In these uncertain times, it can feel almost impossible to move forward on new ideas. Stress, tension, worry, and chaos surround us at every turn, and it doesn’t seem to be changing. However, have you ever thought that a time like this is the perfect time to make something of which you’ve always dreamed? Indeed, uncertain and somewhat chaotic times like these can be perfect for taking that first step out of your comfort zone!
If you’ve been working on an idea for a new business, this could be the right time to take concrete steps and make your dream a reality. Yes, the business world is turned upside down right now, but that can create an opening for a whole new idea to blossom! Follow our steps below to ensure you have the details to help support you on your path to becoming a small business owner that thrives.
One of the most important considerations to make when moving forward on your new small business idea is the space you’re going to occupy. Today, many businesses are choosing to go virtual, shipping their products from an online store, and allowing their employees to work remotely. It’s a solution that can be an excellent option for many business owners! Also, if you’re paying a small number of employees, a pay stub generator is simple. It saves time, is easy to use, and can be emailed directly to your employees. Paystubsnow.com offers a great generator to fill out and print your pay stubs conveniently.
Artisans, writers, coaches, and digital content creators find great success in moving their businesses to a remote setting. This allows for maximum productive uses of time and low overhead – no reason to spend money designing and maintaining a storefront when your customers have an even better experience receiving your services and interacting with your staff on a virtual platform.
Instead, focus on investing in a website designed with the user experience in mind, as well as virtual project management platforms to help your team manage their tasks. This can be an excellent way to keep in touch with your team and support them in supporting you. Also, a website that is easy to use will allow your customers (and potential customers) to feel at ease exploring your offerings and to feel great about their purchases.
However, if you are the type of business that requires a storefront to deliver your services effectively, looking into maintaining and designing your space can be a critical step to ensure the success of your venture. You can start with the “bones”: the roof, the walls, the windows, the rockwork, and the landscaping.
It might sound basic, but ensuring that the structure that houses your business is sound can save you considerable costs. It also makes a massive impact on your customers. We as humans are very sensitive to our environments, and coming into a business space that is well-maintained, tastefully appointed, and promotes a feeling of safety and security can make all the difference. Customers who feel safe and nurtured are more likely to return and recommend their friends and loved ones to patronize your business.
So, where do you start? Go outside and take a look at your building. Do your roofs and gutters look clean, waterproof, and well-functioning? If not, it might be a great time to call on a professional and have a consultation. Taking time and money to repair and maintain your roofs and gutters now, before damage sets in and begins to affect your day-to-day. If this sounds like you, take a moment and learn more about professional roofing services from our friends at Benton Roofing!
Also, take a walk around your indoor space. Is there enough light and fresh air? Light and fresh air are immensely crucial for the health, happiness, and longevity of your employees and customers. While you’re at it, check out the lighting that’s already installed in your space. Many people are sensitive to fluorescent lights. With raising awareness about sensory issues, taking the time and consideration to ensure the space is accessible and comfortable for everyone is well worth your time.
Consider adding live plants to your showroom or office space as well – live plants improve the oxygen quality in the room, and they have been shown to improve mental health for those who work near them.
If you are creating a storefront to promote or sell products or services, take a few moments and walk around the space and pretend you’ve never been there before. Imagine you are a new customer and meeting your services or products for the first time. Is it easy to navigate the space, or does it take too much energy to figure out where to go and what to engage?
As humans, most of us are wired to respond more enthusiastically to an environment that is nurturing and easy to navigate. It makes them feel safe and cared for, and as a small business owner, you know that care is one of the main strengths you can provide to keep your clients coming back again and again.
Finally, let’s talk about day to day maintenance. Do you have a streamlined plan for how you and your staff care for your business environment to ensure that it always feels great to come to work every day? Including your team in the care and maintenance of the space is a strategy that can also help your employees feel a sense of ownership over their environment. It can also ensure that they feel cared for as equal partners in sharing a space where you can all succeed.
No matter which step you chose to focus on first, we know that taking these steps early on in the business planning process can help you achieve greater success as a small business owner. We know more than most how much you have on your mind, and it can feel perhaps like a waste of time to focus on so many small details early on.
However, we have seen through experience that those who take the time and energy to plan for the little details can enjoy more time and freedom to focus on growth as their business develops. And that’s what ends up making the difference: clients and customers, no matter their background, or the industry of the business, prefer to connect with business owners that focus on connection and growth. Their loyalty, and sense of pride in what you’ve accomplished, will keep your client base growing for years to come.
