4 Key Features That Make A Small Business Work
Whether you’re sketching up a plan for a new small business, or your existing venture just isn’t quite reaching the standards which you had initially hoped for, then it’s time to go back to basics and evaluate the key features that contribute to ultimate success.
Below are 4 of the most important ones, that combine together to create the most functional and productive system that can help your company to thrive and reach each goal that you have set in record time – so what are you waiting for?
Read on to uncover the crucial steps that you can take today.
#1 The Need For Your Product Or Service
One of the first things that you must research and consider to ensure the success of your small business is the need for your product or service.
Are there customers ready and waiting to invest their hard-earned cash? Or is your company aimed at more of a niche market, with very little demand to contribute to a high number of sales that bring about respectable profit.
Establishing a target market is so important, as you can cater to every aspect of your work, from the materials to the marketing and advertising campaigns, to fit the specific wants and needs of your potential customers in the most suitable and personal way possible.
If people do not have a need for your product or service, quite simply put, you will not make any money.
#2 Your Office, Warehouse, Or Workspace
The location and building inside which all of your production and work gets done have a huge impact on the scope of your success.
Trying to save money by opting for a smaller space will mean that your staff does not have enough room to perform to their full capabilities, and this can only result in your business not reaching its potential profit margins.
Whether you want more room to design your own space and choose to purchase a property that can be converted through adaptive reuse or search for somewhere that already offers everything you’re looking for, take your time and do not rush into purchasing something you may later regret.
Ensure that all of the necessary security checks have been carried out so that the property itself poses no threats to the health and safety of your employees, and map out the fire exit routes before you all begin to make use of the space.
Factor in the potential growth of your business, as it’s likely that your success will increase the demand for your product or service and mean that you must employ more people (who will take up a greater amount of room).
#3 The Quality Of Your Employees
Even though it’s so vital to the fruitfulness of your small business, it’s likely that you will make a few mistakes when it comes to hiring the right staff.
The very first step in finding the perfect employee is to think about the tasks they must carry out, and the skills they require to complete said tasks to the highest possible standard. List both of these things in your job advertisement, along with any other specific requirements (such as previous experience and qualifications) that are needed to fill the role.
When you begin the interview stages, use a variety of methods to identify whether each individual has the potential within your business – you have to give them an opportunity to shine, and simply asking questions may not be enough.
Test their basic numeracy and literacy skills and be sure to check the authenticity of their previous working experience by asking for references. Make the most of the references that applicants provide, as you can find a lot of information out from their past employers about their actual performance.
When you make a decision and hire a new employee, ensure that they go through a trial or ‘probationary’ period during which you can pay close attention to their skills and identify whether they actually suit the role and benefit your business.
Once this time is over, you can hold a meeting in which you can let them know whether they worked well and can stay, or that their experience within your company has come to an end.
Always keep a varied group of staff from all walks of life, as having a diverse network will offer several different outlooks and approaches to every situation, which can be very beneficial for progress.
#4 Your Skills As A Manager/Owner
Though you may be busy thinking about what external influences can impact your business’ success, one major feature is a lot closer to home.
The skills that you possess as the manager or owner can be the deciding factor with regards to whether you come out on top or fail as a company, and even though you may think you have what it takes, it could be a lot different in reality.
Instead of exclusively giving others feedback on their work, ask your employees to provide critique on your managing techniques too in order to get a more honest view of the way you work. Of course, you do not have to take everything on board as your staff might not take it too seriously, but you’ll get a much better insight into what your employees believe it means to be a manager or owner, and what you need to do to become that person.
Never turn down the chance to gain more training, as you’re never too old or too high up in a business’ rank to learn something new and useful. You have to keep up with the ever-progressing world of business, and this means a commitment to continued education.
These 4 key features come together to help create the most successful small business in today’s modern world.
Start by making sure that there’s a real demand for your product and service, then find the perfect location for the magic to happen. Source the highest quality staff to support you in your venture, and guarantee that you have the skills to support them too.
