Introduction
Do you want to make money doing what you love, but there are just no good opportunities around you? Maybe you like something niche, something others might not have thought to participate in. Are the large, conglomerate corporations sapping your city of individuality and crushing your mental state into that of a mindless corporate drone? Why not try starting your own business?
I know, that seems like a lot of hard work. Depending on what you want to do, the market may be oversaturated, or it could completely lack demand. You have to figure out all kinds of logistics, work around initial costs and investments, and attract attention and interest once all is said and done. Is it really worth it to put all this effort into something that might not even profit?
Well, I cannot answer that question for you! This is all up to you, and if you think it is just too much to try, then you can stop reading here and get on with your life! But if you have the guts to open a small business, there is a lot you need to consider, and I am here to help you figure it all out! So, where do we start?
Paperwork!?
Oh, doesn’t it just sound like a nightmare already? There are so many forms you have to fill out, so many tax documents you have to sign, and so much more. Paperwork is everyone’s worst nightmare, but it does not have to be difficult!
“Forewarned is forearmed,” or so they say. While you might not be enthusiastic about the idea, doing your homework now will save you a lot of heartache in the future. Know what documents you need, when you need them, and how exactly you need to fill them out. Sites like this one have more in-depth advice on what forms you’ll need to keep, so look out for those!
You should also pay close attention to local, state, and even federal laws when it comes to business ownership and taxation. As tedious as it sounds, this step is crucial in keeping you out of trouble with the big bad government. The fewer problems the better, right?
Oh, and maybe look into the laws regarding employees. While I definitely advocate for you to make as much money as you can, you should not have to step on any toes to do so. Profit is a team effort, and you do not want to be the source of any breakdowns in communication. People want steady employment, and your reputation as a boss will recede you when you are hiring, so just keep that in mind.
Finally, no matter what field you go into, you must follow all safety regulations. This is simply non-negotiable! Failure to follow proper safety standards will result in your business being shut down, so do not cut any corners when it comes to this.
Teamwork!
You know, you maybe love it, it is teamwork! The moral to every kid’s show ever, teamwork truly is one of the most important facets of business ownership. Your success depends on those around you, and while the customers are important, your staff is arguably more so. There is a lot you need to keep in mind when dealing with other people (duh!), so I hope these next few tips help smooth over any potential conflict.
When it comes to employees, everyone is important. From the janitor to the CEO, nobody should ever be dismissed! Your position as head honcho might seem cushy at first glance, but it is hard work organizing a group of people to accomplish a job. Luckily, you have others around to help, and they can do amazing things if you let them.
One of the worst things I see lots of bosses do is demean or ignore their employees. What I mean by this is that you are not the smartest person in the world. You may have started this business, but you are not the only one with good ideas! Maybe your cashier’s idea for what products to stock will rocket you into fame and fortune. Do not let you sabotage yourself by seeing yourself as superior to others.
Also, communicate! Communication is the greatest virtue in any business, and that rule is universal. Scheduling, meeting management, organization, all that needs to be clearly conveyed to every member of the team so that nobody is left confused without recourse. There are plenty of tools out there that can help facilitate this, but I am looking forward to https://www.teamly.com/ in particular.
Conflict resolution is another particularly important skill to have as a boss. The customer or the employee; who is in the right? Being able to read situations and understand what will benefit the business the most is critical, though I lean on siding with the employee. Customers can come and go, but employees should be here to stay. A happy employee is one that works harder for the company, after all.
With all of this in mind, you should be able to start working together with others in a professional environment with little issue. I have only scratched the tip of the iceberg though, and that is just for teamwork! There is plenty more you need to consider as a boss, and there are a lot of resources out there to help you get started.
Conclusion
Do you think you are ready to take on this corporate world? You can do it with the right preparation, and this is only a single short article out of hundreds that can help. Even now, without any employees, you are not alone. The future of your business depends on your decisions now, so make sure those decisions are as informed as possible.
I hope this article has helped you a little when it comes to starting your own business. Perhaps it turned you away from the idea entirely, or perhaps it only solidified your resolve. Whatever the case, you are in charge here, so do what you can and do it without regrets!
