5 Tips to Keep Your Employees Happy

By Ashley Vance

No company can be successful without a team of trusted employees working behind the scenes! Though finding good employees is an important accomplishment, knowing how to keep them happily engaged is an entirely different mission. Maintaining a relationship with your employees can be a struggle at times, so here are 5 steps to keep your employees motivated day after day, week after week.

Show them respect: Sounds simple enough, right? Despite being an unwritten rule of all human interaction, respect, or a lack thereof, is perhaps the most common reason employees choose to leave your organization. Employees are people, too! Be sure to speak to them like grown-ups, and not small children or workers in a factory.

Hold regular meetings. Having an optional weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly meeting automatically instills commitment. If you can successfully keep your employees in the loop, your project could become their project after just a few brief meetings. Developing physical, face-to-face contact on a regular basis gives you the chance to make them an official part of your team & point them in the direction of your overall goal. Your employees probably do the majority of your grunt work and will most likely have suggestions about the process, so make sure the meeting allows for a time to provide input!

Give them T-Shirts. I know what you’re thinking: this step costs money. Fortunately, nothing motivates people like free stuff! Not only will a T-Shirt increase their desire to be a part of your team, but it can also be a good advertising medium for you company or upcoming events.

Be accessible. Check in with your employees frequently to simply touch bases and answer any questions they may have. Trust me, no one wants to work for someone who doesn’t communicate well!

Lead by example. Don’t be a dictator! If you want to keep your employees pleased, you should probably refrain from barking out senseless orders. Practice what you preach, and actually do what they do from time to time.

If you can commit to these 5 Steps, you can certainly increase the tenure of you employees.

Growing with the SBDC

Whether you’re a printer, a machinist, or a plumber, every small business goes through the three primary phases of business growth. How long each phase is, and the particulars of the phasing, are different for every business, but if you remain in business long enough, you’ll hit all three phases.

The Georgia SBDC prides itself in being an important asset to small business owners, regardless of the phase their business is in, and that is why we offer a varied and engaging set of small business courses to compliment our one on on consulting. To highlight how the SBDC can help your business, let’s take a deeper look at the three phases of a small business and the courses the SBDC offers at each phase.

Phase One: Start-Up
First impressions are as important in business as in relationships, which is why the Start-Up Phase is arguably the most important phase of your small business’ life cycle. Depending on the industry, the Start-Up Phase is generally characterized by limited sales, a lot of marketing and customer discovery, and arranging seed capital, whether it’s through a “friends and family” round of equity financing or a line of credit or small business loan.

Your Georgia SBDC offers two courses geared for Start-Ups: Starting A Business, and StartSmart. Starting A Business is an evening class that gives aspiring entrepreneurs the basics for getting their business off the ground. You can sign up for the next Starting A Business class here.

StartSmart is a much more intensive course. Spread over eight 3-hour sessions, you will learn everything you need to survive through the Start-Up Phase and launch your business into the next Phase. You can apply for the next StartSmart class here.

Phase Two: Growth
Once you have a product or service, know who your customer is and have a good pricing arrangement, and know how you’re going to market and sell to them, you are ready to enter the Growth Phase of your business. This phase can be both the most exciting, as well as the most treacherous phase of your business’ life cycle. Unless you manage your cash flow, inventory, and personnel (among other key indicators) your business could actually “grow itself to death.”

To help you manage your way through this tumultuous period the SBDC has developed the GrowSmart course, a series of five all-day sessions that cover everything you need to know to manage the Growth Phase of your business. To apply for the nearest GrowSmart class click here.

Phase Three: Maturity
Most small businesses never reach this Phase. They may be sold while they’re still growing, they could go bankrupt, or the owners could simply move onto something else. But for the businesses who reach Maturity, they find a steady flow of revenue, loyal customers, and mastery of their craft and marketplace. However, even at this lofty position, there are still pitfalls. Business is dynamic, and markets are constantly changing. Just because you’re the master of a market now, doesn’t mean you will still be a few years from now.

That is why the SBDC offers one-on-one consulting and lots of maintence courses even for Mature companies. SBDC Business Consultants are a trusted resource for everything small business, and with 17 offices around the state of Georgia, you can be sure there is someone in the state who has the answer to your questions. If you’d like to set up an appointment with your local SBDC office, just click here.

Whatever phase your small business is in, the SBDC has a course or consultant for you, so find the best class for your business and set up an appointment with a local Business Consultant today.

 

How To Win Small Business Saturday

In just 9 days, the biggest day for Small Business retail shopping will finally be here. Small Business Saturday is set for November 28th, and an estimated 42 million shoppers will descend on America’s small businesses to buy everything from consumer goods to electronics. Whether you own a small card shop or a diner, you need to be prepared to snag as much of the business heading your way as possible. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this special day.

Stay Open Longer
Small Business Saturday is the biggest small business shopping event of the year, so take full advantage by opening early and staying open later. After-all it’s much easier to attract new customers when you’re open, right?

Prepare Your Staff
Make sure your staff are prepared for all the new customers by shining up on their customer service and up-selling skills. Have bundles prepared, so they can easily suggest additional items to customers.

Dress Up Your Store
Your staff aren’t the only ones who may need a Holiday Spirit upgrade. Put your staff and customers in the mood for shopping by decorating your store in an enticing and unusual way that captures your unique business. The best part is, once you have the store dressed up, you can post pictures to Social Media for an added marketing boost.

Make it a Block Party
The holidays are about sharing, right? So why no get your neighbors in on the action and attract more customers through cooperation? Stringing together several stores with promotions and sales in one place will make your location more enticing.

Make it a Weekend Affair
Just because it’s called Small Business Saturday doesn’t mean Big Business should get all the fun the rest of the weekend. Start SMS early with some Black Friday specials, and be sure to prepare your website with some awesome Cyber Monday specials.

Small Business Saturday is the best day of the year for small businesses. Make the most of it by increasing your exposure to new customers and getting the most out of the ones you get in your store.

And be sure to tag @UGASBDC_GSU on Twitter or Instagram with all your amazing #SmallBizSat pics and promotions.

 

QuickBooks Basics Workshop

The Georgia State University Small Business Development Center will be hosting a workhop:

QuickBooks Basics

This full day program is designed to provide prospective and first time users with a basic introduction to QuickBooks. This program will also provide useful information to help participants identify, establish and maintain an effective accounting system necessary to manage a business.

Course Topics Include:

– Getting Started

– Setting up your new company data file

– Entering opening balances

– Customizing forms

– Creating your master lists including chart of accounts, names and item lists

– Working with purchase orders, estimates, invoices and sales receipts

Location: Georgia State University’s Alpharetta Center: 3775 Brookside Pkwy., Alpharetta, GA 30022

Cost: $169.00 Per Person

*To register for this class please call our office at (404) 413-7830 or visit our website!*

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Refunds will be issued for cancellations made one business day prior to the program date. No refunds will be issued thereafter.

Georgia State University Small Business Development Center’s Continuing Education Workshops for February

One Page Business Plan

*Starting a business without a plan is like going on a road trip with out a map!*

A business plan helps you start, build and manage your business. Learn why a business plan is critical to your success, especially if you plan to apply for a loan to finance your business.

Course topics include

Sections of a business plan

What information is required for each section

Financial projections

Capital equipment list

Sources of capital

• Date: February 11, 2015
• Time: 7:30 a.m.—9:30 a.m.
• Location: Club E Atlanta: 3707 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
• Cost: $49.00

Marketing Your Small Business

Successful, high—impact marketing relies less on money and more on knowing how to use time, energy, and imagination.

In this workshop learn how to

Create a marketing plan

Increase sales and profits with unique marketing strategies

Maximize your marketing dollars

Enhance your business profitability

 

• Date: February 17, 2015
• Time: 9:30 am—12:30 pm
• Location: Club E Atlanta: 3707 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
• Cost: $69.00 

QuickBooks Basics

This full day program is designed to provide prospective and first time users with a basic introduction to QuickBooks. This program will also provide useful information to help participants identify, establish and maintain an effective accounting system necessary to manage a small business.

 

Course topics include

Getting Started

Setting up your new company data file

Entering opening balances

Customizing forms

Creating your master lists including chart of accounts, names and item lists

Working with purchase orders, estimates, invoices and sales receipts

 

• Location: GSU Alpharetta Center—3775 Brookside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30022
• Cost: $169.00 

Finding Money For Your Small Business

This detailed program shows you step-by-step how to finance a start-up or growing business. Also included are tips on how to prepare a winning package for any type of financial assistance. Learn how successful borrowers pick the right financing options and make their proposals attractive to funding sources.

 

Course Topics include

Different financing options

The myths and realities of grant funding

Calculating your financing needs

Develop financial projections

How to professionally present your proposal

 

• Date: February 23, 2015
• Time: 9:00 am—11:30 am
• Location: Club E Atlanta: 3707 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
• Cost: $69.00

To register call our office at (404) 413-7830 or visit our website—www.georgiasbdc.org

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Mary Phillips at (404) 413-7830.

*Refunds will be issued for cancellations made one business day prior to the program date. No refunds will be issued thereafter.*

Will This Be The Year You Start A Business?

Written by: Nellie Akalp

Each January you reacquaint yourself with your gym’s floor plan and have big dreams to launch a business. Yet come December you haven’t seen your gym membership badge in months and you’re no closer to being your own boss.

If you are serious about starting your own venture, timing couldn’t be better this year. While the stock market may have started 2015 off on a bad foot, both the economy and consumer confidence are rebounding after the recession. Low gasoline prices are putting more cash in everyone’s pockets. And now that Obamacare is in effect, entrepreneurs have more options for health insurance coverage when they go solo.

With such a ripe climate for entrepreneurial activity, how can you make things happen and prevent another year from slipping by? Here are seven steps:

1. Assess your financial situation and tolerance for risk
Think about where you are right now in your life. Can you afford to forego a steady pay check and other perks? Can you survive on your savings for months, a year? Not every entrepreneur with an awesome idea has 6 to 24 months of living expenses saved up. You might have a family to support, and student loans or a mortgage to pay.

This isn’t meant to discourage you from following your dreams, but you need to be realistic about your situation and craft a plan accordingly. Perhaps you keep your day job for six months while you lay the groundwork for your new business. Or you start small and keep your personal and business expenses as low as possible. Most small businesses close because owners run out of money, so make sure your plans realistically match your budget.

2. Come up with a business plan
You don’t need to create a comprehensive 100-page document. At this point, a single page that helps distill your thinking is best. This lets you hone in on the core of your business concept before delving into all the details. What’s your value proposition? What products or services will you offer and how do they differ from anyone else? Who are your customers and what are they looking for?

3. Determine what kind of help you need
What sort of partners, vendors, and other expertise do you need to launch your business? Do you need a manufacturing supplier? Someone to design your website? Start to make a plan about what you can handle yourself and how you are going to find (and pay for) the outside resources.

4. Get out and network
The more people you know, the better. Attend networking events to grow your potential customer, partner, and employee base. Start requesting conversations with professionals in your field and others who have started their own ventures. Ask them for coffee or a phone call to talk about their experiences. And observe everyone in your space: think about what they’re doing right, and what’s missing.

5. Stay focused
Most entrepreneurs have a lot of ideas. When you’re a creative and passionate person, it’s easy to get side-tracked on new projects, when you should be working on your core idea. Think about the top three things you need to do in the next few months to give your new venture the best chance for success. Keep these priorities in mind with everything you do. Otherwise, you can feel like you’re accomplishing a lot, without making any real progress.

6. Believe in yourself
When you are planning or starting a business, everyone (friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, strangers…) has advice. And I’ll be honest: some of those people are going to think you have a lousy idea and are headed straight for bankruptcy. This is when you will need to stand firm and have unwavering belief in yourself, your ideas, and your business. Don’t worry about convincing your critics at this point, but don’t let the detractors turn you off course.

7. Don’t be afraid to fail
No matter what type of business you want to start, keep in mind that most people’s first entrepreneurial attempts fail. You may fail miserably and brilliantly, but that hardly makes you a failure. With every attempt, you’ll gain valuable experience and insight into what works and what doesn’t. Starting a business is stressful and it’s easy to get downright panicked, but you cannot let fear prevent you from following your dreams. Think of it this way: if fear stops you from ever making a real effort, you will have failed before you ever started.

So, what do you think: will 2015 be the year you finally make things happen?

Article Source: Huffingtonpost.com

*Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.* 

The Georgia State University Small Business Development Center is available to assist you in that journey through the pre-venture process! One of the ways we provide help is through our continuing education workshops.

On January 28, 2015 we will have a Starting A Business Workshop that will provide an overview of the biggest challenges faced by new business owners. Many basic questions for starting a business are answered in this course.

Another great continuing education opportunity we have coming up on February 11, 2015 is our One Page Business Plan Workshop. A business plan helps you start, build and manage your business. In this workshop you will learn why a business plan is critical to your success, especially if you plan to apply for a loan to finance your business.

*These courses are relatively inexpensive and are vital in effectively managing a business. * 

To register for any of these classes please call our office at (404) 413-7830 OR visit our website!

*Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.*
Contact: Mary Phillips (404) 413-7830

Georgia State University Small Business Development Center’s April Continuing Education Workshops

VET START – Strategies for Launching a New Business

A Program for Veterans 

Nearly 2.5 million U.S. businesses are veteran-owned. They had $1.22 billion in revenues and employed nearly 6 million people.   Why not you?

Designed specifically for new entrepreneurs, VetStart provides the resources and support to launch your company and put your dreams within reach.

VetStart  will help you launch a business built for today’s challenging times. In just 8 three-hour sessions, learn to evaluate and implement your vision by creating a thorough, well researched business plan.

VetStart covers these important topics in eight high-energy, interactive sessions:

• Foundations for a Successful Business
• Marketing Research & Analysis
• Capturing the Market
• Efficient Operations
• Financial Foundations
• Financial Plan
• Bringing it All Together
• Implementing and Presenting the Plan

Thanks to our sponsors, qualified veterans will receive a defrayment of the tuition for this program, decreasing the cost to $195.

To register for this workshop please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

QUICKBOOKS: Step-by-Step

This workshop is designed to provide small business owners with and introduction to QuickBooks.

Course topics include:

• A review of all the important functional areas in QuickBooks.
• An introduction to the various QuickBooks software versions available and supported by Intuit.
• QuickBooks-related services including payroll, merchant credit card services, point-of-sale and other applications that integrate with QuickBooks.

Date: April  29, 2015

Location: U.S. Small Business Administration, Peachtree Center, Harris Tower, 19th Floor, 233 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Cost: Free. Pre-registration is required. 

NO COMPUTER NEEDED!

To register for this workshop please call (404) 413-7830 or visit our website.

*Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Please contact Mary Phillips at (404) 413-7830 or email: atlanta@georgiasbdc.org. Refunds will be issued for cancellations made one business day prior to the program date. No refunds will be issued thereafter.*

7 Ways Successful People Build Exceptional Professional Relationships

Written by: Rhett Power/Original post from Inc.com

Have you noticed how successful people seem to easily expand their networks? Or how they are able to ask colleagues for assistance with just about anything? It may appear that they are more confident or sophisticated than others, but they actually are following a simple model of behavior that leads to lasting and loyal professional relationships.

Here’s how successful people build exceptional professional relationships:

1. They are kind to people at all levels

Respect for colleagues and employees in every position is not only the right thing to do, it’s also a way to network. Acknowledge the responsibilities of every staff person; an organization’s success depends on each team member.

2. They offer help without being asked

Successful people don’t wait to be asked. They provide information when they hear what someone else needs. They send links to articles; the name of a good plumber; and referrals to other colleagues. They find mentors for new staff members.

3. They “own” their behavior

Everyone makes mistakes. What’s different about successful people? They don’t wait to get caught; they are honest and upfront about their mistakes and decisions.

4. They take a hit for the team

A true leader will not pass blame to a colleague or staff person. He or she will step in to handle a demanding situation or angry customer.

5. They ask for opinions and feedback

Asking for someone’s perspective says that you value the person’s experience and intelligence. It also means that you are willing to listen to people who may disagree with you…and they may have valid reasons which you may not have considered.

6. They connect people

Successful people are generous in their introductions and in helping people find needed resources. One of the benefits of networking is to get to know a variety of people, and then to use your network to connect those people who might not know of each other.

7. They are genuinely thoughtful and considerate

They offer congratulations and acknowledge achievements. They send emails to maintain connections. They send gifts and remember important days. They are delighted when others succeed.

Real success is impossible without building and maintaining authentic relationships. When you treat colleagues with respect, you will be rewarded both professionally and personally.

Please share on social media if you found this post helpful. If you have a comment or question, please post and add your voice to the conversation.

Article Source: Inc.com

Tips for Preparing Your Business for the Holiday Season

Written By: Natasja Fincher

If you’re a small business owner that means it’s time to start planning for the holidays. Are you ready? The team at the GSU-Small Business Development Center has some easy tips that will prepare you and your small business for the most productive holiday season yet!

1. Let’s Start With The Staff – Start planning early. Depending on your business, the holiday season can be a very busy and stressful time for them as well as you. Consider their needs, and make sure that your holiday prep list includes ways to help them better serve your customers.
2. Be Aware Of Trends – And Take Part in Shop Local Campaigns – Some of the main reasons people like to shop locally is because they have a desire to support the local economy, to find one-of-a-kind gifts, and because it’s just more convenient. These trends are all in your favor as a small business owner, and by planning ahead now you can take advantage of them. Is your city or town running a “shop local” holiday campaign? A quick internet search or a call to your local Chamber of Commerce can help you find out. Taking the time now to make sure your business is on flyers and promotional websites will pay off this holiday season.

In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help businesses with their most pressing need — getting more customers. The single day has grown into a powerful movement, and more people are taking part than ever before.

3. A Little Marketing Goes A Long Way – A good marketing campaign takes a lot of planning so make sure you give yourself plenty of lead time, since you’re also juggling all of your small business’s priorities. Here are some things to try out:

• A holiday sale or special holiday items. Tie your campaigns into a short-term increase in email marketing (be careful not to overdo it).
• Reach people through several channels. Increasing email marketing frequency has the potential to generate additional revenue at next to no cost. Remember to tie that same messaging into your Facebook, Instagram, Tweets and your blog.

4. Get In Touch With Your CPA – It is never too soon to prepare your tax information for the year. This includes reconciling accounting software such as QuickBooks. You will need to ask yourself, what does my CPA need from me and how do they want to receive it? The sooner you get it all together, the less you have to worry about as the holiday season approaches.

What should you do if you do not already have a CPA for your small business? GET ONE!  Not everyone is born to do math, and most people don’t know the intricacies of federal tax laws and state financial regulations. That’s where the accountants, the bookkeepers and the professional number crunchers, come in. You will need to find a CPA that has background in small business bookkeeping. If you are having trouble finding one, ask other business owners you trust who they use.

5. Send thank-you note/season greetings cards to valued customers and vendors – This one is a simple one but is still very important! Your customers and vendors want to know they are valued and appreciated. What better way to do that then to send a note thanking them for their business or sending a little holiday cheer their way?

The hustle and bustle of the holidays is a part of what makes the season so special, but that doesn’t mean your small business has to suffer! Take the time to plan now, so that you can profit later. Happy Holidays!

*Article resources came from businessadvising.com and NFIB.com.*

To receive more articles like this one and get great information on everything small business, join our mailing list by clicking here!

5 Tips to a Stress-Free Holiday in Your Business

Image Credit: Google Images

By: Leslie Truex from Personal Branding Blog

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time of gratitude and spending time with loved ones. But running a business during the holidays can lead to stress and burnout. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be hectic and overwhelming. You can enjoy the holiday season and still keep your business humming along.

Here are five strategies to reduce stress during the holidays.

1. Make a list and check it twice.

Lists aren’t just for Santa. With all the additional to-dos and events during the holidays, a list will help you stay on top of your activities and arrive where you need to go on time. A web-based resource, such as Evernote, can help you keep organized at work, at home and while on the run.

2. Take on extra help for yourself and your staff.

You and your staff are already busy, so taking on the extra tasks of the holidays can be nearly impossible. This is especially true if your business picks up during the holidays. To help offset the extra burden, hire temporary help to pick up the slack and fill-in when staff members are away. Because many people are looking to make extra money during the holidays, it’s not that difficult to find additional help.

3. Shop early and online.

Gone are the days in which you have to drive all over town picking up gifts, foods and decorations. If you plan ahead, you can get all your holiday shopping done online. Many stores allow you to order online and pick up at the store if you can’t get the item shipped. If you do need to venture out to local malls, schedule your shopping time during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or after lunch weekdays, when most people are working.

4. Take time off.

According to a survey by American Express, only about 49% of business owners take a week off from their business. Most owners take less time if any at all. Part of the benefits of owning a business, is being your own boss and taking time off to enjoy the fruits of your labor. More importantly, taking time off is important to re-fueling your energy reserves and avoiding burn out.

5. Take care of yourself.

Running a business during the holidays can feel like you’re burning the candle at both ends. You can keep your energy up by eating right, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. At holiday events, try to stick to the veggie tray over the cookies. Attempt to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night with the goal of going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Finally, even if you can’t get to the gym, you can take a walk during lunch to keep the blood moving, your energy up and your mood lifted.

*Article Source: Entrepreneur.com / This story originally appeared on Personal Branding Blog*