Anyone who has been in the work world for more than 10 years has experienced significant changes. It doesn’t matter if you are in the medical field, the legal profession, publishing, music, construction or the insurance industry. Everything is, well, different. You can dig in your heels, dream of “the good old days,” and perish, OR you can adapt.
Your business’ success depends on your willingness to join the workplace evolution. Focus on these five simple but critical tools to design your action steps and watch your business grow:
1. A business plan
To run a successful business, you need a comprehensive plan, updated annually, outlining goals, objectives, procedures and action steps. Such plans should be designed to be flexible in order to accommodate unexpected market changes and opportunities. Small business owners often neglect this step and opt to ‘wing’ it. Imagine the positive impact on your bottom line if you invested the time to sketch out SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timebound) goals. Such a focused, but flexible plan will prove to be invaluable as you navigate the changing landscape.
2. Human resources
Because of the glut of unemployed workers, businesses have set the bar unrealistically high in terms of what skills and attributes are actually needed to fulfill their business plans. As a result, jobs are going unfilled. A reasonable assessment of the skills, knowledge and talent needed along with an open mind to look at the accomplishments of candidates rather than job titles will ensure your business is filled with the best athletes to create your winning team.
Clients also fall under the heading of human resources; they are the lifeblood of your business. SMART goals should be designed around a client-centric delivery of your product or service.
3. Leadership
So many business owners ignore the importance of leading by example. They confuse position power with personal power. With position power, authority comes with the title. People follow because they must; but they will do just what they need to do to meet expectations and no more. With personal power, employees follow you because they want to. When you treat people fairly and consistently, demonstrate that you care about them and are committed to their success, and live by the same set of rules you expect of them, they will follow.
4. Technology
Small business owners often opt out of using the latest technology, believing it is too expensive and they haven’t got the time to learn it. The reality is, technology can save you hours in administrative tasks, freeing you up to do revenue-generating tasks instead. The trick is to determine which bells and whistles you need. Apple’s Genius Bar or the staff at your local Staples can help you assess which products will serve you best.
5. Social media
Every business must have a virtual presence. The Internet is the first place people look for goods and services. A website is a must! Facebook and LinkedIn are also an important part of today’s business world. They allow you to share information with current clients, market to potential clients and even foster employee engagement. Depending on your business, also consider Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Again, consider what tools your target audience uses and focus your attention there.
Kathleen Brady is a certified career coach and corporate trainer. In “GET A JOB! 10 Steps to Career Success,” Brady offers practical advice for navigating each step of the job search process.
