Starting a small business can be a great way to not only make money but also take charge of your career, do personally fulfilling work, and become your own boss. Starting a business takes time and effort but with a great idea and thorough business plan, it’s not particularly difficult. In fact, in the past four years, the number of small businesses in the US has steadily increased to over 30 million.
While owning and running a small business can be rewarding, there will surely be a few mistakes and headaches along the way. In honor of National Small Business Week, we’re saluting the millions of small business owners with a few tips to keep your business running successfully and the headaches to a minimum.
Ensure You Have The Tools You Need To Succeed
Any smart small business owner will strive to keep overhead costs low but be careful not to cut back so much that you neglect to have the tools you need to succeed. This includes big-ticket items like computers, office space and desks but also smaller office supplies you may be more tempted to forego.
Buying office supplies online in bulk is an excellent way to ensure you have everything you need without breaking your budget. At DollarDays, you don’t have to choose between having all the top-quality supplies you need and making a profit. With our wholesale office supplies, we can keep you well-stocked with everything from organizers to shipping materials to desk calendars and signage.
If you are just coming back to the office after a Covid break, we are also PPE suppliers who can help ensure you have everything you need to work safely and efficiently.
Use Technology Wisely
We are more accessible than ever which can be both a blessing and a curse for small business owners. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be everywhere and do everything just because you have a phone, laptop, and tablet. Automate what you can – like responding to email contact requests or reminders about an abandoned shopping cart or simple customer service requests. There are several software products that can help you automate certain processes and help you with recording keeping and accounting. Use them to your advantage.
Create Clear Communication
Designating time to catch up with employees or clients can sometimes feel unnecessary but creating clear lines of open communication can save you time in the long run. It helps to keep everyone accountable and sets clear expectations.
With more and more meetings and status updates happening online, make sure you and your employees are well equipped to stay in touch. Whether it’s Bluetooth earbuds, web cameras, or batteries and chargers, DollarDays can keep your communication channels running smoothly.
Set Goals
Setting realistic goals is vital for any small business owner. Once you know exactly where you want to go, you can begin to plot your course to get there. Whether you choose to write them electronically or in a composition notebook or journal, these goals should be both long and short term, and revisited frequently. Do some research on similar businesses to understand what kind of growth you can expect and potential problems along the way. With a detailed ledger of what you hope to accomplish and obstacles in your way, you can begin to take the necessary steps to achieve your dreams.
Create a Network of Support
Owning and running a small business can feel lonely at times but you don’t have to go it alone. National Small Business Week is a great time to explore different groups and networks available in your area or virtually. There are tons of resources and assistance available online. Attending conferences and networking with complementary businesses is another great way to build a community of support.
