Category: Staff

How to Scale Your Business – 4 Key Principles to Follow

Posted on | by Jessica Weston | Leave a Comment on How to Scale Your Business – 4 Key Principles to Follow

Are you looking to take your business to the next level? If so, you need to start thinking about scaling your operations. Scaling a business can be difficult, but if done correctly it can lead to tremendous growth. There are certain steps required when scaling, but it’s also important to have overarching principles to guide you on this journey to ensure that you stay on track for success.

#1 – Attitude and Values are Everything

When it comes to creating the right team to help you scale, it all starts with attitude and values. You need to be very clear about what your company stands for and what kind of people you want to work with. The right team will help support the culture you’re trying to create and maintain as you grow.

It’s important to define your company values in order to attract the right staff and contractors. If you want to create a customer-centric business, then your team should reflect that. 

If you’re looking to be the most innovative company in your industry, again, your team should be a reflection of that. Your values will help guide you in making the right hiring decisions as you look to expand your business.

Basically, it’s all about practicing what you preach.

#2 – Think Ahead

Scaling is about creating the business you want, not running the one you have. This means you need to think ahead to what the future looks like for your business. What are your long-term goals? What do you want to achieve?

This is where a lot of businesses make mistakes. They get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of the big picture. If you want to scale successfully, it’s important to have a clear vision for the future and make sure everyone on your team is aligned with that.

If you’re not ready for growth, then things will start to break down in your business as it expands. You need to ensure that your systems are able to cope with increased demand before it arrives. You need a team that is ready for challenges before they appear. 

In short, you need to be prepared for success before it happens.

#3 – Company Culture Matters

It’s not enough to just have a great product or service. You need to have the right team in place to support your growth. And that starts with a great company culture.

As your business grows, it’s important to maintain the culture you’ve worked so hard to create. And if you haven’t yet created a positive company culture, it’s time to change that.

Your team are at the centre of everything you do. The working environment you create affects spending, turnover, productivity and profitability, so it’s important to get it right.

A good company culture attracts the right people, reduces staff turnover and helps you scale successfully. It’s also something that should be constantly nurtured and developed as your business grows.

#4 – Be Flexible

Yes, you need to stay true to your core values, but as a business owner you also need to be open to change.

Flexibility is key when scaling. You need to be able to adapt to change quickly, without compromising your values.

Just because you’ve always done things a certain way doesn’t mean that’s the best way to do them. As your business grows, be open to new ideas and ways of doing things. You need to be willing to experiment and try new things, such as tweaking your processes or the way you structure your team.

The most successful businesses are those that are constantly evolving. They’re always looking for ways to improve and grow. The covid-19 pandemic in particular highlighted the importance of being able to pivot quickly and adapt to change.

So, don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit as you scale. It could be the key to your success.

Final Thoughts

Growing a business is never easy, but if you follow these four key principles, you’ll be on the right track. Having a clear vision for the future, maintaining your company culture, being prepared for success and being flexible are all essential ingredients for scaling your business. 

If you’re not ready to scale or don’t have a good team in place, then it’s time to reevaluate your priorities. Remember, scaling is about creating the business you want, not running the one you have.

6 Benefits to Help Retain Employees for Your Small Business

Posted on | by Jessica Weston | Leave a Comment on 6 Benefits to Help Retain Employees for Your Small Business

The covid-19 pandemic sparked The Great Resignation, as many employees chose to resign from their jobs. As a consequence, small businesses are currently having a difficult time retaining employees. Since smaller companies typically cannot afford to offer the same benefits as larger enterprises, it’s essential for business owners to do what they can to keep their employees as satisfied as possible. Fortunately, there are several benefits that small businesses can offer to help keep their employees happy and make them feel appreciated.

#1 – Health & Wellness

One way to show your employees that you care about their well-being is to offer them health and wellness subscriptions. This could include access to online fitness classes or access to an app. Not only will this help your employees stay healthy, but it can also improve morale and encourage team camaraderie.

If your team works remotely, then even access to a mindfulness or meditation app can go a long way in terms of supporting their mental health and wellbeing. 

If this all sounds abit expensive, there are lots of free apps you could promote. You could also encourage a more active lunch break, this could be a walk, yoga or anything to raise the heart rate. Alternatively try swapping a tea break into a mini workout or desk break.

#2 – Remote Work Options

The pandemic has led to an increased demand for remote work options. Employees prefer the flexibility that comes with being able to work from home or elsewhere. Therefore, it is important for small businesses to make a firm commitment to offering flexible and remote working opportunities. This can include allowing employees to take their laptops home, allowing them to work from home a few days a week, or offering access to co-working spaces.

#3 – Flexible Hours

Many employees prefer working flexible hours. For example, they may want to work from home in the morning and then come into the office later in the day or vice versa. In general, people like having more control over their schedules instead of sitting at a desk for nine straight hours each day.

This is especially true for parents who need to take their kids to and from school or childcare. Offering flexible hours can help them better manage their work-life balance so they do not feel overwhelmed with having to juggle too many responsibilities at once.

In addition, flexible working hours will allow your employees the opportunity to have a life outside of work by allowing them time for personal projects, errands, and social engagements.

Offering flexibility also demonstrates to your employees that you trust them.  This could make them more likely to go the extra mile for you and your company.

However, it is important that employees who work flexible hours are still committed to finishing their projects on time so they do not fall behind or negatively affect other members of the team.

#4 – Personal Development

Continued Professional Development can boost staff morale and help employees feel like they are moving forward. Giving your team the opportunity to learn new skills or attend workshops or courses makes you team feel like you are really invested in them, their development, and a long career with your business.

You could organise group training, or simply provide information on opportunities that employees can take advantage of independently.

#5 – Partnership Discounts

If your small business has partnered with other local businesses, then consider offering your employees discounts at those establishments. This could include restaurants, bars, or even stores. Employees will love the opportunity to save money on their everyday expenses, and it can help to strengthen relationships between businesses in your community.

#6 – Employee Recognition

Recognising employee accomplishments is a great way to boost morale and make your employees feel valued. You could acknowledge individual achievements with an email or even announce them at the next staff meeting.

Rewarding employee achievements can encourage others to do their best, as well as maintaining high standards of performance throughout the company.

Final Thoughts

Small businesses often struggle with retaining employees. However, by implementing some of the strategies listed above, you can create a workplace that your employees will love and want to stick with for years to come.

Hiring your first employee – things worth knowing

Posted on | by Jessica Weston | Leave a Comment on Hiring your first employee – things worth knowing

Hiring your first employee is a big step as a business owner. It’s great that you’re ready to grow your business and delegate some responsibility in order to narrow your focus, but it’s also natural to be nervous about the process. We’ve compiled a list of the most important things to bear in mind when hiring your first employee so that you can prepare and make the right decision for your business.

#1 – Payroll

When you hire an employee, you need to put a payroll system in place to make sure that employees get paid the right amount at the right time. Otherwise, your staff won’t be with you for very long.

You will need to submit National Insurance contributions and PAYE tax where applicable. And may also need to set up a Pension Scheme.

#2 – Contracts

It’s important to have a written contract in place with all employees. This document should outline the employee’s job duties, hours of work, pay rate, and benefits. It’s also a good idea to include an exit clause in case the relationship between employer and employee doesn’t work out.

#3 – A Code of Conduct

When you’re operating solo, you don’t really need a code of conduct – you know how to behave. However, when you have employees, it’s important to have a code of conduct in place that everyone is expected to follow. 

This document should outline the company’s expectations for employee behaviour, both on and off the job. It should also include disciplinary procedures for employees who violate the code of conduct.

#4 – Management Skills

If you’re not used to managing people, it’s important to learn the basics of good management before hiring your first employee. This includes setting expectations, providing feedback, and creating a positive work environment.

This is an important part of your growth as an entrepreneur. Learning great management skills as early on in your journey as possible will set you up for success.  Especially as your business grows and you add even more employees to your organisation.

#5 – Hire Based on Attitude

You can teach new skills and provide experience, but you can’t change a bad attitude.

That’s why it’s important to take attitude into account when hiring your first employee. 

Look for someone who is positive and enthusiastic about their work, even if they don’t have a lot of experience. Employees who are keen to grow and develop their skills will prove immensely valuable to you and your company.

Of course, you may well be keen to hire an experienced employee, but still be sure to screen candidates carefully and pay close attention to their attitude.

#6 – Ensure That You’re Financially Ready

Hiring employees is a great way to grow your business, but you need to make sure that the timing is right.

In other words, make sure that you’ve got enough money in the bank before making this big decision. Once you have an employee on board, it’s important not to let them down by being unable to pay their wages on time.

If you’re not sure whether your business is ready for its first employee, consult with your accountant or financial advisor to get their opinion.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to hiring your first employee, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The most important of these is getting everything set up so that they get paid correctly and on time. You’ll also need contracts for both the employer and the employee, as well as a code of conduct for all staff members who work with you.

If you’re not sure whether or not your company is ready for its first employee, consult with an accountant or financial advisor who can help guide you through the process of hiring employees, managing all their associated responsibilities and ensuring that your operations remain cost-effective.

7 Benefits of Coworking Spaces for Online Businesses

Posted on | by Jessica Weston | Leave a Comment on 7 Benefits of Coworking Spaces for Online Businesses

Coworking spaces are becoming more and more popular as the number of remote workers continues to grow. However, what many people don’t realize is that coworking spaces offer a lot of benefits for entire online businesses, too. Let’s take a look at seven reasons why online businesses should consider coworking.

#1 – Better Value for Money

Coworking spaces often represent better value for money than renting your own shared office for businesses that can function remotely for a large portion of the time.

In addition to this, coworking spaces offer amenities like printing and meeting rooms that are not included in many private office memberships, and you can simply pay for the hours you use.

There’s also less up-front investment with a co-working space.  You can usually start by paying for a day or week pass, which gives you the opportunity to test out the space before signing up for a longer-term membership.

#2 – Community and Collaboration

In addition, coworking spaces offer a sense of community and collaboration that you don’t get when working from home. 

This can be extremely beneficial for online businesses who are looking to connect with other professionals and exchange ideas. 

Studies show that working from home has a negative impact on innovation across teams, so coworking spaces can be a great way to encourage creative thinking.

#3 – Scalability

Coworking spaces offer flexible month-to-month contracts, meaning that they can grow and shrink with your business. 

If you only need an extra desk for a month while you’re launching a new product, no problem. 

If your team is growing rapidly and you need more space, then you can scale up easily. 

Finally, if the time does come to move into a more permanent space, you won’t have to wait out a months-long contract beforehand.

#4 – Flexibility

In the wake of the pandemic, many businesses are adopting hybrid working, which is a mix of remote and in-office work. Coworking spaces are perfect for this style of working, because you can simply pay for the hours that you need the space. This means that you don’t end up renting an office that you’re only using for two or three days per week. 

#5 – A Better Work-Life Balance

One big downside of working from home is that it can make employees feel as though there’s no separation between work and personal life. This represents a major challenge for businesses that want to maintain a healthy work-life balance and keep morale high. However, coworking spaces can help because they allow employees to separate work and home life. 

#6 – An Attractive Workspace

Coworking spaces tend to be modern and carefully designed for optimum productivity.  This can be a major draw for online businesses who want their employees to feel inspired and motivated. 

At a coworking space, you get to access a beautiful office without forking out for expensive furniture and an interior designer.

#7 – Networking Opportunities

Many coworking spaces offer unique programming and events that can help connect with other professionals in your industry.  

There are often workshops and masterminds available, as well as social gatherings such as happy hours and dinners. This can be a great way to expand your network, get new ideas, and learn from others in your field.

Summary

If you’re an online business looking for a better way to work, then coworking spaces should definitely be on your radar. They offer many benefits that are perfect for remote workers and businesses of all sizes, and you can scale your usage as you grow. Much as businesses are replacing expensive hardware with cloud software subscriptions, many are also now opting for co-working spaces as an alternative to traditional offices.

4 Common Leadership Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Posted on | by Jessica Weston | Leave a Comment on 4 Common Leadership Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Being a leader is not always easy, but it’s part and parcel of being a business owner. You set the tone for the rest of the company, so it’s vital that you learn how to lead effectively. Let’s examine four common leadership mistakes and how to avoid them so that your small business stays on track for success.

#1 – Lacking a Clear Vision

As a leader, it’s crucial that you have a clear vision for your business. Without one, you and your employees will have no sense of direction. They’ll be stuck without a clear mission, and that can lead to low morale and reduced productivity.

Take the time to cultivate a clear vision for the future of your company.  What do you hope to achieve? What specific steps will your company take in the near future and beyond to ensure success? How does this vision align with a larger corporate mission or values, if necessary?

Once you’ve created a clear set of goals for your business, make sure that everyone on staff understands them. Hold regular meetings where employees can voice  concerns and ask questions about the vision. Over time, this dialogue will help your company grow quickly and adapt to changes in an ever-evolving market.

#2 – Avoiding Confrontation

Now, we’re not suggesting you go on the offensive just for the sake of it, but effective leaders simply cannot afford to be afraid of addressing issues and delivering constructive criticism.

As the head of your company, it’s up to you to guide employees and help them improve as needed. If they make mistakes, don’t be afraid to confront those failures directly and explain what needs to change in order for them – and consequently, your business – to succeed.

You don’t necessarily need to be aggressive with your employees, but you should never shy away from an honest discussion. When they understand what you expect of them, they’ll work even harder to meet those expectations and see that their actions have a direct impact on the company’s bottom line.

Avoiding conflict is not only unproductive; it can also be perceived as weak leadership by your employees. It’s also doing them a disservice by allowing problems to fester and denying them the opportunity to grow and improve.

Remember that you’re not just an employer; you’re also the captain of a ship. You need to communicate with everyone on board accordingly if you want them to act in accordance with their job responsibilities – and that means giving orders.

#3 – Failing to Delegate

Small business owners often feel as though they need to do everything themselves, but this only leads to inefficiency and burnout. As a leader, it’s important that you learn to delegate effectively.

Start by identifying the tasks and responsibilities best suited for each team member. You might not be able to trust certain employees with every job on your plate, but they may excel at one or two specific things when given proper training and support from management.

Then, look for ways to offload the work that you no longer have time for. This could include anything from delegating a specific project to hiring an outside contractor or consultant, depending on your company’s needs and budget.

Once these steps are in place, make sure everyone knows what they should be working on at all times – and hold them accountable for their performance. Make it clear that you expect the highest standards of work from everyone on staff.

When employees know their responsibilities and can meet your expectations, they’ll be more motivated to take initiative and go above and beyond when necessary – benefiting both them and your company’s bottom line.

#4 – Pride

Of course, you should have pride in your values, your mission and your company, but it doesn’t pay to be too proud as a leader – humility is an important quality.

When you make mistakes, own up to them and learn from your failures. Share what you’ve learned with the rest of your team – it will help everyone avoid similar pitfalls in the future.

Never let arrogance get in the way of an honest discussion about how things can be improved; doing so only hurts morale and makes it difficult for employees to  accept criticism.

Instead, be open to suggestions and listen carefully when your employees offer feedback, even if it’s not what you want to hear. Sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places, so don’t miss an opportunity for growth due to stubbornness or pride.

Final Thoughts

Being a leader isn’t easy. In fact, it’s a constant journey of growth and self-improvement. As the captain of the ship, you need to communicate with everyone on board and make sure that all crew members know which direction you’re sailing in. Failing to delegate, avoiding conflict and becoming too prideful as a leader are all mistakes that can come back to haunt you, but if you avoid them from the start, your business stands a much better chance of success.

Workforce Management Tips for Small Business Owners

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As a small business owner, you need to know how to manage your workforce efficiently and effectively, but that’s often easier said than done. With time and practice, your management skills will certainly improve, but we’ve put together five essential tips to get you started on the road to success.

#1 – Put It In Writing

Let’s be honest: no-one gets excited by rules and regulations, but they are essential to build a strong business foundation. You need to create clear policies and codes of conduct so that everyone understands how to behave. This also helps to prevent unfair treatment and discrimination, and protects you from misunderstandings and even legal action.

#2 – Invest in the Right Software

In today’s digital business environment, the right software is key to ensuring that your team runs like a well-oiled machine.

Scheduling software, for example, not only saves you a huge amount of time but also helps to optimise your team’s time. Cloud software also enables your workforce to access their schedules from anywhere and easily request shift swaps or changes when necessary. Best of all, the information is centralised so that everyone automatically stays on the same page.

Similarly, communication software, such as Slack or Teams is important, especially if your team works remotely much of the time.

Project management software also ensures that all relevant employees are up-to-date with regards to tasks and deadlines. This allows your projects to flow more smoothly, with fewer hiccups along the way.

Finally, payroll software is essential. It saves you time and also makes sure that you employees get paid and taxed the right amount, reducing the possibility of conflicts. After all, paying your staff the right amount at the right time is a key ingredient in keeping them happy – and loyal.

#3 – Ask for Input

Making your employees feel seen, heard and valued is essential for maintaining morale – and this, in turn, is directly linked to the success of your business. Therefore, it’s important to ask your team for feedback and actually listen to what they say.

In addition to this, your team members are on the ground and therefore are often able to pick up on things that you can’t. Asking for their input isn’t just about showing respect, it can also help you to identify problems and opportunities that you may otherwise have overlooked.

#4 – Don’t Micromanage

Micromanaging your workforce is probably the fastest way to turn them against you. When you micromanage your team, you’re essentially telling them that you don’t trust them, and this causes a serious decline in morale. On top of this, it also denies your team members the opportunity to grow and improve.

Your business is your baby and it’s only natural to feel protective over it. You understandably want to handle everything yourself but that’s simply not realistic. Learn to trust your team and create an environment in which they feel able to come to you for guidance if they do encounter any problems, rather than wasting your time breathing down their necks.

#5 – Offer Flexibility

Of course, flexible working isn’t possible for every business type, but if you are able to offer your staff greater flexibility then you should do it. For one thing, it’s a huge mark of trust and respect – and this won’t be lost upon your team.

On top of this, giving your staff greater flexibility will increase their job satisfaction and keep them loyal to you. Offering the chance to telecommute at least part of the time can also increase productivity and save you money in terms of overheads. You will certainly save money on utilities and you may even be able to move to a smaller office space, significantly reducing your rent.

Summary

Managing your workforce effectively isn’t rocket science; it’s a careful combination of the right practices, trust and respect. Make sure to invest in the right software, ask your team for input regularly and help them to work as effectively as they can. Your business is nothing without a strong team behind it, so don’t underestimate the importance of great management.

How to Delegate Effectively as You Scale Your Small Business

Posted on | by Jessica Weston | Leave a Comment on How to Delegate Effectively as You Scale Your Small Business

During the earliest days of running your small business, you might find that you’re able to handle most, or even all, of the tasks yourself. However, as your business grows, the demands on you as a business owner increase and you need to stop juggling before you drop the ball. It’s time to entrust a greater share of work to team members, contractors or freelancers so that you can focus on the tasks that matter and continue to grow your business.

“But I Hate Delegating!”

Many business owners initially feel uncomfortable with delegating tasks. This is often due to a fear of giving up control. Often, entrepreneurs subscribe to that old saying “if you want something done, do it yourself.” Unfortunately, this doesn’t really apply in the context of a growing business. Do you think Bill Gates handles Microsoft’s payroll himself? 

If you’re reluctant to delegate a certain task, it’s important to weigh up whether or not it’s really a worthwhile use of your time. As a business owner, your time is a valuable resource so don’t waste it on a task that someone else could easily handle. 

As a business owner, you understandably feel that you know your business best. Perhaps you just don’t want to take the time to teach a team member the ropes of a task you have been handling yourself thus far. However, taking the time to do so will save you a lot of time and energy in the future. 

1) Communicate Clearly 

Communication is the key to effective delegation. You should explain to your employees:

  • Why you’re assigning them a task 
  • Exactly what is involved in the task 
  • What the goals of the task are
  • What your expectations are 
  • Who they can ask for help and support 

You should give your team members a chance to ask questions and raise any concerns that they have about handling a task. Starting off on the same page is the key to successful delegation.

2) Provide Tools and Resources

When delegating tasks to team members, it’s important to set them up for success by equipping them with the tools and resources they need. Consider their levels of ability and experience. If this is a team member’s first time handling a certain type of project, it may be helpful to provide them with past examples or ask another staff member to oversee their progress.

3) Use the MOCHA Model

The MOCHA model is a great way to outline which responsibilities belong to each team member with regards to the completion of a project.

Manager: This is you. It’s your job to assign tasks to the right people and hold them accountable. You also need to provide the right resources, review progress and intervene if there are any problems.

Owner: The owner is the person to whom you delegate the project. There should only be one owner of a project. If they need additional support, they can use a Helper (see below.)

Consulted: This is another team member who is not responsible for the project but can offer the Owner advice and input.

Helper: One or multiple team members who help the Owner with certain tasks.

Approver: The person who must approve all decisions before they are finalised. This could be the Manager or a director or board chair.

4) Check In Regularly

Don’t disappear as soon as you have delegated a project. Make sure that your team members know you are available to support them, but don’t bank on them coming to you, either. Check in from time to time and provide feedback if you feel it is necessary. However, it is still important that you trust your employees and resist the temptation to micromanage them.  

After the completion as a project, it’s a good idea to schedule a debrief. This will allow you to offer feedback and constructive criticism to the project owner and discuss ways in which you can help them to grow. 

Conclusion: The Benefits of Delegation

Delegation not only benefits you, but your team members too. It improves company-wide communication, builds trust and makes your employees feel valued. It also gives your staff an opportunity to learn new skills and advance their careers. This helps to boost morale and employee satisfaction whilst allowing you to scale your business and focus on the things that matter most.