Microsoft will Ditch its Own Tech in Favor of Rival Google — Here’s What it Means to Your Business

Trades-based small business owners, from plumbers and electricians to HVAC and carpenters, often ask one question that sparks debate among newcomers and seasoned professionals alike: should you provide your technicians with tools, or should they bring their own to the job? This decision is far from trivial because it can significantly impact your business’s operations, finances, and even team dynamics. On one hand, supplying tools ensures consistency and control over equipment quality, but it comes with substantial upfront costs and ongoing maintenance responsibilities. On the other, having techs supply their own tools can reduce your overhead and potentially attract more experienced professionals, but it may lead to inconsistencies in work quality and create liability concerns. With this in mind, it’s important to take a close look at the pros and cons of each approach, exploring how this choice can affect your bottom line, workforce satisfaction, and overall business efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned trades business owner re-evaluating your current policy or even a newcomer to the industry trying to make an informed decision, this short but informative guide will help you navigate this crucial aspect of managing a trades-based small business. Tools of the Trade: Should Small Business Owners Provide Them or Let Techs Bring Their Own? When you’re running a small business in the trades, every decision counts. One big question you might face is whether to provide tools for your techs or let them supply their own. This choice can shape your business culture, affect costs, and influence your workers’ morale. So, what’s the right move for you? Well, it depends on several factors, some of which are more consequential than others. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and provide a few answers. Why You Might Want to Supply Tools Providing tools shows commitment to your employees. Just think about it: when you hand over a quality tool, it sends a message. It says, “I trust you to do your best work.” Plus, you can control the quality of the gear. If you’ve ever used a low-quality drill or a dull saw, you know how much it can affect the job. When you supply reliable tools, you ensure that your team has what they need to get the job done right. Consider this scenario: you have a new tech on your team. You give them top-notch tools. They feel valued and more confident about their work. That confidence can translate into higher-quality results and fewer mistakes. When you supply the tools, you can also streamline your operations. Everyone uses the same gear, which means less time wasted figuring things out. But, don’t forget about cost factors, either. Supplying tools means you’ll have to spend money upfront. Depending on your business size and the number of employees, this can add up fast. If your workers have their tools, you can save some pretty penny while also encouraging them to bring their best selves to work. The Case for Techs Bringing Their Own Tools On the flip side, letting your techs supply their tools can encourage a sense of ownership. When someone buys their tools, they’re likely to take better care of them (and not forget them on a job site). That personal investment can lead to pride in their work. Also, if your techs have their own favorite tools, they probably know how to use them best. This familiarity can speed up jobs and enhance quality. When the tools are owned by your employees, they’re the master of their domain. No need to seek approval from anyone – not even the boss. This makes their freedom palpable. Techs don’t have to wait for a painfully slow approval process. Plus, they don’t have to suffer delays to wait for the tools to arrive. All they need is right there, ready for them to pick up and put to use. Techs who own their own tools feel empowered to work on their term. They can dive into a project without bureaucratic hurdles or logistical roadblocks. Finding the Right Balance So, where does that leave you? It’s not always black and white. Some businesses choose a middle ground. For example, you might provide basic tools and let your techs bring specialized ones. This way, you maintain quality without breaking the bank. Additionally, think about offering incentives for tool maintenance. A tool bonus could encourage your employees to keep their gear in shape, whether it’s yours or theirs. The Team Factor Now, let’s look at team dynamics, which play a crucial role in this decision. If you have a collaborative environment, having similar tools might strengthen that bond. Everyone’s working with the same equipment, which can foster teamwork. On the contrary, if your crew thrives on individuality, let them shine with their personal tools. Moreover, open communication is key. Ask your techs what they prefer. You might discover a shared sentiment that could guide your decision. Creating a culture of inclusiveness not only builds trust but also enhances productivity. Consider the Following Whether you provide tools or let your techs supply their own is a complex choice, shaped by your business goals, team dynamics, and budget. Whichever path you choose, prioritize your team’s needs and consider the long-term implications. Remember, successful businesses don’t just focus on profit; they also invest in their people. In the end, your decision will set the tone for your workplace, creating a space where everyone can thrive. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer,

Running a small business comes with its fair share of challenges, and one of the most critical aspects of success lies in making sound decisions. However, human nature often leads us to rationalize bad decisions, which can have detrimental effects on our companies. As a small business owner, it’s crucial to recognize and overcome this tendency to protect your business’s long-term viability and growth. So, let’s take a few moments to describe some effective strategies that entrepreneurs can use to prevent themselves from rationalizing bad decisions and safeguard their companies. How Small Business Owners Can Stop Themselves from Rationalizing Bad Decisions Okay, every small business owner makes bad decisions from time to time. But some owners are better at recognizing and correcting their mistakes than others. Here are a few tips for small business owners who want to stop themselves from rationalizing bad decisions and start making better ones: Be Aware of Your Biases We all have biases, and they can often lead us to make bad decisions. For example, we may be more likely to trust information that confirms our existing beliefs, or we may be more likely to make decisions that benefit us personally, even if they’re not in the best interests of our business. The first step to overcoming our biases is to be aware of them. Once we know what our biases are, we can start to challenge them and make more objective decisions. Conduct Thorough Research To avoid rationalizing poor decisions, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible before making choices that impact your business. Invest time in conducting thorough research, analyzing market trends, assessing customer needs, and evaluating potential risks. This data-driven approach will provide a solid foundation for decision-making and reduce the likelihood of rationalization based on incomplete or biased information. Get Input from Others Sometimes, the best way to avoid making a bad decision is to get input from others. This could include your employees, your customers, or even your friends and family. When you get input from others, you get a different perspective on the situation, which can help you to make a better decision. Set Clear Decision-Making Criteria Establishing clear decision-making criteria helps in maintaining objectivity and avoiding the temptation to rationalize bad choices. Before making any important decision, define the specific criteria that must be met for it to be considered valid. These criteria could include financial viability, alignment with long-term goals, or alignment with the company’s core values. By adhering to these pre-established criteria, you can prevent rationalization and maintain a strategic focus. Take Your Time Of course, you shouldn’t feel pressured to make a decision right away. Sometimes, the best decision is to wait and see how things develop. If you take your time and make a decision when you’re calm and collected, you’re less likely to make a mistake. Be Willing and Able to Change Your Mind Even if you’ve made a decision, be willing to change your mind if new information comes to light. It’s important to be flexible and adaptable, especially in an ever-changing business world. Let’s face it, most of the time, the biggest obstacle and the most harmful person in your way is typically the face in the mirror. All of us make bad decisions, even when we know better because it’s all too easy to rationalize in the moment. Additionally, it’s a good idea to build a culture of accountability within your business is crucial for preventing rationalization. Encourage your team members to take ownership of their decisions and actions, and create an environment where open and honest feedback is valued. Foster an atmosphere where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than reasons for blame. When individuals feel accountable for their decisions, they are more likely to critically evaluate their choices and avoid rationalization. What other suggestions do you have other business owners can use to stop making rash decisions? Please, go ahead and comment so others can benefit from your input and perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

An entrepreneur is a very busy person. There’s always so much to do and so little time. It’s an old, familiar complaint. But, there are probably ways you’re wasting time here and there. And, these can add up to a lot, over the course of a week or month. The problem is often identifying what actually wastes time and what’s really worthwhile. So, let’s take a look at the top entrepreneur time-wasters to make you a more productive leader. Yes, Time is Money First, let’s revisit an old cliché — “time is money.” Now, it’s undoubtedly true. We all know that it’s an inescapable conclusion. However, we too often let time get away from us in a number of ways. It’s not that we don’t necessarily stick to a schedule. It’s more about what we don’t commit our time to. In other words, the biggest time-wasters are things we don’t expressly plan for. We all wish that we could be more productive. But, how is that possible when assignments keep piling up, the latest season of Orange is the New Black just appeared on Netflix, and you have a flurry of emails, texts, and social media notifications distracting you? —Inc.com Just let that sink in for a moment. If you aren’t dutifully working on this or that, and don’t have a commitment at-hand, you’re quite likely to waste time meandering about. Of course, it’s not possible to plan every minute of every day. But, it does mean it’s worth the effort to fill in those gaps, when possible. Use some of that time to take a break. Also, use some more of that time to just reflect or think about the next step. Then, try to make the rest of that “free time” productive. 5 Biggest Entrepreneur Time-Wasters So, what are the biggest entrepreneur time-wasters? Well, a few just might surprise you. Let’s just get the most obvious out-of-the-way to start — social media. It’s easy to lose track of time on social media. Since most entrepreneurs know this, they try to avoid it. But, there are still other huge time-waters: Unplanned mornings. Take a few moments at the end of the day to plan the next. If you don’t, you’ll probably fall prey to disorganization or at worst, chaos. Make a prioritized list to follow with the largest challenges at the top. Redundant work. There’s probably more than one way you’re duplicating your efforts or essentially doing unnecessary work more than once. Try to automate as much as possible. It’s surprising just how much more time you can squeeze out of a day when you’re not as redundant. Business travel. With all the available technology, in-person meetings are easy to accomplish, even if you’re physically hundreds or thousands of miles away. Sure, there are times when it’s absolutely necessary but delegate what you can and telecommute when possible. Multitasking. You might have heard that women are better than men at multitasking. While this is marginally true, it’s also now known humans aren’t good at multitasking. Even if you are able to multitask, you’re still dividing your attention. And, that’s a sure-fire way to make mistakes. What other time-wasters would you add to the list? Please share your thoughts by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.