The Corona Virus is a Stark Reminder of How Businesses should Deal with the Flu

“You’re not responsible for the irresponsibility of others.” Or, “You can only control you, not other people.” Both are great pieces of advice to live by. Except, when you’re in a position of leadership. When you’re in charge, you are responsible for the actions of others. It’s a stark contrast to the peer-to-peer world. Because, your employees aren’t your peers. Sure, they’re good people. But, they aren’t your equal. At least, in terms of business structure. You are the authority. So, when a team member is irresponsible, you’re the one the customer will blame. It’s not fair, but it’s reality. Why Employees Act Irresponsibly Everyone does something irresponsible at some point. But, there are people who just can’t seem to get it together long-term. However, these are the exceptions, rather than the rule, a tiny percentage by comparison. You might have even been one of them, but eventually “grew” out of that phase. In almost every workplace, there is bound to be someone who isn’t pulling their own weight. When you’re an ambitious, hard-working [business owner] who is committed to growing your career and the company, it’s frustrating to work with someone who seems interested in only doing the bare minimum. —Fast Company People act irresponsibly because they just don’t take their jobs seriously. To them, it’s just a paycheck — a paycheck they can get almost anywhere. Of course, this is very short sighted but it speaks to their mindset and overall attitude. When that personality shows up in your business, you’ll have to deal with it. There is no passing it off. How to Deal with an Irresponsible Employee If you’re in this unenviable position, you’ll need to deal with the situation directly. While it’s tempting to pass this off to a subordinate who is above the person in question, letting him or her know their behavior is known at the top is very powerful. (This alone could be enough to correct him or her.) But, it’s best to be clear. Here’s how to deal with an irresponsible employee: Put the onus on him or her. Ask him or her how they can improve. Let them be a part of the solution right from the beginning. If they are unwilling or standoffish, that’s a big red flag that probably signals his or her time at the company is coming to an end. Persuade but don’t preach. You can (and should) remind him or her of the company’s policies and procedures. But explain why, instead of just hitting him or her with a litany of do’s and don’ts. Enter into a discussion rather than just making proclamations. Always lead by example. This is something you should already be doing routinely. Showing leadership not only helps others to reach their goals, it inspires others to succeed in more ways than one. Otherwise, you’re not really leading the company, you’re just a figurehead and people will instinctively understand that fact. Follow-up regularly. Obviously, you’ll need to follow-up with him or her. But, think twice about doing so on a set schedule. The element of surprise will motivate him or her to do the right thing. If they don’t, it means you’re dealing with someone who just doesn’t care and isn’t a true asset to the business. What other suggestions do you have for dealing with an irresponsible employee? Please go ahead and share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Strategies Entrepreneurs Can Use to Grow a New Company Fast without Making Fatal Mistakes Starting a new company is an exhilarating journey filled with opportunities, challenges, and risks. Entrepreneurs often find themselves on a tightrope, balancing the need for rapid growth with the necessity of avoiding critical mistakes that could derail their venture. Due to this precariousness, we’ll take some time to explore essential strategies that entrepreneurs can employ to grow a new company swiftly while sidestepping potential pitfalls that could prove fatal to their business endeavors. Remember, Failing is Not Only Normal, it’s Also Informative Failure is a normal part of the entrepreneurial journey. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and to keep moving forward. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Growing a new company fast is a challenging task, but it is possible to do it without making fatal mistakes. Here are some strategies that entrepreneurs can use to achieve this goal: Market Research: Knowledge is Power One of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make is diving into a venture without conducting thorough market research. Understanding your target audience, analyzing competitors, and identifying market trends are crucial steps in building a successful business. By gathering valuable insights, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions, identify gaps in the market, and tailor their products or services to meet customer demands effectively. Build a Solid Team: Collaboration Breeds Success A company is only as strong as its team. Entrepreneurs should focus on recruiting individuals who not only possess the necessary skills and expertise but also align with the company’s vision and values. Building a diverse and dedicated team fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving. Strong teamwork ensures that the company can navigate challenges collectively and capitalize on opportunities collaboratively. Scalable Business Model: Plan for Growth Happy customers are the backbone of any successful business. Entrepreneurs should prioritize building strong relationships with their customers, understanding their needs, and providing exceptional customer service. Implementing feedback loops, actively listening to customer concerns, and addressing issues promptly not only enhance customer satisfaction but also foster brand loyalty. Satisfied customers are more likely to become advocates, promoting the company through word-of-mouth and positive reviews. Financial Prudence: Manage Resources Wisely One fatal mistake many entrepreneurs make is mismanaging finances. Effective financial planning, budgeting, and cash flow management are vital for the survival and growth of a new company. Entrepreneurs should avoid unnecessary expenditures, negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, and monitor financial metrics closely. Seeking professional advice from financial advisors or accountants can provide valuable insights into managing resources wisely and avoiding financial pitfalls. Continuous Learning: Stay Ahead of the Curve The business landscape is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and emerging trends. Entrepreneurs must commit to continuous learning and staying updated on industry developments. Attending workshops, industry conferences, and networking events can provide valuable knowledge and insights. By embracing a growth mindset and adapting to change, entrepreneurs can position their companies at the forefront of innovation and remain competitive in the market. What We’ve Learned Growing a new company rapidly while avoiding fatal mistakes requires a combination of strategic planning, adaptability, and a customer-focused approach. By conducting comprehensive market research, building a strong team, creating a scalable business model, nurturing customer relationships, managing finances prudently, and staying informed, entrepreneurs can set the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success. Embracing these strategies will not only accelerate the company’s expansion but also ensure its resilience in the face of challenges, allowing entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses that stand the test of time. 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!

How Established Businesses Can Smartly Break into Emerging Cottage Industries The business landscape is constantly evolving, and emerging cottage industries are a testament to this incredible dynamism. These small-scale, niche markets often represent new opportunities for both startups and established businesses alike to explore. However, established businesses face unique challenges when entering emerging cottage industries. So, let’s go ahead and take a look at what to expect. Why Established Businesses Should Consider Entry Obviously, existing companies with a solid customer base would expect to grow their profits by getting into new spaces. But, there are other advantageous motivators. For instance, established businesses should consider entering a new cottage industry for several compelling reasons: Diversification. Entering an emerging cottage industry can diversify an established business’s product or service portfolio, reducing reliance on a single market. Growth potential. These industries may be in their infancy, offering significant growth opportunities for early entrants with proven business skills. Consumer trends. Many consumers prioritize local, artisanal, and sustainable products, making these markets attractive for established businesses. Plus, getting into a cottage industry can create a competitive advantage. Entering early can establish a strong foothold, making it difficult for competitors to catch up. Strategic Ways Established Businesses Can Enter New Cottage Industries Emerging cottage industries are small, niche businesses that are often based on traditional skills or crafts. They are usually started by passionate individuals who are eager to share their products and services with the world. Established businesses can see a number of benefits to breaking into emerging cottage industries. These industries can offer new opportunities for growth, innovation, and differentiation. They can also help established businesses to connect with new customers and markets. However, there are also some challenges that established businesses need to be aware of when breaking into emerging cottage industries. These industries are often highly competitive, and it can be difficult to gain a foothold. Additionally, established businesses may need to adapt their business models and strategies to succeed in these new markets. Here are some tips for established businesses on how to smartly break into emerging cottage industries: Do your research. The first step is to identify emerging cottage industries that are relevant to your business and that have the potential for growth. Once you have identified a few potential industries, research them thoroughly to understand the trends, the competition, and the customer base. Identify your niche. Once you have a good understanding of an emerging cottage industry, you need to identify your niche. What unique value proposition can you offer to customers in this market? What products or services can you provide that no one else can? Partner with existing businesses. One of the best ways to break into an emerging cottage industry is to partner with existing businesses in that industry. This can give you access to their customer base, expertise, and resources. Invest in marketing and branding. It is important to invest in marketing and branding to build awareness of your business and your products or services in the emerging cottage industry. Make sure that your marketing and branding are tailored to the specific needs and interests of your target customers. Be patient and persistent. It takes time and effort to build a successful business in any industry, but it is especially important to be patient and persistent when breaking into an emerging cottage industry. Don’t expect to see results overnight. Entering emerging cottage industries can be a rewarding venture for established businesses. With thorough research, strategic adaptation, a commitment to authenticity, and a long-term vision, these businesses can successfully navigate and thrive in these promising markets. By understanding the unique dynamics and values of cottage industries, established businesses can harness new growth opportunities and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing business landscape. 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.