LATEST NEWS

Principles of Success Small Business Owners Can Learn From Big Companies

New entrepreneurs worried about getting their business off to a good start would do well to look at the principles big business managers have found to be effective. Business management is not an area in which you want to take a seat-of-your-pants approach since even small mistakes can snowball and create significant problems, either now or later. Learn from the seasoned professionals at 1st & Main Investment Advisors on what works and how best to apply big business strategies with a small business model.

Practice consistency.

While you are still on a learning curve, you may feel like you need to try different methods when it comes to organization, production, marketing, and branding. To some extent, it’s fine for you and your workers to test different proven methods until you find what works best. But too much dabbling in different methodologies can become a time-suck as you put all your energy into sampling the new instead of establishing smooth routines. Lack of consistency can also create a negative workplace environment as no one knows what to expect next.

Keep your employees happy.

Aside from the fact that treating your employees well is good basic ethics, it is also prudent management. When the people who work for you are invested in your company and believe in your product, you can trust them to give you their best and to make decisions that are in everyone’s interest. Business owners who treat their employees as expendable, by contrast, will find their products and services suffering as a result. Employees are likely to quit as soon as anything better comes up, so you will waste a lot of time rehiring and training. Frequent turnover and unhappy workers can also create a poor public perception of your company culture.

Seek customer feedback.

Getting bad reviews or negative feedback may be depressing, but it’s better than not getting that feedback at all. If your customers are displeased with what you have to offer or your service, you need to know so you can make necessary changes. Communicate with your customers regularly, and if you discover that they are not satisfied, ask them what you can do to improve. Alternatively, if your customers are happy and keep returning to your company, ask them what they especially like about it, so you know to focus on and replicate that element.

Network within your (real and digital) community.

Establishing relationships with other business owners and potential customers is vital as you grow your business. Establishing connections in your field makes you more visible and expands your potential customer base. Additionally, you can learn from others in entrepreneurship and share your own experiences in return. You want to be recognized as a community resource so that customers and collaborators will seek you out. How to network, though? Social media can be a great opportunity for you to connect with other business owners who share your interests. Also, check out local clubs and organizations, including your area chamber of commerce.

Choose the right business structure.

Big business owners know the importance of protecting their business’s assets and keeping costs low. Small business owners should follow their example, especially when it comes to avoiding issues with possible liability. One great way to keep your business safe is to register it as a limited liability company or LLC — you can save on startup costs, while also taking advantage of additional tax deductions on expenses like travel and office supplies. It’s not difficult to register your business LLC, especially if you use ZenBusiness, an online formation service that does the legwork and filing for you.

Though there are many differences in operations between larger businesses and smaller ones, many principles of good management remain the same. Learn from those who have succeeded and streamline your learning process. 1st & Main Investment Advisors supports small business owners as a vital part of the local community and economy. Visit the site today.

Registered Representative of and securities offered through Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. (BFCFS). Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through BFC Planning, Inc. 1st & Main Investment Advisors, BFCFS, Any Third-Party Content Creators, Gainfully, Inc. and BFC Planning, Inc. are independent entities. Our company makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided by Third-Parties.
Share
Latest News