As a small business, there are a lot of things your company can get away with in the early stages. Being a small business, your team has the opportunity to be agile, flexible, and relaxed – as do some of your processes and organizational needs. However, it’s easy for small businesses to get a bit too comfortable with this norm.
If you’re a small business wondering why things have become difficult, confusing, overwhelming, or too much work, consider this idea: Have you been thinking like a small business for too long? It’s important for small businesses to THINK like a big business, despite their size. Big companies have processes, structure, and are streamlined and organized. It’s a good exercise to consider what they may be doing that could benefit your small business.
Feeling like this could be true for your small business? Let’s look at some big business ideas that you should be considering that could really help out your company.
Set annual and monthly sales goals
Even if business is good and you feel confident in your ability to sell your products or services, goals are still incredibly important. Monthly and annual goals ensure that your sales stream stays on track. It allows you to monitor your sales and know when you’re falling short and if so, explore why. Also, everyone needs a fire under their butt – from your front of house staff to the management team, or even simply you as the CEO.
Schedule touch bases with your staff
A lot of big companies really value the development of their staff, and it’s common practice for employees of these corporations to meet with their manager biweekly or monthly (or, even weekly if they’re new). Small businesses overlook this as well, often times because everyone works so closely together all the time. However, it’s important to schedule formal time to talk to each employee.
Scheduling one-on-one time with your employees will allow them to air any questions or concerns with you, and allow you to give them constructive feedback or even praise. It’s a good time for you to take a pulse on your business and see if your employees are happy. Also, employees will feel like they can talk to you about anything that may arise—creating a lasting, happy culture.
Use apps for efficiency
A lot of small businesses fall into the trap of not re-evaluating their efficiencies as their company grows. As you add on new employees, or gain new customers, or even hire someone to do a certain job like marketing or social media, apps can really help keep your company running. Whether it’s an HR tool, or Freshbooks for accounting, or even Gmail for company email with Google Calendar for meetings– apps are your friend.
The best way to identify how apps can help you is by talking to your employees and listening to your customers. If customers complain about booking, look into an appointment app. If your employees are confused about their schedule, think about looking into something like When I Work. There’s a ton of tools out there to help your business.
Set-up organization charts
Organization charts are charts showing how your staffing model is organized. It has all of the information from the CEO down to the entry-level staff. It’s a good way for everyone to know who they report to and the chain of command. As you continue to grow and build your team, it’s useful to have a nice view of how your company is structured. You can make organization charts using PowerPoint or Google Slides, or with more in-depth software. Here’s a good how-to to get started.
Hire an accountant
Having a good accountant is integral to the success of any business. So many small businesses attempt to do this job themselves and really end up missing a lot of important marks when it comes to keeping their books in order and filing their taxes. Accountants are an invaluable resource for your company and can really help your business make money by keeping everything running smoothly. Creative Solutions uses Varun Sehgal from RA Business Solutions and you should really check them out. Tell them Hollie sent you ;)
Say 'We'
A lot of small business owners feel a strong sense of ownership over their business – and rightfully so! But, as you get more staff and build a company, your team is now stakeholders in your business. Change your vocabulary from “my company” to “our company” and “I” to “we”. It’ll boost morale and help your team feel a sense of ownership over their actions and ultimately, the growth of the business.
Big companies have the power of their team, processes, and organization to back them and there are no reasons a small business can’t have the same support. Evaluating what you can do better for your company and considering what big businesses to that you can learn and adapt from will help your company and team successfully grow.
