Small businesses need to work extra hard to compete with bigger companies and grow to become formidable forces. With the chances of failure higher for start-ups and small companies, you want to make sure you are adopting only the best business practices … all of the time.
In order to achieve your goal of successfully growing as a small enterprise, try and implement the following:
Stop ‘wasting time’ on social media
Though social media is one of the most important ways for a business to stay in touch with its customers, it can also quickly and easily distract you. Without discipline, before you realise it, you’ll find yourself having spent hours on it unnecessarily. Only afford yourself 30 minutes to an hour per day checking your business accounts, and access personal accounts after hours.
Avoid unnecessary meetings
Especially the ‘let’s meet for coffee’ types. These can easily end up being a social meeting with no solid outcome. Instead, opt for a meeting at your office, or even a video call to keep things formal and to focus on the issues at hand. There must be an objective or end-goal in mind, so that the meeting doesn’t simply consume valuable time.
Do not be afraid to say ‘No’
As a small business owner, you may feel obliged to accept every bit of business that comes your way. This can be detrimental if it does not contribute to your main business goals and thus, wastes resources that could be used to help your business go in the direction you truly want it to.
Do not be afraid to experiment
Taking risks is one of the biggest thrills of being a business owner, and if you have an idea that you believe will take your business in a great direction, do your research and consider going for it. It should still always be a calculated risk of course.
Do not only focus on selling products
It’s the 21st century, and customers expect more than just a product when they visit your store. They also want great service and a great overall experience. Make sure you provide this to give your customers something heart-warming to say about your business to their friends and family.
By focusing on what matters most to you and your business, you can take your business to the next level. Avoid wasting time on things such as social media and coffee meetings if they are not business related. Also, do not be afraid to try something you have never done before if you feel it could help your business. These easy-to-implement guidelines can help you shift your business to a whole new level, while saving time and money resources in the process.