You’re the boss when you’re a business owner. You have complete control over what you create and how much fun you have while doing it. However, there is a flip side to all that freedom and control. Everything falls on you, the success of your business largely depends on how well you’re doing as an owner, and the pressure to succeed is that much more significant. Being a small business owner myself, I’ve learned a few useful lessons that I feel could help you, too.
USE SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR EVERYTHING
“Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” – Jim Rhon OR “You control your own wins and losses” – Maria Sharapova.
To ensure that each task and customer receives the same service, we ensure that we have a process for everything and a system to back it up. For instance, we set up an onboarding process that helps us get all the information we need from a prospective contractor and provide them with the information they need to get us up and running quickly and efficiently. This process saves everyone time and money. The same goes for accounting and invoicing. Our time tracking program integrates with QuickBooks to eliminate errors and cut the invoicing process in half. Our goal here is to lower the risk of any future setbacks by removing or minimizing disorganization.
TECHNOLOGY
“Productivity is being able to do things that you were never able to do before.” – Franz Kafka.
We are admittedly big tech geeks. We love learning how to use new programs and apps and other systems that assist with reducing errors. We have come to rely on three particular programs: T-Sheets for time tracking, QuickBooks for accounting, Dubsado for CRM, WordPress for our website, and Zapier for Zaps and other integrations. We also use Adobe Creative Cloud, Hootsuite for all social and clients, and Google for Business. All these programs work in harmony with one another to keep things running smoothly.
DELEGATE
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” – Walt Disney.
Many start-ups come from just one person and a dream, so the thought of handing out work to others might give you a minor heart attack. However, the goal is to build and with that growth, a time will come when you’ll need help to achieve your business goals. If you are overloaded with tasks and can outsource some tasks, do so. Outsourcing will empty your plate and leave you open to focus on what is more important to you at that time. If you struggle with something, say web design, then outsource it to someone who knows. Don’t like blog writing? Pay someone to do it for you; then you can do the stuff you’re passionate about.
TAKE CHANCES
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.”-Pablo Picasso.
The comfort zone is just that—comfortable. The thing is, you won’t be able to grow as a business owner if you’re not willing to take on some risk. It’s important to set attainable goals and break them down into achievable actions. When we started, we knew we were taking on the risk of investing in ourselves and our business and having it fail horribly. When we built up a client base, we took on the risk of losing clients when we changed up packages and increased pricing to reflect the work offered. Owning a business is all about chances, risk and reward. It is well worth it if you learn from mistakes and not missed opportunities.
HONESTY AND ABOVE ALL BALANCE
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. – Carl Bard
We would rather be honest about our business and our services and not gain a client than hard sell someone and lose them later. Repeat clients and customers are what make businesses thrive, after all. Over the years, we have had our fair share of being asked to do things that are against our business and personal ethics, and we are proud to have stood up and said, “no, thank you.” Our company is successful because we have the trust of those we work with. We trust one another, and they know that our business is an honest one. We do what we say we are going to do, and if something comes up, we tell our clients we do not offer excuses. To build trust with your clients, you must be trustworthy.
The reason most of us become business owners is not only to realize a dream or a goal but to provide a balance that can only come from being your own boss. With that being said, balance is and can be one of the hardest things to attain. Whatever your reason is for balance—family, lifestyle, friends—always strive to keep it. Sometimes you will maintain it, and other times you won’t. Remember your big picture, and keep it honest. Forever treasure your integrity.
What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned in your business that you think other business owners could learn?