his clients--he began requiring them to go for permits and deal with the local bureaucracies. This left Josh with more time to devote to his first love--environmental engineering. But clients resisted his new procedures, and he lost some work because of it. He did a U-turn and, again, as before, began offering to handle the whole project, end to end.
What saves you time can weigh heavily on your customers. Changing the way you offer your goods and services can have dire consequences in the marketplace. People know what they want, and they come to you to provide it.
Your business core is who you are. You can grow, expand and even go off in a new direction. Just be careful messing with your original dream.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Beyond the daily grind
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business
You've done it. I've done it. It happens to everyone, all the time.
We tend to pigeonhole each other. We remember Judy who leads the meditation classes. But she is also an expert massage therapist. Who knew?
Running your business, you must guard against this. Your clients and customers tend to remember you for one thing only. While everything you do might be related, you need to point it out.
It's a problem. You must tell, remind, inform and otherwise educate your customers and clients. If you don't, they might not think to call you when they need another service that you offer.
Example: You hired a web designer and you were pleased with the result. Then you needed someone to set you up on social media sites. So you called your web designer and asked for a referral. That's when he told you, "I can do that." You had thought of your web designer in only one way. And he had not informed you of the other things he did.
Example: Clients depend on your accounting firm to handle their taxes. But they are not aware that your firm also helps business owners prepare for the eventual sale of the business. You must remind them from time to time that you have additional expertise. When the time comes that they need your other services, you get the call.
Example: Regular diners are happy with the healthy meals they enjoy at your small restaurant. But they forget that you also run a catering operation. When they need to prepare for that corporate meeting, they call a caterer. You've missed an opportunity because you did not remind them that you also cater events.
Reminding people of all the things that your business does should be on you do-do list. If you depend on them to remember that you can cater their next meeting, then you are depending on them to do your selling for you.
A gentle mention, tucked into another conversation, can be a valuable part of keeping your customers and clients informed. And coming back.
Get beyond your daily grind. It's not enough to provide your customers and clients with what they want at the moment. Remind them of all the things you can do for them.
to help you better manage your small business
You've done it. I've done it. It happens to everyone, all the time.
We tend to pigeonhole each other. We remember Judy who leads the meditation classes. But she is also an expert massage therapist. Who knew?
Running your business, you must guard against this. Your clients and customers tend to remember you for one thing only. While everything you do might be related, you need to point it out.
It's a problem. You must tell, remind, inform and otherwise educate your customers and clients. If you don't, they might not think to call you when they need another service that you offer.
Example: You hired a web designer and you were pleased with the result. Then you needed someone to set you up on social media sites. So you called your web designer and asked for a referral. That's when he told you, "I can do that." You had thought of your web designer in only one way. And he had not informed you of the other things he did.
Example: Clients depend on your accounting firm to handle their taxes. But they are not aware that your firm also helps business owners prepare for the eventual sale of the business. You must remind them from time to time that you have additional expertise. When the time comes that they need your other services, you get the call.
Example: Regular diners are happy with the healthy meals they enjoy at your small restaurant. But they forget that you also run a catering operation. When they need to prepare for that corporate meeting, they call a caterer. You've missed an opportunity because you did not remind them that you also cater events.
Reminding people of all the things that your business does should be on you do-do list. If you depend on them to remember that you can cater their next meeting, then you are depending on them to do your selling for you.
A gentle mention, tucked into another conversation, can be a valuable part of keeping your customers and clients informed. And coming back.
Get beyond your daily grind. It's not enough to provide your customers and clients with what they want at the moment. Remind them of all the things you can do for them.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Freebie promotions
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business
No matter how many times you hear the "free" word, it moves you. It is a magic word that people in small business can use to attract attention.
You hear it and read it all the time. But you don't have to sell on television or mobile devices to take advantage of the "free" word.
Example: Any small business can offer free workshops, seminars, demonstrations, information sessions, open houses, and the like. People are hungry for information and will attend free sessions. Chiropractors can explain just what chiropractic is--and offer short free demonstrations. Music and dance studios can show just what classical, modern, hip hop and jazz dancing is all about. Restaurants can hold cooking sessions. Accountants can talk about taxes--always a concern for small business and the general public. Any food place can offer a "free" sample table.
Example: A fitness operation or massage therapist can set up free demos and introductory sessions. People attend, discuss, ask questions and perhaps sign up. The same holds for yoga and it is an hour well spent by the business owner. Even if no one signs up, a good impression is made--and the word spreads in the community.
Example: Many construction outfits and home improvement businesses charge a fee for an estimate. The company's reasoning is that it costs them to send out an estimator. In today's world, this can leave a bad impression. People expect estimates for free. Put the word out that your estimates are free--and emphasize it. This just might be the edge that gets a new customer to call you instead of your competitor.
Use social media to get the "free" words out there. More will be passed around among friends, and this can get you referrals.
Freebie promotions should be part of your promotions. Promotions that include the word "free" work better than those that don't.
to help you better manage your small business
No matter how many times you hear the "free" word, it moves you. It is a magic word that people in small business can use to attract attention.
You hear it and read it all the time. But you don't have to sell on television or mobile devices to take advantage of the "free" word.
Example: Any small business can offer free workshops, seminars, demonstrations, information sessions, open houses, and the like. People are hungry for information and will attend free sessions. Chiropractors can explain just what chiropractic is--and offer short free demonstrations. Music and dance studios can show just what classical, modern, hip hop and jazz dancing is all about. Restaurants can hold cooking sessions. Accountants can talk about taxes--always a concern for small business and the general public. Any food place can offer a "free" sample table.
Example: A fitness operation or massage therapist can set up free demos and introductory sessions. People attend, discuss, ask questions and perhaps sign up. The same holds for yoga and it is an hour well spent by the business owner. Even if no one signs up, a good impression is made--and the word spreads in the community.
Example: Many construction outfits and home improvement businesses charge a fee for an estimate. The company's reasoning is that it costs them to send out an estimator. In today's world, this can leave a bad impression. People expect estimates for free. Put the word out that your estimates are free--and emphasize it. This just might be the edge that gets a new customer to call you instead of your competitor.
Use social media to get the "free" words out there. More will be passed around among friends, and this can get you referrals.
Freebie promotions should be part of your promotions. Promotions that include the word "free" work better than those that don't.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Networking promotions
Free daily tips, information, advice and ideas
to help you better manage your small business
Networking expands your business reach. You find more clients and customers at networking sessions.
A networking meeting brings together business people, owners, professionals, and others in the community. You build a network of people who get to know you and what you do.
Many networking groups exist. Some are local undertakings, others are local chapters of international groups. Look for networking groups in your area. Check the local chamber of commerce, and check out groups listed on MeetUp.com.
If you don't find one to your liking, start a networking group of your own. It's easier than you might imagine.
Example: Ralph is a chiropractor who runs a wellness center. He has been expanding over the past several years--adding a nutritionist and healthy foods experts, a certified hypnotist who does classes in weight management, a massage therapist, and more. Ralph tried several networking groups and was disappointed in all of them. They were too structured or they were to limited or they charged too much for the benefits realized. He decided to hold his own networking sessions at his place. He put the word out on social media, and he set up his own site on MeetUp.com. Once each month, his place is filled with local business people and professionals anxious for a relaxed evening out, meeting new people, discussing problems--while having a little refreshment. Ralph gets local caterers, bakers, cafes and others to furnish hors d'oeuvres and other goodies for the monthly meeting. There is no cost to Ralph, and it gives them exposure they otherwise would not have.
Many businesses have space available to accommodate a small group. Restaurants, wellness centers, fitness centers, music centers, artists' studios and others have space enough for a small networking meeting.
Networking sessions are not places to sell your goods and services. They can expand your sphere of influence, however. And they get you referrals.
to help you better manage your small business
Networking expands your business reach. You find more clients and customers at networking sessions.
A networking meeting brings together business people, owners, professionals, and others in the community. You build a network of people who get to know you and what you do.
Many networking groups exist. Some are local undertakings, others are local chapters of international groups. Look for networking groups in your area. Check the local chamber of commerce, and check out groups listed on MeetUp.com.
If you don't find one to your liking, start a networking group of your own. It's easier than you might imagine.
Example: Ralph is a chiropractor who runs a wellness center. He has been expanding over the past several years--adding a nutritionist and healthy foods experts, a certified hypnotist who does classes in weight management, a massage therapist, and more. Ralph tried several networking groups and was disappointed in all of them. They were too structured or they were to limited or they charged too much for the benefits realized. He decided to hold his own networking sessions at his place. He put the word out on social media, and he set up his own site on MeetUp.com. Once each month, his place is filled with local business people and professionals anxious for a relaxed evening out, meeting new people, discussing problems--while having a little refreshment. Ralph gets local caterers, bakers, cafes and others to furnish hors d'oeuvres and other goodies for the monthly meeting. There is no cost to Ralph, and it gives them exposure they otherwise would not have.
Many businesses have space available to accommodate a small group. Restaurants, wellness centers, fitness centers, music centers, artists' studios and others have space enough for a small networking meeting.
Networking sessions are not places to sell your goods and services. They can expand your sphere of influence, however. And they get you referrals.
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