3 Key Practices for a Successful Small Business

Running a business is hard work. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to make the process go more smoothly. The following are three important practices for all business owners.

1. Grow Your Network

Every business needs customers, and many need vendors and other contacts. Growing your professional network is important for developing these relationships. Go to networking events and join professional groups. Provide excellent service so that customers refer you to friends and families, and make it easy for them to do so by having business cards readily available.

Network online to supplement your in-person connections. Be proactive and reach out to others instead of waiting for them to come to you. Remember that networking should not be one-sided, and try to be as beneficial to your connections as they are to you. Provide helpful information, and introduce individuals you think would benefit from a professional connection.

2. Forecast Your Finances

Many businesses fail due to financial difficulties, particularly cash flow problems. Minimize the chance of this happening to your business by monitoring your finances closely. Create a financial forecast that estimates income and expenses for a period of time, usually six to 12 months. When creating these estimates, use your financial history and conduct market research to forecast customer behavior.

It helps to make both a conservative and optimistic estimate and figure that the actual amounts will fall somewhere in between. Use your financial forecast to prioritize expenditures and determine where you can cut costs. When doing market research, make sure to ask customers how they first heard about your business. You may be able to save money by cutting out the less effective marketing strategies.

3. Stay Legally Compliant

Keeping your business legally compliant saves you time and money in the long run by keeping you from having to do back-paperwork and pay fines and fees. Purchase liability insurance Newark DE and any other insurance, such as workers comp, that your business needs. Speak with a reputable insurance agent to make sure your coverage levels are high enough. Check with your municipality to ensure you are following all zoning regulations. File and pay taxes on time. Make sure that you properly classify all workers as either employees or contractors and pay them accordingly.

Although entrepreneurship is rewarding, it is frequently challenging. Focusing on your finances, network and legal compliance helps your business stay afloat and in good standing.