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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The Samsung Galaxy Fold Demonstrates this Powerful Business Lesson

May 29, 2019 No Comments

The mobile technology world experienced one of the biggest public blunders of all time. Samsung shipped a number of demo units of its $2,000 foldable smartphone to several high-profile reviewers. Within 48 hours, a good number of the devices were broken. The reviewers shared their surprise and since, Samsung has delayed the release of its “Foldable Phone of the Future.” The Samsung Galaxy Fold Unfolds Unnecessary Bad Publicity To be fair, some broken due to reviewer mishandling. They mistook a part of the screen as a protective layer that all smartphones ship with. Others noticed bulges in corners near the fold. While the former did inadvertently damage the devices, the latter simply watched as the units failed. You’re anxious to get your business off the ground or get your latest product out to the public as quickly as possible. Perhaps you’ve already started your marketing and promotional campaigns. You’ve got visions of a best-selling product dancing in your head. But selling too quickly can be dangerous; there can be drawbacks if you are putting the cart before the proverbial horse. Businesses that start selling new or innovative products without taking the time to put their ducks in a row often regret their decision. —All Business It’s yet another example of a manufacturer rushing a product to market before it’s truly ready. When such bad PR situations occur, these can lead to companies going out of business outright. The Negative Effects of Rushing a Product to Market Companies rush products to market. It does happen. And, it’s a huge and completely unnecessary risk. Here’s why: Damage to reputation. Let’s begin with the obvious. While mega corporations can weather such storms, small businesses might suffer tarnishes to large to overcome. It sends the wrong message. Thomas Edison practically invented “vapor-ware,” the introduction of a product which doesn’t actually exist. When you release something prematurely, you’re sending a message you care more about turning a profit than your customers. It causes a loss of trust. If the gamble fails to payoff, it means you’ve sacrificed trust. Consumers just won’t trust your brand in the future and that’s never a good thing. Your team will also suffer. Pushing out a product before it’s ready just might lead to a loss of key employees. Some could walk away, not wanting an association with a company who isn’t willing to wait until it’s right. You’ll regret the decision. Of course, as the leader of the organization, it’s you who takes all the blame. Ultimately, you’ll have to accept making a bad decision and the consequences which inevitably follow thereafter. What other negative consequences does rushing a product to market have? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Tips for Holding Employees Accountable without Being Rude or Micromanaging Them

October 13, 2023 No Comments

Tips for Holding Employees Accountable without Being Rude or Micromanaging Them Holding employees accountable is a vital aspect of effective leadership. However, finding the balance between accountability and maintaining a positive work environment can be challenging. Micromanaging or being rude can lead to demotivated employees and a toxic workplace. How Small Business Owners Can Effectively Hold Their Employees Accountable Again, holding employees accountable is an important part of being an owner or manager. It helps to ensure that employees are meeting expectations and that the team is on track to achieve its goals. Still, it is essential to hold employees accountable in a way that is respectful and does not micromanage them. Here are some tips for holding employees accountable without being rude or micromanaging them: Set clear expectations. Establish clear, specific, and measurable goals for each employee. When expectations are transparent, employees understand what is required of them, making it easier to hold them accountable. Discuss these expectations openly during meetings or performance reviews. Encourage ownership. Encourage employees to take ownership of their tasks and projects. When employees feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to hold themselves accountable. Foster an environment where employees feel responsible for their work, and acknowledge their achievements and responsibilities. Communicate effectively. Open and honest communication is key. Provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive. Clearly communicate the impact of their work on the organization, emphasizing the importance of accountability for overall success. Listen actively to their concerns and be receptive to their feedback. Implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Establish specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with organizational objectives. Regularly monitor these KPIs and discuss progress with employees. This data-driven approach makes it easier to objectively assess performance and hold employees accountable for their results. Provide adequate resources. Ensure employees have the necessary resources, tools, and training to fulfill their responsibilities because a lack of resources can lead to unmet expectations. Regularly assess their needs and address any gaps promptly. Adequate resources empower employees to be accountable for their tasks. Encourage problem-solving. When issues arise, encourage employees to participate in problem-solving. Instead of imposing solutions, involve them in finding resolutions. This collaborative approach fosters accountability as employees take responsibility for implementing the solutions they propose. Recognize and reward accountability. Acknowledge and appreciate employees who demonstrate accountability. Publicly recognize their achievements and efforts. Rewards, both monetary and non-monetary, can motivate employees to maintain their accountable behavior. Celebrating accountability creates a positive reinforcement loop within the workplace. Lead by example. Leadership sets the tone for the entire organization. Demonstrate accountability in your actions and decisions. When employees see leaders taking responsibility, they are more likely to follow suit. Be transparent about your own challenges and how you overcome them, emphasizing the importance of accountability. Foster a supportive environment. Create a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable asking for help or clarification. Encourage teamwork and collaboration. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to be accountable, knowing they can seek assistance when needed. Lastly, be sure to address accountability lapses, but do so professionally. If an employee consistently fails to meet expectations, address the issue professionally and respectfully. Schedule a private meeting to discuss concerns, providing specific examples of their behavior. Offer support and resources to help them improve. Approach the situation with empathy, understanding that everyone faces challenges. 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: Phone 602-435-5474 Visit Waters Business Consulting Group Send a quick email: Steve@WatersBusinessConsulting.com

Is This the Most Valuable Business Lesson of the Ukraine War?

March 6, 2025 No Comments

Sensational headlines about ending the Ukraine-Russia war dominated the news last week and will likely continue for several days, weeks, or months.