small business

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May 9, 2024

Ensuring Smooth Business Operations: The Importance of an Emergency Contact List for All

In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable business world, it is essential for companies to have a plan in place for potential emergencies. One crucial aspect of this plan is having an emergency contact list readily available for all employees and employers. This list serves as a vital tool in ensuring smooth business operations in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as an employee falling sick, or even a boss falling sick and employees still needing direction on their tasks.

Identifying Key Stakeholders for Your Emergency Contact List

When creating an emergency contact list for your business, it’s crucial to identify the key individuals who play a vital role in the smooth functioning of your business operations. This is going to look different for everyone.

As an employee, it is important to have the contact information of your coworkers but also your manager and the person who is next up the chain of command from them. You need this so you can contact everyone if someone is missing such as your direct supervisor. However, you also need to provide this information to your family. If you fall ill or have an accident happen and are unable to communicate with your workplace, your family members can reach out on your behalf and let your employers know what has happened.

As a small business owner, you need everyone’s contact information — and, your employees should know who they go to if they cannot reach you. This might look like another manager or maybe even a spouse just to verify you are okay.

At the end of the day, this list should help business continue as usual so that you can either focus on your job if you are okay and working OR you can focus on getting better after an emergency while your coworkers and boss take over your tasks.

Collating Essential Information for the Contact List

Gather contact details such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses for all employees and key stakeholders. Additionally, include any relevant departments or external resources that may be needed in emergencies, such as IT support or maintenance teams. Ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, as outdated contact information can hinder the effectiveness of the list.

Ensuring Privacy and Accessibility of the Emergency Contact List

It is crucial to maintain the confidentiality of personal contact information, while also ensuring that the list is easily accessible to those who need it. To achieve this balance, consider implementing security measures such as password protection or restricted access to the list. Additionally, choose a platform or format that allows for easy updating and sharing of the list. By prioritizing privacy and accessibility, you can ensure that the emergency contact list serves its purpose effectively and efficiently. If you are a business owner, there are lots of communication platforms out there that can be used strictly for business where emergency contact information can also be stored and secured.

Regularly Updating the Business Emergency Contact List

Make it a habit to check the contact details of employees and key stakeholders, ensuring that their information is up to date. Additionally, be proactive in adding or removing individuals from the list as needed. By regularly updating your emergency contact list, you can ensure that everyone has the correct information and that communication during emergencies remains smooth and efficient.

Using the Emergency Contact List Effectively

Ensure everyone knows how to access the list and understands its purpose. Communication is key, so be proactive in reaching out to the necessary stakeholders and keep them informed of any developments. Remember to follow any protocols or procedures outlined in your emergency response plan. By using the emergency contact list effectively, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the necessary actions are taken to mitigate the impact of the emergency.

Do you have tips for creating an emergency contact sheet? Share them with us so we can add them to this list!

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April 9, 2024

Unleashing the Power of Your Small Business with a Talented Content Creator

A content creator is someone with the skills and experience to create compelling content, including web pages, blogs, social media posts, videos, and more. This content can be used to engage customers, build trust, and increase brand awareness, which can ultimately lead to increased sales. With a talented content creator, you can unlock the power of your small business and reach new heights.

Defining the Role of a Content Creator

A content creator is a crucial addition to any small business team. They are the driving force behind creating engaging and valuable content across various platforms. Whether it’s crafting compelling web pages, writing informative blogs, or creating eye-catching videos, a content creator knows how to captivate an audience. They understand the importance of storytelling and have the skills to convey your brand’s message effectively. From developing a content strategy to implementing creative ideas, a content creator brings immense value to your small business.

The Benefits of Hiring a Content Creator for Your Small Business

First and foremost, a content creator can help you establish a strong online presence by consistently producing high-quality and engaging content. This can attract new customers, increase brand awareness, and ultimately boost sales. Additionally, they can save you time and effort by taking on the task of content creation, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business. They can also bring fresh ideas and creativity to your brand, helping you stay ahead of the competition.

Finding and Hiring the Right Content Creator for Your Small Business

Finding the right content creator for your small business is crucial to the success of your content marketing strategy. Start by clearly defining the qualifications and skills you are looking for in a content creator. Look for someone who has experience in your industry and understands your target audience. Consider reviewing portfolios and previous work samples to assess their creativity and ability to produce high-quality content. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and testimonials from previous clients to ensure they have a track record of delivering results. You can also work through a paid test with them where you assign the person a small project to see how they work with your team and what sort of quality their output is.

How to Work Effectively with a Content Creator for Optimal Results

Establish clear communication channels to ensure both parties are on the same page. Provide a detailed brief, and be open to feedback and collaboration. Encourage creativity and allow the content creator to express their ideas. Set realistic timelines and be mindful of the content creator’s workload to avoid burnout. Regularly review and analyze the performance of the content created, providing constructive feedback to help refine and improve future content. By fostering a collaborative and supportive working relationship, you can maximize the potential of your content creator and achieve exceptional results for your small business.

If you want to hire a content creator but need a little help, our Small Business Concierge Services can take the guesswork out of the hiring process. Work with our HR Experts to find your dream candidate!

Already been through the process and found an amazing content creator? Share your tips with us on how to improve the process!

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February 9, 2024

Unlocking the Role of a Community Manager for Small Businesses

For many small business owners, the idea of hiring a Community Manager can be confusing. What exactly does a Community Manager do? How can they help your business? With the right Community Manager in place, you can unlock a whole new level of success for your small business, so let’s take a look at the position together:

What is a community manager?

A community manager is the ultimate connector, responsible for building and nurturing relationships with customers and followers.They act as the bridge between your brand and your audience, creating an engaging and interactive online space. They are the ones who respond to comments, foster discussions, and keep your community connected and excited. They are experts at understanding your target audience and creating content that resonates with them. In short, a community manager is your brand’s advocate and cheerleader, helping to create a loyal and dedicated following for your small business.

The benefits of having a community manager for small businesses

A community manager helps build a strong and loyal following for your brand. By actively engaging with your audience, they create a sense of connection and trust that leads to increased customer loyalty and repeat business. A community manager also plays a crucial role in content creation, ensuring that your messaging resonates with your target audience. They can provide valuable insights and feedback on what content works best and how to improve your online presence. Additionally, a community manager can handle customer inquiries and concerns, providing timely and helpful responses that enhance customer satisfaction.

Best practices for working with a community manager

First and foremost, communication is key. Regularly communicate your goals, expectations, and any specific requirements you have for the community manager. Give them access to the necessary tools and resources to effectively manage your online presence. Trust their expertise and give them creative freedom to engage with your audience in their own unique way. Regularly review and analyze the community manager’s performance to provide feedback and make necessary adjustments. Remember, collaboration and open communication are the foundation for a strong relationship with your community manager and the success of your small business.

Measuring success and ROI for community management

To determine the effectiveness of your community manager, you can analyze key metrics such as engagement rates, customer retention, and lead generation. Look at how many likes, comments, and shares your posts receive, as well as the growth of your community over time. Monitor customer satisfaction through feedback and reviews. Additionally, track how community engagement translates into sales or conversions. By analyzing these metrics, you can assess the impact of your community manager’s efforts and make data-driven decisions to optimize your community management strategy.

If you need help hiring a community manager, we offer Small Business Concierge Services! If you already have a manager, share some tips and tricks with us on how you hired them and measure their results!

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January 9, 2024

Managing Remote Virtual Assistants for Small Businesses

A remote virtual assistant is a valuable asset to small businesses, providing support and assistance. However, managing remote virtual assistants comes with its own set of challenges. Traditionally, everyone would be in an office with easy access to one another to ask questions as well as to keep everyone accountable on tasks. However, this looks a little different in our virtual world:

Understanding the Role of a Remote Virtual Assistant

Remote virtual assistant roles are diverse, encompassing administrative duties such as managing emails and scheduling appointments, to more specialized tasks including social media strategy, content creation, and data management. The versatility of a remote virtual assistant means that they can adapt to the specific needs of a business, making them a highly flexible asset.

For small business owners to maximize the benefits of working with a remote virtual assistant, it is crucial to identify the areas of their operation that require the most support. This could involve routine tasks that consume a disproportionate amount of time or specialized projects that require specific expertise not available in-house. For example, you might find yourself spending a lot of time scheduling meetings with clients — a virtual assistant can help with this! On the more specialized side of things, you might need a VA that can respond to customer inquiries about product specifications.

Establishing a detailed job description is a key step in this process. It should not only outline the tasks and responsibilities but also highlight the skills and experience required to perform the role successfully. This clarity helps in selecting a remote virtual assistant whose capabilities align with the business’s needs, fostering a productive and mutually beneficial working relationship.

Setting Clear Expectations and Communication Guidelines

From the outset, define the work parameters: specify the tasks, deadlines, and the frequency of updates required. Detailing these aspects will prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your assistant has a precise understanding of what is expected from them.

Decide on a communication rhythm that works best for your business and your assistant. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, these regular check-ins will serve as touchpoints for both parties to discuss progress, address any hurdles, and adjust priorities as needed. The chosen communication tools — be it email, messaging apps, or video calls — should facilitate easy and open dialogue.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to agree upon the work hours that align with your business needs while considering the time zone differences. This clarity not only aids in setting realistic deadlines but also ensures that there are designated times when immediate feedback or urgent discussions can take place.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Managing Remote Virtual Assistants

Navigating the obstacles of remote collaboration with virtual assistants requires a strategic approach to maintain a healthy, productive work environment. Addressing miscommunication is crucial; implementing a standard operating procedure for how tasks are conveyed and feedback is given can mitigate misunderstandings. Creating a structured yet flexible accountability system where achievements and progress are regularly reviewed also enhances motivation and productivity.

To combat the sense of isolation that remote assistants might feel, integrating virtual social interactions and team-building activities can foster a sense of belonging and improve morale. Encouraging a work culture where remote virtual assistants feel valued and part of the team not only strengthens their loyalty but also bolsters their commitment to the business’s success. Adopting these strategies allows small businesses to effectively manage the challenges that come with remote virtual assistants, ensuring a cohesive and efficient team dynamic.

Have you worked with a VA before? Share your experiences with us!

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August 21, 2023

Uncovering the Power of Project Managers in Your Small Business

Project managers are essential players in any business. They play a critical role in helping organizations meet their goals by overseeing projects from start to finish. But when it comes to small businesses, project managers can be a game-changer. From web design to podcast development, these skilled professionals can help businesses take their operations to the next level. If you do not have a project manager on staff currently, you should consider hiring one!

Defining the Role of a Project Manager

A project manager is the key figure responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects within a small business. They act as the central point of communication between different teams and stakeholders, and their role is to ensure that all aspects of a project are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standard. The project manager’s primary goal is to oversee all project activities, set clear project objectives and goals, allocate resources, and track the project’s progress to ensure that it stays on track. They are responsible for managing risks, issues, and conflicts, and they must also report on progress, budget, and milestones to stakeholders.

Types of Projects Managed by Project Managers

Project managers can take charge of various types of projects, depending on the nature of the business and its goals. A few examples would be:

Summits: These are large-scale events that aim to bring together people with similar interests to discuss and share insights on a particular topic.
Web design: This includes website creation and maintenance, online marketing campaigns, and website optimization to improve user experience.
Course development: This entails developing and managing the production of educational courses, ranging from online courses to classroom courses.
Podcast development: With the rise of audio content, more and more businesses are venturing into podcast creation. Project managers can handle tasks such as scheduling recording sessions, editing and publishing podcasts, and developing marketing strategies.

In summary, project managers can help ensure that these projects are completed on time, within budget, and with high-quality results.

The Importance of Hiring a Project Manager for Your Small Business

Small businesses are often stretched thin, with limited resources to spare. As a result, it’s tempting to think that cutting corners on project management will help save time and money. However, this is often a false economy. By hiring a project manager, you’re ensuring that every project in your business is run professionally, with clear objectives, milestones, and budgets. A good project manager can ensure that your team stays on track, that you meet your deadlines, and that your budget stays under control.

Moreover, project managers bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. They know what works and what doesn’t, and can tailor their approach to fit your unique business needs. They can anticipate problems before they occur and find creative solutions to overcome them.

Ultimately, hiring a project manager can help your small business save time, money, and energy, while ensuring that every project is completed to a high standard. By investing in the right project manager, you’re investing in the future of your business through the benefits they provide such as:

Improving project management
Helping your small business to stay organized.
Providing valuable leadership to your small business team.
Motivating and inspiring team members, and helping them to achieve their goals.
Acting as a liaison between different departments, facilitating communication and collaboration.
Increasing productivity through a more streamlined operation.

If you need help hiring, check out our Small Business Concierge Services where we take care of everything for you so that you can focus on your company while we find your dream candidate!

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June 19, 2023

Remote Hiring Made Easy: Crafting Job Listings That Attract the Right Candidates

In today’s world of remote work, small business owners have a unique opportunity to tap into a global talent pool. But with the rise of telecommuting comes the challenge of creating job listings that truly attract the right candidates. Whether you’re hiring for a virtual assistant or a marketing manager, it’s crucial to craft a job listing that not only accurately conveys the position, but also speaks to the kind of person you want to hire. If you are new to the hiring process or are struggling with it, we have created a self-paced course called Hiring Made Easy. In this learning experience, we cover everything from identifying what you want in a candidate to compensation levels to onboarding candidates. For a small sample of what Hiring Made Easy covers, check out the information below:

Identifying the Key Qualifications and Characteristics You Want in a Candidate

When it comes to hiring a remote employee, it’s important to be crystal clear about the qualifications and characteristics you’re looking for in a candidate. Without a clear understanding of what you’re looking for, it’s easy to fall into the trap of hiring someone who isn’t the right fit for your business. To avoid this, take some time to identify the key qualifications and characteristics you want in a candidate:

What skills and experience are required to perform the duties of the role effectively?
Are there any technical requirements, such as proficiency in certain software or tools?
What kind of personality traits or work styles would thrive in a remote work environment?
Do you need someone who is highly self-motivated and independent, or someone who is comfortable collaborating with a team remotely?

Once you have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for, you can craft a job listing that reflects those priorities. Use specific language to describe the requirements for the role and what kind of candidate you’re looking for, so that applicants have a clear sense of whether or not they would be a good fit.

How to Craft an Attention-Grabbing Headline and Introduction

This is your chance to make a great first impression and get potential candidates excited about your job opening. Here are a few tips to help you write a killer headline and introduction:

Keep it simple and straightforward: Your headline and introduction should clearly state what the job is and what you’re looking for in a candidate. Avoid being too clever or vague, as this can turn off potential applicants.
Highlight the benefits of the job: What makes your job different from others out there? Are you offering flexible hours, competitive pay, or opportunities for growth? Be sure to highlight these benefits in your headline and introduction to attract the right candidates.
Be specific: Use specific job titles in your headline and introduction to attract candidates who are qualified and experienced in your field.

Here’s an example of a strong headline and introduction for a remote marketing job:

Remote Marketing Coordinator Wanted – Help Us Grow Our Brand!

We’re a fast-growing tech startup looking for a remote Marketing Coordinator to help us spread the word about our innovative product. You’ll be responsible for managing our social media channels, writing blog posts, and creating engaging marketing campaigns. This is a great opportunity to work with a fun and talented team and grow your skills in the tech industry. If you’re passionate about marketing and want to make a difference in the world, we want to hear from you!

The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Job Description

When it comes to writing a job description, there are certain things that can make or break the effectiveness of your listing. Here are some key dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

DO: Be Clear and Specific; outline the position exactly as it is.
DON’T: Discriminate or Use Biased Language; roles should be available to all people.
DO: Highlight the Company Culture and Values; tell applicants why your company is different.
DON’T: Oversell or Misrepresent the Role; this will deter candidates from applying.
DO: Include Benefits and Compensation Information; tell candidates why they should apply with your company.
DON’T: Use Jargon or Industry-Specific Terms; unless you are hiring for a high level position, many applicants may not be familiar with very specific terms.

Including Details on Compensation, Benefits, and Work Schedule

Candidates want to know what they will be paid, what benefits they will receive (if any), and what their work schedule will be like before they even consider applying for a job. If this information is not included in the job listing, they may move on to other opportunities that do provide this information.

For compensation, be as transparent as possible. Include information about hourly wage / salary, bonuses, and any other incentives you may offer. If your compensation package is competitive, this can be a major selling point for candidates.
Whether it’s flex time, bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off, make sure you provide clear and detailed information about the benefits you offer.
Provide information about the work schedule. Be clear about the hours that will be expected of the candidate, and whether or not there will be any flexibility in their schedule.
It’s also a good idea to provide information about any equipment or software that the candidate will need to do their job. This can include things like a computer, phone, or specific software programs.

If you’re ready to dive into all this but just don’t have time to put it all together, we recommend our Small Business Concierge Services — our HR experts will manage the entire hiring process, including onboarding, so you can focus on your company. Or, if you want to start at the beginning and learn how to do this for yourself, try our Hiring Made Easy course.

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May 29, 2023

Maximizing Your Potential with a Small Business Mentor

Starting and running a small business is no small feat. From creating a business plan to dealing with the financials, there are so many aspects that entrepreneurs need to consider. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it all alone. By leveraging the expertise of a small business mentor, you can maximize your potential and increase your chances of success.

Why Use a Mentor?

Experience: A good mentor will have years of experience in the business world and will have faced many of the challenges that you are currently dealing with. By tapping into their knowledge and expertise, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches.
Objective perspective: As a small business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day details of running your business. However, a mentor can provide an objective perspective and help you see the big picture. This can be incredibly valuable when it comes to making important decisions or pivoting your business strategy.
Networking opportunities: Mentors can also help connect you with other professionals in your industry or community, providing you with valuable networking opportunities. These connections can open up doors for your business and help you reach new customers, clients, or investors.
Emotional support: Starting and running a small business can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s important to have someone in your corner who understands what you’re going through. A mentor can offer emotional support and encouragement when you need it most, helping you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Overall, having a mentor can be a game-changer when it comes to running your small business. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, finding the right mentor can help you reach new heights of success and achieve your full potential.

What to Expect from Your Mentor

When you decide to work with a mentor, it is important to have a clear understanding of what to expect from the relationship. Here are some things you can anticipate when you partner with a small business mentor:

Guidance and advice: Your mentor will provide you with the knowledge and insights they have gained through their own experiences. They will offer guidance and advice on everything from setting business goals to managing employees.
Accountability: A mentor can help keep you accountable to your goals and aspirations. They will challenge you to stay focused and motivated, and hold you accountable for the actions you commit to taking.
A sounding board: Sometimes, you just need someone to bounce ideas off of. Your mentor can serve as a sounding board for your business ideas and help you assess their feasibility and potential.

By working with a small business mentor, you can gain valuable knowledge and insights that can help take your business to the next level. The key is to find the right mentor who aligns with your values and goals, and to make the most of your relationship by being open, receptive, and willing to learn.

Making the Most of Your Relationship

When working with your mentor you should set goals, be open and honest, listen and act on their advice, stay accountable, and show gratitude. Sometimes bringing on a mentor can be difficult, though. Schedules get in the way and finding the time to connect can be tricky. However, there are still options available.

If you want to learn from some of the best experts in the business, you can also check out our self-paced course Hiring Made Easy. Learn what you need to get together before hiring someone, how to handle interviews, how to determine fair pay rates, and more. This is all done on your own time, so it truly works with your schedule. Lesley Pyle, founder of HireMyMom and creator of Hiring Made Easy, has 20+ years of experience as a small business owner and remote worker that she is passing on through this course. It’s a lot like having a business mentor without trying to rearrange your schedule to learn something new. Plus, if you have questions or need a little more support, you can always contact us to get in touch with a real human being who can help!

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April 17, 2023

The Power of Video Marketing for Your Business

Video marketing has become an increasingly popular tool for businesses looking to increase their brand awareness and reach a larger audience. Whether you’re a small business just getting started or an established business looking to grow, videos can be a great way to effectively market your business and build a strong brand. Learn more about the different types of videos you can create, the best platforms to share your videos, and tips for creating effective videos that will engage your audience and build your brand.

The Benefits of Video Marketing

Reach a Wider Audience: Video marketing gives businesses the opportunity to reach an even wider audience, including potential customers who may not have otherwise heard of your business. With videos, you can quickly get your message out to a large number of people and create lasting connections with them.
Showcase Your Products or Services: Videos can be used to demonstrate how your products work, explain their features and benefits, and even provide virtual tours of your facilities.
Establish a Personal Connection: Videos allow businesses to create a personal connection with their customers and potential customers. By telling stories and sharing personal experiences, videos help to build trust and relationships with viewers, increasing customer loyalty and engagement.
Increase SEO Rankings: Video content can also help improve your SEO rankings, as search engines like Google tend to favor websites that include video content. This can help to increase the visibility of your website, driving more traffic and leads to your business.
Enhance Social Media Presence: Videos are a great way to engage with your followers on social media, providing interesting content that can spark conversation and get people talking about your business. Additionally, videos can be easily shared across multiple platforms, allowing you to reach a wider audience and increase brand awareness.

How to Get Started with Video Marketing

Create an Online Presence: You should have a website, social media accounts, and email newsletters.
Choose a Video Platform: Popular platforms include YouTube, Vimeo, and Wistia. Each of these platforms offers different features and benefits, so research them to find the one that’s right for your business.
Set Your Goals: Once you’ve chosen a platform, set specific goals for your video marketing campaign. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to increase brand awareness or generate more leads?
Choose Your Topics: Try to pick topics that are related to your business and that will appeal to your target audience. Think about what questions they may have and create videos that provide helpful answers.
Plan Your Content: Determine the length of each video and what type of content it will include. Will it be an interview? A demonstration? A tutorial?
Promote Your Videos: Post them on your website, social media accounts, and other platforms where they can be seen by your target audience. You can also create email campaigns and send out notifications when new videos are released.

Tips for Creating Effective Videos

Keep It Short: Attention spans are short and people don’t want to watch long videos. Aim for 1-2 minutes in length if possible.
Tell A Story: People respond to stories because they can relate to them, so make sure your video has an interesting plot and characters.
Show, Don’t Tell: Videos are a great way to show off your product or service, so use visuals to demonstrate what you’re talking about.
Include A Call To Action: Always include a call to action in your video so that viewers know what you want them to do next.
Use Appropriate Music: Music is an important part of any video, so make sure you use music that fits the tone and style of your video.

Measuring the Success of Your Video Marketing Campaign

Analyze Your Viewership: Look at how many views your videos are getting, how long people are watching them, and where they are coming from.
Track Conversions: If you have a website or a landing page associated with your videos, you can use tools such as Google Analytics to see how many people have clicked on your video and then converted into a lead or sale.
Monitor Social Engagement: Look at likes, comments, shares, and other forms of engagement to get an idea of how popular your videos are with your target audience.
Ask For Feedback: Ask questions in the comments section or in your social media posts to get an idea of what people think about your videos and if they would like to see more.

We hope these tips are helpful for your business! What other tips have you found helpful? Let us know so we can share them!

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June 27, 2022

How to Deal With a Client Who Goes Back on Their Word

When you’re in business, the only thing worse than losing a customer is when you lose a customer who still owes you money. When this happens, your best course of action may be to have a serious sit-down with the client and attempt to work out an arrangement that makes everyone happy…but if that doesn’t happen, you should know how to deal with it legally as well. Here are some tips on how to make sure a client pays you for the work you have completed; dedicating time to this can increase your business by ensuring you are paid on time.

Sign a contract

When starting a new business deal with a potential client, always make sure to sign a contract. This protects your interests in case your client later decides to back out of an agreement or simply doesn’t pay you for work done. As such, it’s critical that both parties agree to contractual terms before any work is started. If you don’t, you run into potential trouble down the road when it’s time to get paid and your client is less than enthusiastic about honoring their agreement. Plus, this is a time where you set your rates and discuss expectations, so make sure you are valuing yourself in this transaction!

When they want to change the contract details

This could be because they want more work than you’ve agreed, or they want fewer resources. If you don’t allow them to change details in your contract and you feel that it makes things worse for you, then renegotiate. Tell them why it makes things worse and ask them if they are willing to cover additional costs that might occur with their changes. Whatever you do, don’t just say you will “add it in later” or only get a verbal commitment; make sure to get everything in writing.

Once you are finished with your end of the project

Send them an invoice as soon as possible and make sure you get paid. In fact, you should send invoices within 24 hours of finishing a project, but it can always be later if absolutely necessary. If they have not responded after 48 hours, you may want to follow up with another email or call reminding them of your request. Start off just by ensuring they received your invoice — things can get lost in the shuffle! Then, send a reminder halfway through the term of the invoice. For example, if your window is thirty days, reach out at fifteen just to send a nice reminder.

When the term limit is up, send them a notice. After that, it is up to you to decide how often to send reminder invoices. At this point, you should also call them to check in, and you can institute a late payment policy where they are charged extra if the invoice reaches a certain date without being paid.

Finally, you may need to take legal action. At that point reach out to an attorney for help with collections. You should determine if this is a course of action you want to take. Sometimes invoices are small, so trying to do extra work to get payments can cost more than what you are owed.

When to refuse future offers

If you’re offering a service, it can be hard to turn down repeat business, but you should. If you are aware that your client is not paying their bills and cannot pay future ones in full and on time, it’s only going to cause problems for you in the long run. Setting clear expectations with clients about payment is vital, so always let them know if they are unable to maintain payments that you will stop work until payment has been received.

It is also okay to turn down work if you notice someone exhibiting a certain behavior that, for your business, indicates they may not pay based on your experiences. For example, perhaps you’ve noticed that if someone takes two weeks to return an email, it is hard to collect payments from them. It’s always okay to say no. Even if you meet someone and the work seems just right, if you have a gut feeling about it, follow it!

What advice do you have for those just starting in business that are struggling to collect payments? Reach out and let us know!

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October 18, 2021

Turn Your Idea Into a Supercharged Business With These Four Easy Steps

While making dinner or driving carpool, many thoughts likely go through your head. If one (or more) of them includes a new business idea, congratulations-you have the heart and mind of an entrepreneur (and a momtrepreneur)!

The business you are considering can be anything–it doesn’t have to be a wholly unique new product. Perhaps, you’d like to put your top-notch project management or administrative skills to use by launching a virtual assistant business.

Or, maybe you know you’d like to work for yourself and are thinking of launching a business that fills a need in your community–like a dog walker or child care provider.

Whatever your interest, the next step is taking the idea and making it happen. So, how do you take the kernel of an idea or a desire to hang out your own shingle and turn it into a full-fledged business?

While the prospect may seem overwhelming, a few initial steps can quickly put you on the road to success. The HireMyMom team talks with successful entrepreneurs looking for help every day. Here, we distill what we hear from them into four easy-to-follow initial steps to get you started with whatever business you are considering.

Talk About It

It’s exciting to consider launching a new business, and it’s fun to talk about your vision. So, the first step is easy–talk with trusted friends, family members and other advisors about your idea. Share the big picture you have in your head and get their reaction to it. Encourage them to ask questions and poke holes so you can refine your plan and create a clear vision of what you want to do.

We encourage you to seek out the enthusiastic and skeptical for this step. In this phase, it’s crucial to have a wide variety of input, and each perspective will help you get a better sense of how you can massage your idea for the best chance at success.

That said, establish a timeline for this phase–probably two to three weeks. That gives you time to have many conversations and chew over different ideas but still lets you move forward with the plan in a timely manner.

Conduct Research

Next, embark on a research project. The goal is threefold:

Find out what other businesses are operating in your space–this is called market research.
Determine where your business fits in–this is called competitive analysis.
Learn about any permit or licensing requirements to open and operate your business. Knowing about any required permits or licenses can help you avoid potentially costly situations down the road.

The information taken together can help you refine your business plan and position you for success.

Start with market research. Aim to learn more about other, similar businesses. Ask potential customers what they are looking for and what they value in the service. Find how much they charge and what their customers think of the service. Ask potential customers what service is missing from the current mix. Find out more about the demand for your product or service.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a helpful guide for conducting market research before launching a business.

Next, perform a competitive analysis to determine how your business will fill a niche. For example, you may decide to offer a twist on a product or service to make your business stand out and solve a problem you saw in the marketplace. For example, if you were thinking about a child care business, you might learn that parents are looking for evening care during your research. As a result, you may decide to offer child care after traditional business hours to cater to families who need help in the evenings or on weekends.

Or, you might learn that the only infant night nurse within 50 miles is cutting back her workload and the need for that service exceeds what the market offers. You might then steer your business toward short-term overnight care so new moms can get some sleep. You could offer to do laundry while on duty as a way to make your business stand out.

In some cases, you may find that the area you are considering is currently underserved, and standard product offerings plus availability are enough to get your business off the ground quickly.

For example, in your research, you may find that a shortage of qualified administrative assistants has local accounting firms struggling to return calls and schedule meetings. In that case, you might tailor your virtual assistant business, so you cater to industries with high demand.

Or, maybe you are considering a pet-based service, and you learn that there aren’t enough dog walkers in your neighborhood now that people are heading back to work. You’ve found a gap that you can easily step into to meet the need.

Market research and competitive analysis are both necessary because they position you for success by uncovering your competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Write a Plan

Next, craft a business plan and put it in writing. Your business plan doesn’t need to be MBA thesis-worthy. You can use an online template from sites like hubspot or the balance small business.

If that’s not your style, you can write the plan out on a piece of notebook paper or pull up a document on your laptop. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers helpful tips for writing a business plan.

Generally, your business plan can be as comprehensive as you desire. But, at a minimum, it should reflect the basics elements of your idea.

Start by documenting your vision, hashing out your overall mission and the details of the product or service you plan to provide. Peer into the future and include an aspirational statement to help you guide you along the way.

Suppose you are launching a virtual assistant business. In that case, your vision may look like this: Start a virtual assistant business that focuses on calendar management, customer callbacks and spreadsheet support for small business owners in the real estate industry. Over five years, grow business sufficiently to add three part-time employees providing similar services.

From there, your business plan should answer these questions:

What is the name of the business?
Who does this business serve?
How will I find customers?
How will they know about my service?
What’s the competition?
What’s my competitive advantage?
What obstacles might I face?
How much does this product/service cost the customer?
How will I staff this business to meet the demand?
Do I need money to launch this? How much? How will I get it?
What are my promotional plans?

Then, set a few short and long-term objectives to help you move along. Many people find that creating specific action plans with deadlines helps them set and achieve goals. Make sure your goals are SMART, that is, specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timely.

Make It Official!

Armed with your great idea, backed by research and fueled by the concepts documented in your business plan, it’s time to get moving.

Complete any legal and tax forms required to launch your business. You can find guidelines for selecting a business structure and instructions for getting federal and state tax ID numbers from the Small Business Association. The NOLO website offers low-cost legal forms.

Line up support to help ensure your success. While the specific support you need will vary by business type, some likely sources of support include:

A banker who can help you set up a small business account and offer basic bookkeeping guidance.
A mentor who has small business experience and can guide you as you launch, run and grow your business. Check out the Small Business Development Center for information about programs sponsored by the federal Small Business Association. They offer specific counseling for women-owned businesses.
A community of like-minded business people to share in the joys and struggles.

Call Us

The HireMyMom team can’t wait to hear about your success! When you are ready to find a work-from-home mom to supplement your staff, or you have an opportunity to give a budding, at-home professional some work, visit HireMyMom.com to find the resource you need.

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