Despite there being thousands of books on running a business, there isn’t one that will tell you all that you need to know. Business management is still ultimately a process that you learn best by observation, trial and error, and constant adjustment.
When you first attempt to start a business, you will inevitably make mistakes and wrong decisions. These mistakes are often avoidable- but inevitable when you have next to no experience when it comes to management. That’s why gathering as much information you can and learning from everyone else’s experience is important: it provides you insight and allows you to compare the actions of those who have been in a similar situation.
This guide will focus on preventing those situations. Common obstacles you might face in your business, and how you can go about solving or resolving them- or avoid them entirely. Remember that your experience may vary, and discretion should always be applied.
Treat Your Employees Well so They Won’t Turn on You
Your employees play a large part in your business- employees make any business possible and are largely responsible for the company’s future. It goes without saying that you should be treating your employees well, but it’s easier to say than to do. You can show your appreciation for your employees by respecting them. Respect their requests, communicate your intent and emotions (be it good or bad), and listening to their feedback.
Unlike popular media leads you to believe, your staff doesn’t need to be pampered every day (though it does help)- sometimes they simply just want you to listen. Listening to your employees and trusting them can potentially make your business more efficient. After all, their input is valuable as they are in-field. Trusting them and giving them autonomy also shows that you respect them and trust their skills- relieving one less work off your shoulder.
Create a Good Relationship with Suppliers to Prevent Inconsistency
Your suppliers are like your business partner. They provide the raw materials or instruments that are vital to your business. This is why you need to create a good relationship with your supplier- they provide you with your tools and ingredients. Especially for particularly difficult to procure or very specific materials, such as sand of a certain compound or a fluid dispensing nozzle of a certain make.
Being on good terms with them also means you avoid the hassle of having to negotiate with different suppliers every time. Your history with a company will at least increase the chances of a better experience, if not guarantee it. But how do you create a good relationship with a supplier? Simply by respecting their business. Much as you would find clients who submit their payments or requirements late, your suppliers too, also find that inconvenient. Try to anticipate what they need, and prepare it beforehand. Not only are you making it easier for them, but you’re also making it easier for you as well.
Know Your Staff’s Strength so You Don’t Assign the Wrong Person with the Wrong Job
Running a company and managing a group of people can sometimes be a handful. The difficulty is exacerbated tenfold when you have tasks that need accomplishing, but do not know someone who can directly address it. It’s tempting to just throw it to the staff with the lightest load or more free schedule, but it is better to give it to someone who knows what they’re doing. This ensures that the task will be accomplished on time and with good quality. But to do this, you need to know your staff first.
Communicating with them, observing them, and sometimes, directly asking their strengths and preferences can help you make your work operations better. Sometimes, it’s best to simply communicate your intent and be honest- it might save you and your company a lot of trouble.
Don’t Skimp on Marketing Otherwise You’ll Have a Hard Time
Many first-time business owners assume that marketing is something that comes after the business has settled and found its feet. This could not be more wrong, as proper marketing will help your business settle down faster. Marketing and advertisements come hand in hand with establishing the start of your business; it is what connects you to your customers, ultimately. If you’re already past your opening phase and have gotten used to running a business, it’s still not too late.
Look at your current advertising strategy and see if you can make it even more cost-effective and efficient. Consider target marketing, or marketing in places where your target consumers are most likely to frequent. Study advertisement, or better yet, hire a professional to do the job for you. Looking for more ways to turn leads into clients is integral to a company’s success and as a business owner, that’s among your primary concern.
