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How To Give Your Small Business The Best Start

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The inspiration for your business could come from a variety of sources, including your skills, the parts of your current job that you enjoy the most, the realisation that there is a gap in the market for a product or service. You may just have an entrepreneur mindset and want to have more freedom with your career.. Whether it’s deciding on a new office space or developing a marketing strategy.

Increase Marketing and Advertising

Marketing is one of the most critical components of running a successful business. Your advertising approach may make or break you since it determines how visible you are to your target audience and whether your company’s message is clearly communicated. As more people shop online, internet and digital marketing are becoming increasingly vital. There are a few different ways in which you can do this.

One of the ways is to have social media influencers involved in your business start-up. By having influencers involved they can give realistic and trustworthy reviews to their followers. Influencers are used by even the biggest companies and choosing the right ones is important. If you have a small cafe in a town you won’t want big city influencers who don’t live near the cafe promoting it as their audience is unlikely to visit. In that case, you can find local influencers where the majority of their audience is local to you. So while they may have fewer followers, their followers are more likely to be your next customers.

You can do content marketing and SEO with a blog on your website. SEO or search engine optimization is a great way to attract traffic to your new website. The content you post on there will be things that your customers are searching for online. This will then be a more likely outcome that they will want what you are selling.

Be Enthusiastic

You don’t have to love your business (and probably shouldn’t), but you do have to be passionate about it. You’ll be devoting a significant amount of time and energy to the beginning and growing a business, so it’s critical that you truly enjoy what you do, whether it’s running fishing charters, creating ceramics, or offering financial advice.

Learn to be adaptable

Slow movers struggle to avoid becoming obsolete because agile organisations may quickly pivot in response to changing market conditions. Lean into your data and be willing to pivot. Listen to customer feedback and don’t be too set in your ways. If you aren’t getting much success with your business idea, you may have the entrepreneur mindset but need to go in a different direction. If your present company model or pricing strategy isn’t working, be open to changing it. If your website isn’t getting enough traffic, you may need to abandon your favourite outdated system or website in favour of a more responsive design.

Conduct your research

Business is never simply business; it must be personal as well. This is not to say that entrepreneurs should throw caution to the wind and launch firms based simply on their own opinions. Gut instincts are useful, but they are not the same as information. It is derived from data, which is derived through research. A great idea to get going with your plan for your customers is to create customer personas, who are your customers, what do they do, what do they like and how can your business help them. To effectively target customer profiles, it is vital to understand what drives and motivates them. One of the most important factors in small business success is research.

Get involved in the community

As the owner of a small business, you should seek ways to give back by volunteering, conducting a fundraising drive, or sponsoring a non-profit group. Participate in community activities and just engage the community by requesting input or recognising your loyal consumers. To put it another way, become engaged in the community and watch your business develop. Customers enjoy supporting small businesses. After all, by supporting a local small business, they are helping to improve the local economy. Knowing who is behind the product or service results in better customer service and a more personalised experience. Furthermore, supporting local businesses helps to keep the neighbourhood distinct.


Make a plan to succeed

Whether you want investors or not having a business plan is a must. It helps outline what your goals are for the business and also can help with funding applications, and then lays out at least a rough outline for how you’ll get to where you want to be with your idea. The plan will evolve as you learn more about your consumers and competitors, but it will keep you focused and moving in the correct way.

Keep your ego in check and pay attention to others

Don’t allow your ego to take over. Advisors are important because you need somebody to bounce ideas off of, inspect what you’re doing, and push you to greater success, while also holding you accountable for what you pledge to do. Always keep your word and follow through on promises, especially when they are unpleasant and difficult. It’s not about you; it’s about the company. Keep emotions at bay and don’t take things personally.

Invest in social media platforms

Using social media for business was unheard of ten years ago. Today, however, with the rise of social media giants such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, many businesses see the marketing benefits of these platforms. The rise of the social media influencer and content creation markets has created new avenues for growth. Social media has evolved into a new playground for people of all ages. Every marketer’s dream comes true: free access to such a large audience of potential clients for any product. Social media has an advantage over traditional media channels such as television, radio, magazines, and newspapers. With social media, you can quickly and cheaply distribute information about your company and possibly reach millions of people with your message. If social media isn’t dealt with in the right way it can also tank a business. If you feel that you may not be up to the task you can find freelance social media managers online who are able to help you run it and know exactly how to help your business thrive and grow an online community.

Look after your physical location

Aesthetics are everything. A world that cares about how things look and will judge a shop, cafe or any store based on how they look can determine whether or not they will be a customer or client of yours. Keep your space uncluttered, get office cleaning services and make sure things are simple and attractive to the eye.

Get the right help

Your employees are the backbone of your business, without them, you will most likely fail. It is important to hire the right kind of people, you might not always need them to have the right skills but the right mindset. Anything can be taught to others but having people who are dedicated, hard-working and share your passion will be a lot more beneficial to you and the success of your business.

Concentrate on your business market

Large corporations, such as Amazon, can afford to offer in many markets. The reason for this is that they have a lot of money to invest in branding, marketing, and customer service. You don’t as a small business owner, so it’s best to remain hyper-focused if you want to be successful.

4 Things You Need To Do When Starting A Business

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Starting a business may seem like a wish come true, but there is a lot to do before you can open the doors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States says that 20% of new businesses fail in their first two years. Why? Well, probably because they made some beginner mistakes when they first started building and opening their business. If you are an entrepreneur who wants to start a successful business, there are some things you need to know before you start. So, here are a few things to watch out for and mistakes to avoid when starting your own business.

StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article | 4 Things You Need To Do When Starting A Business | Entrepreneurship

Don’t Forget To Create A Business Plan

Many business owners don’t do a good job of making their business plans. Because of the oversight, a business is not well organised, planned, or structured. Worse, the mistake can lead to failure in the long run. A business plan is an important document, but it doesn’t have to be long or full of information. Instead, it will show you how to build a successful business and lead you through the steps. Still, it would be best if you took some time to plan it out. This will help you stay consistent with your efforts and lead you to important milestones and, eventually, success. You can also easily use this plan to get an ein .

Get Your Finances In Order

Entrepreneurs often make the mistake of not preparing their finances well enough. They often don’t do enough financial planning and get the amount of money they need to run their business wrong. It can make it hard to reach your goals or leave you short of cash when the business starts to grow. You need to make sure that you plan your money well and find enough resources.

So, you won’t make money mistakes and will have enough money for your business. Checking your credit score is another important thing to do (if you need to get a business loan). If you don’t look at the score, you might get less money than you thought. This is why it’s important to plan ahead financially. Also, you should look for more than one way to get money. Figure out which option will work best for you and your business.


Don’t Forget To Check And Make Changes

Your business plan can help you with this part. You can use it to keep track of your progress and see if you’re meeting your goals as planned. If you see that the programme isn’t working so far, you need to change it and figure out how you can do better. The business plan should be a living document, and you should keep an eye on how things are going all the time. Also, it’s important to keep the plan and your predictions up to date all the time.

Don’t Forget About Technology

Technology is now a big part of almost every business. It’s best not to ignore it or its advances, because if you do, your costs may go up. If you buy the right tools and technology for your business, you can cut costs and make more money. Technology can help us grow and make us more productive and efficient. Because of this, no one should ever ignore it. Even technology that is a few years old can slow the growth of your business, so be careful and keep everything up to date.

When Starting A Business

With the tips above, you can avoid making some of the most common mistakes that hold new business owners back. If you follow the research and keep an eye on things, you’ll be more likely to succeed and do so more quickly.

7 Ways To Increase Your Restaurant Curb Appeal

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It’s no secret that first impressions matter. When it comes to your restaurant, curb appeal is everything. From the moment potential customers pull up to your establishment, they’re making judgments about your food, your service, and your overall brand.

StrategyDriven Marketing and Sales Article | 7 Ways To Increase Your Restaurant Curb Appeal

So, how can you make sure your restaurant is putting its best foot forward?

Here Are A Few Ways To Increase Your Restaurant Curb Appeal:

1. Invest in quality signage.

Your sign is often the first thing potential customers will see, so it’s important to make sure it’s high-quality and eye-catching. Work with a professional designer to create a sign that accurately reflects your brand and entices people to come inside.

2. Keep the exterior clean and well-maintained.

First impressions aren’t just about what potential customers see, they’re also about what they feel. If your restaurant’s exterior is dirty or run-down, it’s not going to give off a good vibe. Make sure to regularly power wash the outside of your building, use Commercial concrete repair when needed, and keep up with other basic maintenance tasks like trimming bushes and sweeping sidewalks.

3. Add some greenery.

Plants and flowers can really brighten up an exterior, making it more inviting for customers. Container gardens are a great way to add some color without a lot of hassle. Just be sure to choose plants that are appropriate for your climate, and that won’t require too much upkeep.


4. Create an outdoor seating area.

If you have the space, adding an outdoor seating area is a great way to increase your curb appeal. People love being able to enjoy the outdoors, so giving them the option to do so at your restaurant will definitely make it more appealing. Just be sure to furnish your outdoor area with comfortable chairs and tables and keep it well-lit for evening dining.

5. Use lighting to your advantage.

Good lighting can make all the difference when it comes to curb appeal. String lights around your outdoor seating area, or add lanterns or sconces to either side of your door to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

6. Make sure your windows are clean.

Your windows are like a giant billboard, so you want to make sure they’re always clean and free of any smudges or fingerprints. Not only will this make your restaurant look more presentable, but it will also allow potential customers to see inside, giving them a glimpse of what they can expect from your food and service.

7. Add some fun and unique décor.

Personalizing your exterior with fun and unique décor is a great way to show off your personality and make your restaurant stand out from the rest. Think about adding art pieces, sculptures, or even just fun signage that reflects the vibe of your establishment.

In Closing

By following these tips, you can make sure your restaurant is putting its best foot forward and attracting new customers. Just remember that it’s important to keep up with trends and to regularly freshen up your exterior to ensure that you’re always making a good impression.

Tax Compliance For Small Businesses: A Complete Guide

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StrategyDriven Managing Your Finances Article | Tax Compliance For Small Businesses: A Complete GuideAs a small business owner, filing taxes for the business can be stressful. One of the things you might notice is that the types of taxes you’ll be filing for the business are different from personal taxes and a little bit more complex. The taxes you’re required to file for your business will depend on the tax laws in your country or region. For instance, you’ll be expected to file income tax, estimated quarterly taxes, and self-employment taxes in some countries.

Additionally, you should hire a professional to guide and help you file taxes for your small business. A professional will also help you understand the kind of taxes you’ll be filing and their implications on your business. Furthermore, failure to file and pay taxes on time can be severely detrimental to your business because you’ll be fined and subject to interest on the amount due. If you have no idea where to start with filing taxes for your small business, here is a complete guide:

1. Understand Your Tax Obligations

As mentioned earlier, there are several types of taxes, and you must understand the ones your business needs to comply with. If you know the tax system well, evaluate and organize all your tax obligations to ascertain you’ll get dividends, if there are any. You’ll also have to ensure you’re up-to-date with changes in tax regulations to ensure compliance.

However, suppose you find the tax system complicated, you can hire a reputable accountant or a tax filing company such as Swyft filings registered agent service to handle the entire process.

Subsequently, you can start by looking into the basic tax forms, which differ depending on the business bracket. When filling out the tax forms, you can decide to consolidate both the business and personal obligations, especially in income tax returns. Another item you might want to consider is creating estimated tax returns where you can specify the amount and the deadline for payments.

In addition, you can check and inquire whether your business has extensions that should be handled within the prescribed time. You can request an extension for the business when there’s a need for extra time to meet legal obligations. Despite being granted an extension, you’ll have to calculate the amount owed in taxes and ascertain it’s paid before the due date.

2. Create A Personalized Tax Calendar

Keeping track of all your business tax obligations can take a toll on you, and an electronic calendar would be helpful. Start by creating a digital calendar detailing the taxes that must be filed, the amount, and deadlines. Another benefit of creating a digital calendar is that it’ll also serve as a reminder. You can also include notes on tax reports and hardcopy documents on the calendar.

Besides, you should ensure you’re using a secure application or software for the calendar. Since you’ll note important business information on the digital calendar, you must ensure it’s safe. Any form of illegal access or breach into the digital calendar can expose crucial business details. Nonetheless, a tax calendar will help you stay organized and have a one-stop shop for all business information.

StrategyDriven Managing Your Finances Article | Tax Compliance For Small Businesses: A Complete Guide3. Consider Tax Deductions

As a business owner, it’s essential to constantly look for ways to save money and boost profits. While it might sound odd, you can save money on tax deductions offered to small businesses. Some of the deductions that might be available to you are business expenses such as payment of salaries, insurance, and start-up expenses. Another area you might consider when claiming a business deduction is a home office deduction if you’re running the business from home.

In addition, you must learn what the laws on tax deductions provide and how they’ll benefit your business. For illustration, regulations such as the Qualified Business Income Tax Deduction give room for up to 20% deductions on the total income of a business. Though you’re entitled to tax deductions for your business, you must be qualified. You can check the tax regulatory bodies for qualifications for tax deductions in small businesses.

Moreover, if you’re wondering what deductions you can claim for your business, start by checking tax regulations. However, if you’ve sought the services of an accountant or a tax agent, they can advise on the tax deductions you can claim.

4. Ensure Accurate Calculation Of Taxes

Your small business must always file accurate taxes. Once you’ve collected all the information on the types of taxes, you’ll be filing and the possible deductions, you can start calculating taxes. When calculating taxes, ensure you comply with the legal structure to avoid issues with the tax regulatory body. In addition, use receipts and invoices to correctly identify income and expenditure in the business.

Once you’ve tallied the total revenue and expenses, you can determine the deductions your business qualifies for. The calculations will help determine how much tax your small business should pay. When done, file the tax forms with the tax regulatory body accompanied by payments of the amounts due. Nevertheless, if the math becomes overwhelming, seek the help of a professional.

5. Make All The Tax Documentation Accessible

Once you’ve gathered all your documents, including receipts, ensure they’re accessible to authorized personnel. The papers are proof of tax compliance and should be accessible to your business partners or anyone else that might need them. While it’s easy to keep a digital record of all documents, hardcopy documents can be saved as a backup. You can keep the documents in a lockable drawer for safety.

Besides, if there’s an issue with the tax process, the documents can be used to countercheck accounting details. Further, you can label the documents using tags to differentiate documents and the consequent return periods.


6. Create A System

Filing business taxes can be tedious, but creating a functional system can make it easy. You can start creating a system by organizing your documentation and taking the time to comprehend your tax obligations. While it might take a lot of time and energy to establish a sustainable approach, the benefits to your business would be tremendous.

Nevertheless, you must ensure your system gets updated whenever your business has new tax obligations. You’ll have to regularly revisit the process to ascertain it’s still meeting the business needs. Eventually, you’ll spend less time and resources on tax compliance for your business.

Conclusion

Ensuring your small business is tax compliant can be complex and stressful. Despite the difficult and tedious process, you must ensure your business files the appropriate tax documents on time to avoid being penalized. You can make the taxation process for your business easy by creating a system that works for you. Feel free to consult a professional if you’re not confident about the taxes you’re supposed to file for your business.

7 Ways to Ensure the Safety of Your Commercial Premises

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There are plenty of things that can impact the success of your business. But there’s arguably none worse than a safety incident at your premises. If that happens, your business won’t just face financial repercussions, but it could also face legal ones, too. Plus, as a good employer, it’s essential that you create a safe environment for your employees. In this blog, we’re going to run through some effective methods for ensuring that your commercial premises are as safe as can be.

Hire an Expert

To put your business on the path towards impeccable safety, you’ll need to know what the safety threats are. Sometimes, this is an easy process because identifying safety issues is relatively straightforward. In other types of facilities, it’s more difficult. If you’re unable to clearly identify what the safety concerns may be, then it’s recommended that you hire a safety expert to do the job for you. They’ll be able to tell you where your potential weak points are and make recommendations for how you can improve things.

Take Care of the Infrastructure

There are plenty of things that can cause a safety incident at your business. The leading non-human cause of accidents is faulty infrastructure. As such, it’s important that you make every effort to ensure that the infrastructure of your business is watertight from a safety point of view. For example, are your safety valves up to standard? Is your roof watertight and secure? This is something that requires ongoing management — you can’t just look at these things once and expect them to work forever. After all, things do lose their quality over time.

Train Your Staff

Most workplace accidents are a result of human error. That’s not to say it’s the employee’s fault, however. If they haven’t been specifically trained to use the company’s equipment properly, then it’s actually the company’s fault, not the employee’s. Health and safety training isn’t the most exciting task, sure, but it is a critical one. You should be conducting regular training sessions so that your team is always up to date with the latest practices. It’s a good idea to hire a professional to lead the training sessions unless you have specific training in that field.

Maintain a Clean and Tidy Environment

There are plenty of workplaces that are safe when they’re in spotless condition. It’s when they’re not in a spotless condition that issues arise. This is a particular issue in warehouses and factories, but in truth, all business premises can suffer from being untidy. It just makes the environment more dangerous — it’s not hard to see how an injury could occur if someone was carrying something and tripped over an item that shouldn’t be there. As such, it’s imperative that you’re working to keep your work environment clean and tidy at all times. If you have a particularly busy workplace, then it could be a good idea to hire a cleaner to do the task for you.


Take Every Incident Seriously

Serious accidents in the workplace are rare. However, when you look at the events leading up to those incidents, you usually find that the signs that something bad was going to happen were there. It’s just that those early signs were non-serious injuries, so no one took them seriously. It’s for this reason that you should take every incident in the workplace seriously, even if the injury is extremely minimal. You might have just gotten lucky this time around — the next time could result in a serious injury.

Health and Safety Tools

It’s essential to invest in the correct health and safety tools for your site. It’s not hard to see how a fire extinguisher could be extremely useful if the premises experienced flames. There’s much more to know about safety equipment than you might expect, however. There are various different types of fire extinguishers, for example, with each type being used to put out a different type of fire. You will also want to have an extensive first aid kit, as well as any equipment that is specific to your particular line of work.

Secure the Premises

Finally, be sure to work on securing your premises so that no one can enter the building. The chances of someone entering your facility with the intention of doing harm are extremely small, but it’s not zero. Having keypad access, CCTV cameras, and other security equipment won’t just protect your team of staff but will also ensure that your site is kept safe when you’re not there too.