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Five Tips For Running A Small Business With Minimal Stress

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Five Tips For Running A Small Business With Minimal Stress

If you have ever had someone say to you that running a small business is easy, it may be in your best interest to take such a statement with a pinch of salt. A large pinch of salt!

For many people new to the world of business, setting up can be daunting, yet also enjoyable at the same time. It can feel like a juggling act, and, as is the way with juggling, if you drop one ball, it’s unlikely that the rest of the act will go seamlessly.

The reality is that running a small business takes work. More work than the standard 9-5, and it is easy to become overwhelmed with stress, especially in the first year. So, rather than risk burnout, many entrepreneurs and small business owners need to consider ways to run their business successfully, without making themselves unwell.

Outsource When Possible

Even for small businesses or start-ups, you will be surprised at how many things can be outsourced. Your HR can be outsourced to places like HR Dept, your marketing can be outsourced, and your IT and tech support can also be delegated to another company.

A significant area that many small businesses seek to outsource is taxes. Tax law is, at best, annoying, and depending on where you are located, as well as how much you earn and your area of business, it may be wise to hire the support of an accountant, to oversee tax season for you. This simplifies the process and can save you money in the long term, as they will know which areas are tax-exempt and can help you with expenses.

Accept Failure

It is oh-so easy for a small business owner to see failure as a personal issue.

Perhaps you made the wrong choice for your business, perhaps a hunch you had didn’t work out, or, maybe you invested in stock for your store that isn’t shifting. The important thing to consider is that failure is not only a part of daily life, in the world of business, it is something that you have to take in your stride and manage.

You will have bad periods, and you will have times when you want to pack it in and get a regular desk job. However, these periods are usually temporary and if you can learn to see them as such, then chances are that your business will do well long-term. Stick with it!

Set Up A Routine Each Day

There is a myth that those who run their businesses can get up when they want, take time off when they want and can just, generally, have the freedom to live as they choose. As stated, that is a myth and one that you will soon learn about when running your own business.

Try to establish a routine each day, as this will help you better manage and plan your time. Go to bed at the same time each night, wake up at the same time each day, and break your day down into essential tasks and secondary tasks. If you have a delivery scheduled for your store on Wednesday, please ensure you clear space for it by Tuesday. If your staff are paid on Saturday, make time to process their timesheets on Friday. Simple, effective, and essential for success.

Invest in Relationships

You cannot run a small business by yourself, and, irrespective of the area you are in, you will need to forge good relationships with customers, clients, suppliers and your staff.  Always focus on keeping your staff engaged and happy, while showing them that you appreciate their time and effort.

When interacting with customers and clients, always maintain a professional and polite demeanor, focusing on providing the best possible experience for them. A happy client or customer is likely to return time and time again, so don’t overlook your role in keeping them engaged with your business or service.

Look After Yourself

It sounds clichéd, but when you’re doing all of this, you need to take time to look after yourself.

Yes, with a new business, you may be working seven days a week, but, in that time, try to get rest periods, eat correctly and, if you can, engage in mindfulness exercises. You cannot be the captain of a ship (or the manager or owner of a business) if you are unwell! If you do notice that you are starting to experience fatigue, feel bad, or have peaks of anxiety, please reach out for help from a doctor.

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