Launching a new business is very exciting as it gives you a chance to unleash your skills and passions. It also opens the door to increased wealth and control. But even those with years of experience in their chosen field will find that entrepreneurship is a steep learning curve. You’ll encounter a whole host of new challenges and, frankly, mastering them is what will give you the very best shot at success.
So, what are the changes you’ll face, and how can you acclimatise to them in the quickest time possible? Let’s take a closer look.
Being Invested On A 24/7 Basis:
When you are an employee, it’s possible to completely shut off from work mode, even if you are passionate about the work. When you are the woman at the top, however, you need to know that the operation is running smoothly at all times. While this doesn’t mean that you need to be actively working on a 24/7 basis, being emotionally invested is vital.
Failure to stay on top of those situations will stop you from unlocking your full potential. Sadly, this will enable competitors to take advantage.
Solutions:
#1. Build a winning team of employees to ensure that the business is in good hands even when you are away from work on vacation or in meetings.
#2. Ensure that the business is protected by CCTV, digital security, and legal documents. This will stop outside threats from becoming an issue.
#3. Create a winning home office space and utilise smartphone tech. In turn, you’ll be prepared to complete tasks from anywhere in the world.
Managing A Team Of People:
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Even if you’ve previously been a team manager, owning a business takes the need for good people management to another level. As already mentioned, recruiting the right candidates will provide a solid platform. However, motivating and keeping them on the right track is where you can truly embrace the power of a winning team. When you do, it’ll become your most important asset.
Employees are your greatest asset in business, which is why you must pay attention to these crucial elements at all times. Otherwise, everything from productivity to customer experiences will suffer.
Solutions:
#1. Show that you care by providing the staff with coffee machines and other simple luxuries. Combine this with an empathetic understanding of their needs to gain trust and respect.
#2. Invest in the right communication tools. From video conferencing facilities to team messaging Apps, those items help the whole team stay on the same page.
#3. Appreciate your responsibilities regarding employee rights. Peninsula’s statutory sick pay guide is imperative reading while pension schemes can make a telling impact too.
Making The Final Decisions:
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Even if you’ve been a team manager, there has always been a superior to answer to. Being the business owner puts you in the ultimate position of power. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Every decision you make could have a telling impact on the future of the business, but you must not let this rule your world. Otherwise, that crippling fear can prevent all progress.
Sharing some of the responsibility with your staff will boost your cause. Even so, not all decisions will be right. But as long as you make more good than bad, you should be relatively OK.
Solutions:
#1. Always conduct suitable levels of market research. Customer insights combined with a look at competitor products and services will help you stay one step ahead of the game.
#2. Learn to get into the habit of recording all ideas. The vast majority will be non-runners, but the ones that are right for the venture could hold the key to sustained success.
#3. Establish a strong employer-employee relationship. Ideally, you want staff members to feel comfortable in being able to raise questions while still maintaining a sense of authority.
Managing Money:
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Most employees think that they have experience of managing money. However, all entrepreneurs should be prepared for a reality check in this aspect of the business. Keeping the company’s finances in great health isn’t solely about the profit and loss accounts. Cash flow and projections are equally crucial if you wish to keep your head afloat and the venture swimming smoothly.
Given that the financial barometer is the only one that truly matters, getting it right should be one of your main concerns at all time. And that’s regardless of how much capital you possess.
Solutions:
#1. Set up a cash flow management system such as invoice crediting. This will allow you to access funds that would otherwise be held up in the system by borrowing.
#2. Invest in the right accounting software and business banking Apps as it’ll help you know where things stand at all times. Frankly, this alone signals half of the battle.
#3. Find ways to reduce operational overheads. From cheaper web hosting to using virtual customer care teams, those individual savings will soon add up to make a huge impact.
Winning And Keeping Customers:
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Most workers have experience of trying to help the company recruit new clients as well as keeping old ones happy. However, even marketing experts are usually versed with the company’s way of doing things. When you’re the boss, finding the winning formula counts for a lot. After all, the quality of your goods and services is a little redundant if you don’t have a keen customer base.
From marketing to customer care, everything you do in business should be built with consumers in mind. Nowadays, digital tech will form an important feature. However, your actions are still key.
Solutions:
#1.Build a winning brand that understands its place in the market. From colours and logos to customer interactions, the brand image dictates everything related to sales.
#2. Invest in a fair customer care scheme. Understanding their consumer rights via Citizen’s Advice is essential info. Moreover, a fair returns policy and easy contact details will inspire long-term trust.
#3. Use loyalty schemes and special offers to win over repeat custom and referrals to grow your audience in style. The power of recommendation is huge while extra incentives can sway opinions.
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