Small business management is a science unto itself, and is not simply
implementing general business strategies on a smaller scale. While this
may work in some instances, managing a small business requires unique
strategies and structure implementation.
Knowledge is not Enough.
Being
an academic expert in the field associated with a particular small
business does not guarantee success. While an intimate knowledge may
lead to increased customer confidence, it does not guarantee the
business will be structured in a way conducive to long-term financial
success. Intelligent owners need to hire or outsource people with the
correct skills to compliment their knowledge base.
Avoid Mixing Business Relationships.
In
many cases, small business owners have a contact base comprised mostly
of their friends or former colleagues. Hiring these individuals is often
a mistake as the business nature of the relationship will be
contaminated by the previous nature of the relationship.
Internal Promotion is Not Always the Best Option.
Working
closely with certain individuals for an extended period of time leads
to an intimate relationship, often wandering into the realm of
friendship. This relationship often clouds the evaluative process of the
business relationship. Unqualified individuals can only harm the
business.
Develop A Strategy.
Many first-time business
owners believe that they can run a successful operation based sole on
their passion and hard-work. Unfortunately, know amount of work can
compensate for a poor or absent long-term plan. Even a general or vague
strategy is better than simply approaching every day with no set plan.
Consistency.
A
daily routine and a set schedule are crucial for instilling confidence
in both customers and employees. It is also useful for ensuring that
payments are met, and repetitive meetings are not missed.