The reality for many small business owners is that they were pressured into beginning something of their own. Maybe they were retrenched, fired or not able to discover a job. What this signifies is that often small business owners actually have not even had time to acquire some training in basic small business practices like finance, human resources management and promotion.
- Stay inside your circle of competence: the investor Warren Buffett avoids making investments beyond his circle of competence. Starting something new, venturing into a new market demands competence that the present small business operator may not have. Stick to the knitting in bad times.
- Keep focused on cash flow: When the money dries up, the game is over. In tough economic times it’s important to track cash flow more frequently, if not daily. Establish a simple system and watch your money like a hawk. Big customers wish to take ever forever to pay and providers want their money today. This makes it vital to handle cash carefully.
- Do not sign sureties: when money runs out, the temptation is to go to the lender to increase your overdraft. Do not sign sureties that for a little loan demand confiscation of all your business and personal assets. Enough said.
- Temptation: Act ethically at all times: even what might seem benign will become a significant issue if it entails and an unethical business practice. Make certain you have a clear red line where you would not cross over and browse this site https://www.theproche.com/2019/08/28/5-ethical-business-practices-for-new-business-owners/ for more info. In this market with people desperate, dishonest, exploitative small company are on the upswing. Detect them early and avoid them at all costs. Some are not paying their taxes, working illegally rather than complying with health regulations and needs to be shut down by the relevant authorities.
- Remember to work on your company: Working on Your Company gives you hardly any time to work on your business. Make time every week to review where your company is going and how you can enhance your operations and boost your market.
- Insurance cover: have insurance cover in place for fire, theft and personal Liability: It appears to be a no-brainer but how many small business owners have adequate insurance? Do not be wiped out because of the.
- Business information: The biggest risk that a company often faces is poor business advice. Airlines and utilities are virtually bankrupt due to poor business decisions and must be bailed out. Double check business ideas and rely on your own common sense and informed.
- Keep a watchful eye out for unusual employee behavior: One of your Employees could be handling a lot of critical tasks, workers could be carrying out inventory without you knowing it and fund or accounting employees could be involved in an invoicing scam. Look out for suspicious behavior.