Guest Post and Photo submitted by Courtney Rosenfeld.
There is no doubt about it. Entrepreneurs make up the backbone of our American economy. The bright ideas, great work ethic, and results they provide are key for creating awesome products that customers can buy and enjoy. However, while many people dream of starting their own business, it is not always easy and even the brightest entrepreneur needs help along the way.
Here are a few tips on how to find the help you need to grow your company the best way possible.
Start Off on the Right Foot
The key to a successful business is to start off on the right foot so you can build up from your solid foundation. One of the first steps is to write up a business plan that details what you plan to
sell, how you plan to market it, and what funds you have to make it happen.
You will need to do your research during these beginning stages to ensure that you are compliant and you are in possession of all necessary licenses and permits. During this stage, it may be a good idea to contact the local county office to ask about all requirements.
You will also want to consider the structure of your business. A smart idea may be to create a limited liability company (LLC). You can set this up online and obtain many perks, including less paperwork, tax incentives, and more flexibility. Every state is different, so ensure that you meet local requirements.
People You Need
As your company grows and you start to earn profits, you will want to consider adding some folks onto your payroll who can help to keep your business on the up and up. A good start is to find an accountant to work on your budget and help you make important financial decisions. A good accountant will have previous experience, will understand your business, and show results.
It is also a great idea to look for a marketing guru who can help advertise your product to the masses so you can earn maximum profit. Look for a professional who has marketing experience in your particular industry. The best choice will have experience in social media and word-of-mouth advertising.
When it comes to finding employees, consider placing your company at career fairs where you can interview people right on the spot. You can also get referrals from your best current employees for their friends and family that will also be a great fit.
Looking for remote employees? You may be able to find capable foreign workers for a fraction of the cost. Simply search freelance job boards to find qualified remote workers. For example, you can find workers in The Philippines on sites like Freelancer.com where you can vet potential employees by their rating, reviews, and rates.
When it comes time to pay your foreign remote workers, bank transfers and other payment methods can be cost-prohibitive. Instead, you can use a money transfer service to securely send funds. For example, if you need to send money to foreign freelancers in a country like China, you can use Remitly to send money within minutes when you pay with your credit or debit card.
Tech to Make Life Easier
As the world continues to evolve, you may need fewer people and, instead, more technology to keep you moving and automate many of your processes. First, you will need a functional website where you can sell your products, accept payment, and post positive customer reviews so you can grow your customer base. Your website should be easy to use and accessible for all users.
It is also a smart idea to invest in inventory management software so you can keep track of your stock and plan appropriately for future product pushes. A good program will also monitor data analysis, customer service, operational workflows, and more.
Don’t forget to invest in a cloud computing solution like Google Drive, which will allow you to upload all important documents so you can use and download them from anywhere. Many cloud companies also do their own cybersecurity, so you will be protected on that side as well.
If you’re a solopreneur working from home, make sure you have up-to-date and reliable equipment. Some equipment you may want to invest in include a monitor with high resolution, an ergonomic keyboard, and a headset with enhanced audio.
As you can see, there are many tools and resources that you can use to grow your small businesses. By building a solid foundation, hiring capable employees, and taking advantage of some tech, you’ll be able to run a successful business.