Guest Post: The Best Advice for Retirees Aiming to Start a New Business

Out-of-Date Phrases Small Business Owners Should Stop Using Around Gen Z Employees Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with the internet and social media. They’re also the most diverse generation in American history. As a result, they have a unique perspective on the world and a different way of communicating than previous generations who came into adulthood in a completely different landscape with some technology that’s now either gone or changed dramatically over the years. Some Phrases Harm Company Culture In the ever-evolving environment of the modern workplace, effective communication is paramount. However, small business owners often unknowingly cling to outdated phrases and terminologies that can create a disconnect, especially with Gen Z employees who are now a significant part of the workforce. As the first truly digital generation, Gen Zers bring fresh perspectives and expectations to the workplace, and using out-of-date phrases can undermine a business’s company culture in several ways. Phrases Entrepreneurs Shouldn’t Use Around Gen Z Employees Small business owners who want to attract and retain Gen Z employees need to be aware of this and avoid using outdated phrases. Using old language can undermine your company culture and make you seem out of touch. Here are a few out-of-date phrases that small business owners should stop using around Gen Z employees: “Think outside the box.” This phrase has been around for decades and has been used to death. It’s also vague and doesn’t really mean anything to most Gen Z people. Instead of telling your employees to “think outside the box,” give them specific instructions on what you want, along with constructive advice about how to deliver. “Synergy.” This word is often used in business jargon, but it’s actually meaningless. Yes, it’s a real word, but it’s also just a way to sound sophisticated and Gen Z employees have probably heard it too much. Avoid using the word “synergy” and instead be clear and concise in your communication. “Work hard, play hard.” This phrase is often used to justify long hours and overwork. However, Gen Z employees greatly value work-life balance and don’t want to sacrifice their personal lives for their jobs. Instead, focus on creating a positive work environment where employees feel valued and supported. “Face time.” Traditionally meaning spending time with someone in person, this phrase can create confusion with Gen Z employees. In the digital context, “Face time” now refers to FaceTime, the video-calling application. Using outdated meanings of terms can lead to miscommunication and make the business owner appear out of sync with contemporary tech culture. ”Out of pocket.” To Boomers and Gen X, this phrase means “unavailable” or, is used to convey when someone is out of the office. However, to Gen Z, it means something entirely different – “wild and unhinged” or “out of character.” In addition to avoiding outdated phrases, small business owners should also be mindful of their body language and tone of voice when communicating with Gen Z employees. Gen Z employees are more likely to trust and respect leaders who are authentic and approachable. So, what other phrases and language would you suggest avoiding using around Gen Z employees? Please take a moment to share your experiences and suggestions so others can benefit from your input! Go ahead, take a few moments, and contribute to the conversation! Do you want to grow your company in 2024 but you are not sure what is required to make that growth happen? Attend our “Planning for Growth” half-day workshop where you will get amazing details specific to your business for what’s needed from your marketing, your sales team, your production team, and your financial performance to enter 2024 with confidence you can indeed grow as planned. You will have the clarity you’ve always wanted but didn’t know how to create. It’s a $1495 value we are offering in November for only $99. Contact us for dates and times. We offer a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t leave the workshop confident that you know what to do to grow your company in 2024. So, go ahead and contact us by phone or email! By phone 602-435-5474 By email: SteveM@WatersBusinessConsulting.com Don’t wait! This is a great opportunity to propel your business forward!

Efficiency is the lifeblood of small businesses. In a competitive landscape, optimizing operations and resources can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Fortunately, there are proven strategies that small businesses can implement to enhance efficiency. Effective Strategies Small Businesses Can Use to Improve Efficiency As a small business owner, you know that efficiency is key to success. With limited time and resources, you need to be able to get as much done as possible as quickly as possible. That’s where efficiency comes in. By implementing a few simple strategies, you can boost your small business’s efficiency and productivity, freeing up your time and resources to focus on the things that matter most. So, here are seven proven ways to increase efficiency in your small business that you can use: 1. Automate Repetitive Tasks One of the best ways to improve efficiency is to automate repetitive tasks. This could involve using software to automate tasks such as email marketing, social media management, or customer support. You can also use tools to automate simple tasks such as data entry or scheduling. By automating repetitive tasks, you can free up your time and energy to focus on more strategic and important work. 2. Delegate Tasks to Your Team If you have a team, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks. This is a great way to free up your time and expertise so that you can focus on the most important aspects of your business. But, remember, when delegating tasks, it’s important to be clear about your expectations and to provide your team with the resources they need to be successful. You should also check in regularly to monitor their progress and provide feedback. 3. Set Clear Priorities It’s important to set clear priorities for yourself and your team. This will help you to focus your time and energy on the most important tasks. When setting priorities, it’s important to consider the following factors: Importance: How important is the task to your overall goals? Urgency: How soon does the task need to be completed? Effort: How much time and effort will the task require? So, be sure to gauge its importance, prioritize its urgency, and estimate how much time and effort it will realistically take. This way, you’ll have a much better chance at success in such endeavors. 4. Streamline Your Processes Take some time to review your business processes and see where you can make improvements. Are there any unnecessary steps that can be eliminated? Are there any tasks that can be combined? By streamlining your processes, you can reduce wasted time and resources. 5. Invest in the Right Tools and Technology Investing in the right tools and technology can help you to improve efficiency in all aspects of your business. This could include using software to manage your finances, customer relationships, or inventory. You could also invest in hardware such as new computers or scanners. Of course, when choosing tools and technology, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. 6. Take Breaks It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually help you to be more efficient. When you’re constantly working, you’re more likely to make mistakes and get burned out. Taking regular breaks will help you to stay focused and productive. Get up and move around, take a few deep breaths, or step outside for some fresh air. 7. Create a Positive Work Environment A positive work environment can have a big impact on efficiency and productivity. When employees feel happy and valued, they’re more likely to be engaged and motivated. There are a number of things you can do to create a positive work environment, such as: Provide clear and regular constructive feedback. Offer opportunities for professional development. Recognize and reward employees for their accomplishments. Create a culture of collaboration and teamwork. By implementing these seven strategies, you can boost your small business’s efficiency and productivity, freeing up your time and resources to focus on the things that matter most. Efficiency is the backbone of small business success. By implementing these seven proven strategies small businesses can optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity. Right now, you can get John Waters’ latest book for FREE! (Currently selling for $19.95 on Amazon). This inspiring book titled “Profit by Design: The Blueprint to Successfully Scale Your Business and Regain Your Freedom” is a must-read for business owners who want to do just that! Request your FREE copy in any of the following ways: Visit Waters Business Consulting Group By phone 602-435-5474 or By email: Steve@WatersBusinessConsulting.com

Hiring the right replacement for a key role in your small business is a critical decision that can significantly impact your company’s success. Whether you’re replacing a retiring employee, filling a newly created position, or addressing a talent gap, the hiring process should be thoughtful and strategic. How to Hire a Replacement for a Key Role in Your Small Business Obviously, hiring a new employee is always a big decision, but it’s especially important when you’re a small business owner and you need to find a replacement for a key member of your team. The wrong hire could have a major impact on your business, so it’s crucial to take your time and get it right. In order to make the right decision, you need to not only follow your gut and listen to trusted sources but also do these five things: Assess your needs. Before you start the hiring process, take time to assess your business’s needs. Clearly define the role you are looking to fill and identify the specific skills, qualifications, and qualities required. Consider both technical skills and soft skills like communication, adaptability, and cultural fit. Update the job description. Craft a detailed job description that accurately reflects the role’s responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications. Be transparent about your company culture, values, and mission to attract candidates who align with your business’s ethos. Consider remote talent. In today’s digital age, remote work is increasingly common. Don’t limit your search to only local candidates. Opening up the position to remote talent can significantly widen your pool of potential replacements. Screen resumes and applications. Review resumes and applications carefully, looking for candidates who possess the qualifications and experience outlined in your job description. Look for relevant work experience, education, and a track record of success in similar roles. Conduct thorough interviews. Conduct in-depth interviews with candidates to assess their skills, qualifications, and cultural fit. Use behavioral interview questions to gauge how candidates have handled specific situations in the past, as this can provide insight into their future performance. The specific skills and qualities that you look for in potential candidates will vary depending on the specific job requirements. However, some general skills and qualities that are important for any small business employee include: Hard skills: These are the technical skills that are necessary to do the job. For example, if you’re hiring a customer service representative, you’ll need someone with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Soft skills: These are the interpersonal skills that are essential for working well with others. For instance, you’ll want someone who is a team player, has good communication skills, and is able to handle stress well. Cultural fit: It’s important to find someone who will fit in with your company culture. This means finding someone who shares your values and who is a good fit for your team. In addition to the above skills and qualities, you may also want to consider the candidate’s experience, education, and references. By taking the time to find the right person for the job, you can ensure that your business is in good hands. Hiring a replacement for your small business is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and consideration. By assessing your needs, crafting a compelling job description, and following a thorough hiring process, you can find a candidate who possesses the skills and qualities necessary to contribute to your business’s growth and success. Remember that hiring is not just about filling a position; it’s about building a team that aligns with your company’s vision and values. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer. You can phone 602-435-5474 or send us an email.