Business Education

Feeling Overwhelmed by Your Small Business? Why Not Ask a Friend for a Favor. Here’s How.

As a small business owner, you’re used to being busy. You’re always juggling multiple tasks, and it can be hard to keep up. Sometimes, you may feel so overwhelmed that you don’t know where to start. If you’re feeling this way, don’t be afraid to ask your friends for help.

How Small Business Owners Can Ask Their Friends for Help

Your friends are there for you and want to see you succeed. They may be able to help you with a variety of tasks, from doing routine things, like answering emails to running errands. So, here are three effective tips on how to ask your friends for favors:

Be specific. When you ask your friends for help, be as specific as possible about what you need. This will help them understand what you’re asking and make it easier for them to say yes. For example, instead of asking your friend “Can you help me out?”, try asking “Can you please pick up some supplies for me at the store?”
Be grateful. When your friends do help you out, be sure to thank them profusely. A simple “Thank you so much for your help!” can go a long way. It’s also a good idea to offer to return the favor in some way.
Don’t take advantage. It’s important to remember that your friends are doing you a favor, so don’t take advantage of their kindness. If you find yourself asking them for too much help, it’s time to start looking for other ways to get the job done and bring on more or more new employees.

Asking your friends for help can be a great way to relieve some of the stress of running a small business. By following these tips, you can make sure that your requests are well-received and that your friends are happy to help.

More Tips Entrepreneurs Can Use to Ask for Help

A good percentage of entrepreneurs would much rather rely on themselves than anyone else. So, this makes asking for help difficult. But, if the above advice doesn’t appeal to you, there are also some additional tips for asking friends for favors:

Choose the right friend for the job. Not all of your friends are created equal. Some friends are better at certain tasks than others. For example, if you need help with a marketing project, you might ask a friend who has experience in marketing.
Be flexible. If your friend can’t help you with the exact task you’re asking for, see if they can help you with something else. For instance, if you need help with a marketing project, but your friend is busy, they might be able to help you with some administrative tasks.
Be patient. It may take your friend some time to get back to you. They may have other commitments, or they may simply need some time to think about your request.
Be appreciative. Again, when your friend does help you out, be sure to thank them. A simple and sincere “Thank you!” can go a very long way.

By following these tips, you can make sure that asking your friends for favors is a positive experience for everyone involved.

By the way, do you have anything to add to these suggestions? If you have your own thoughts and experiences, please feel free to leave a comment so others can benefit from your input!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

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How to Move Past a Bad Business Policy

May 16, 2017 No Comments

You identified a problem, took action, and enacted a new policy. Your people don’t like it (read: hate it), and, now you’re dealing with the fallout. It’s not an enviable position to be in, but nonetheless, here you are and now, you have to take action–again. The advice you’ve long heard about learning from your mistakes is now a reality, and, you are willing and able to accept it. The problem is how to move past a bad business policy and avoid repeating the same mistake in the future. Though you know this one backfired, you can’t be sure of how other policies you enact moving forward will impact your team and your business at-large. It’s okay to be retrospective and to attempt to peer around the corner, but for now, what you really need is to make things right. How to Move Past a Bad Business Policy The very fact that you are willing to recognize you made a mistake is a positive sign. However, you might still have a problem to deal with and you don’t want Murphy walking back into your organization, wielding his rule which states, “every solution breeds new problems.” You’ve already seen that unfold and it should have phased you enough to make a change. …we hate to fail. We fear it, we dread it, and when it does happen, we hold onto it. We give it power over our emotions, and sometimes we allow it to dictate our way forward (or backward). Some of us go to great lengths to avoid failure because of all the pain and shame associated with it. —Forbes It’s also good that you’re self-aware enough to accept the blame instead of digging in and defending what you’ve done, which will only insult your team members. So, how do you prevent this from happening again, but, still be able to enact policies that don’t end-up backfiring? Here are some helpful bits of advice you can use: Don’t be afraid to admit you made a mistake. This bears repeating, and, it does so big time. There’s little else more damaging than a leader who won’t admit he or she is wrong. It’s arrogant, harmful, and can cause good people to leave. In fact, the best thing to do is to have a sit down with your employees and others and talk about how you arrived at the decision, why it was wrong, and, how you plan to resolve the situation. Identify the problem and be proactive. Speaking of resolving the situation, you’re inevitably going to face problems again, so, before they have a chance to materialize, do what you can to thwart them. This won’t necessarily be easy, but your intuition will tell you when something is about to become a problem. Get ideas from your team about solutions. Your team members are among your most valuable assets. Don’t go it alone, speak openly with them and listen to their suggestions. You’ll likely find that doing so will present many ideas which can be molded together for a solution. Avoid new policies that create new problems. This is more difficult than you might think, but it’s still possible. Before you do enact a new policy, think about what it will do and how it will be received by your team. If you play it out and identify possible result scenarios, you can usually avoid making another bad policy. In my 34 years of business experience with ownership in 9 different businesses and consulting/coaching with hundreds of business owners, I have a long list of bad business policies that I have made. All of the policies well intended, but many times not fully thought through. My greatest lesson in making policies, is that hiring the right people with the right core values will minimize the policies that seem necessary to police and hold your team accountable. Those employees with the right core values will do what is right almost all of the time, thereby eliminating the need for many policies. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

How to Protect a Business Against Vandalism

May 22, 2020 No Comments

Vandalism protection isn’t something most business owners think about. After all, it’s a rare occurrence. But, vandalism can and does happen as we’ve seen or experienced with the recent protests and riots. When it becomes a reality, too many business owners are unprepared. This is due to the fact that the majority of businesses are focused and prepared for theft — not defacing, smashing, and wrecking. So, read on to learn more about how to protect a business against vandalism. The Truth about Vandalism Sure, today’s headlines probably have you thinking about the possibility more than ever. But, the truth be told, vandalism — to just about any degree — is possible at any given moment. At the very least, it could be a total accident. (Like those weird news stories about a driver who accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake. Or, the vehicle involved in a collision that hurled out of control and smashed into a building.) When considering how to prevent vandalism, home and business owners often despair. The crime can be committed in an instant, yet it can have an enormous financial impact. It can be carried out by rivals or total strangers. It can occur in the middle of the working day, or the dead of night. You need to know how to deter vandalism— [and] what options are available —ADT Commercial Security The point obviously being, is that it’s far better to be prepared than it is to get caught completely off guard. The latter will cost far more time and money, stress, and more negatives. However, being proactive can help to prevent the scenario or reduce the amount of damage. Most Effective Ways to Protect a Business against Vandalism Now, let’s get to the nuts and bolts of the situation — how to protect your business from vandalism. While it’s not simple or inexpensive, it’s most definitely worthwhile for a little more peace of mind and to mitigate the extent of the destruction. Here are some effective ways to protect a business against vandalism: Identify weak points. Huge windows, poor lighting, outdated or insufficient security/safety measures. All of these can and will prove very detrimental if vandals strike your place of business. Use landscape and lighting. There’s a reason all those big box retailers and chains have landscaping and lighting — to help prevent damage from a variety of sources. You can use landscaping and lighting to not only improve aesthetics, but also, to help ward off trouble. Install security cameras and more. Of course, this is the most obvious measure to take proactively. But, be sure to place those cameras and other hardware strategically to get the most out of them. Keep an up-to-date store inventory. This not only helps to reduce over-stocking and identify shrinkage, but it can equally help if things are damaged — due to vandalism or another reason, like a natural event. Be sure to have the right insurance in-place. Just because you carry insurance doesn’t mean you have the right coverage. Take some time to go over your policy to ensure you have ample protection. What other suggestions do you have? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences by commenting and letting others know your perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

8 Things Employees Need to Unlearn When They Become Entrepreneurs

August 22, 2024 No Comments

8 Things Employees Need to Unlearn When They Become Entrepreneurs Making the leap from employee to entrepreneur is thrilling but also daunting. You’re not just changing your job; you’re transforming your entire mindset. To thrive as an entrepreneur, you’ll need to unlearn certain habits and thought processes. Below, we’ll take a look at the most common obstacles and break them down. Everyone knows transitioning from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur involves a significant shift in mindset, behavior, and expectations. But, what usually comes as a surprise is that employees moving into entrepreneurial roles often need to unlearn certain habits and beliefs that were helpful in an employee context but can be limiting or counterproductive in the world of entrepreneurship. So, here are key things employees need to unlearn: Letting Go of a Fixed Routine As an employee, structure is your best friend. You have set hours, defined roles, and a clear chain of command. But in entrepreneurship, that routine can act like a chain, holding you back. The world of business is like a wild river; it’s always changing, and you need to be ready to navigate the rapids. Embrace flexibility instead of sticking to a rigid schedule. Can you imagine a fish trying to swim upstream while stuck in a net? You don’t want to be that fish. Shifting from Safety to Risk In a traditional job, you might have felt safe with steady paychecks and benefits. Entrepreneurship, however, is a different story. It’s a leap into the unknown where financial security is not guaranteed. You must unlearn the fear of risk. Think of it like jumping off a diving board: the thrill comes when you embrace the plunge, even if the water feels cold at first. Start viewing risks as opportunities for growth instead of threats to stability. Ditching the Need for Approval Employees often look for feedback and approval from bosses. This can be a comforting validation but can stifle creativity. As an entrepreneur, you won’t always have someone to give you the thumbs up. Learning to trust your gut is vital. Picture an artist creating a masterpiece without a critic standing over their shoulder. Sometimes, you’ve got to paint outside the lines to find your true colors. Rethinking Work-Life Balance In traditional jobs, the idea of work-life balance is often a checklist item. But as an entrepreneur, this concept shifts dramatically. Work can seep into personal time, and that’s okay. Unlearn the idea that you have to clock out at a specific time. Instead, think of it as a dance. Sometimes you’ll lead, and sometimes you’ll follow, but the music keeps playing. Finding your rhythm is key to thriving in this new environment. Breaking Free from Hierarchical Thinking Employees usually navigate through a company hierarchy, following orders and protocols. Entrepreneurship flips this script; it’s about collaboration and community. Unlearn the mindset that someone always needs to be in charge. Picture a team of explorers planning a journey—everyone shares ideas, and every voice holds value. This teamwork spirit opens the door to innovation and creativity. Shedding the Idea of Job Security In a job, many seek security and comfort. But entrepreneurs must accept that uncertainty is part of the game. You can compare it to a tightrope walker. Balancing on that line takes courage and focus, knowing that every step is a risk but also a chance to soar. This mindset shift allows you to take calculated risks that can lead to great rewards. Focusing on a Narrow Scope of Work Employees often specialize in a particular area, focusing on a specific set of tasks within their job description. They may rely on other departments or team members to handle different aspects of the business. Conversely, entrepreneurs wear many hats and must manage various aspects of the business, from product development and marketing to finance and operations. They need a broader skill set and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities. So, entrepreneurs must embrace a generalist mindset, learning to understand and manage multiple aspects of the business. Embracing Continuous Learning In employee roles, growth often comes from annual reviews or courses mandated by the company. As an entrepreneur, learning becomes a constant journey. Unlearn the idea that education has limits. Seek knowledge from every corner—books, podcasts, networking. Think of yourself as a sponge, ready to soak up every bit of wisdom. This drive will keep you ahead of the curve in a fast-paced world. The Journey of Unlearning Going from employee to entrepreneur involves unlearning old habits and embracing new ways of thinking. By embracing a new mindset, you empower yourself for this exciting journey. Remember, the path might get rocky, but with each step, you’ll carve out your own unique path in the entrepreneurial world. 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 (602) 541-1760, or, if you prefer,