Don't Scrimp on the Small Stuff!

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a small business owner is to ignore the small stuff. Just because you have a small or startup business doesn't mean that you're exempt from these little but crucial things. You may think that everything about your business is fine, but there are a lot of things that need to be taken care of before you can see the results that you've been hoping for. With that being said, here are just a few things you shouldn't do.

Don't waste time obsessing over the big picture. When it comes to your business, a part of that is making sure that everything runs smoothly. However, if you start worrying about how your business is going to be in six months or one year, you're going to find that you're more concerned with the outcome than with how long it's going to take you. Make sure you spend enough time focusing on the here and now of your business instead of how it's going to end up in the future. You should also keep in mind that the future is always uncertain.

Don't be afraid to cut corners when it comes to small details. While there will probably always be things that are more expensive than the versions that you can get at the store, you have to weigh out the differences between what you can afford and what you want. Even if you have employees, sometimes it's better to go with something cheap and rent than it is to pay for everything. You need to think of the long-term effects of every decision you make.

Don't get wrapped up in the idea of making your business "big." If you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish within the next month or two, you'll be able to see where you're getting your money and what you're spending it on. Don't lose sight of the fact that you have a limited amount of time and money to grow your business. Be willing to make sacrifices and invest in tools and processes that will get you closer to your goals.

The Small Business Administration is a great place to start if you're wondering how to make your business "small." There are seminars and workshops you can attend and helpful books to read that will show you how to structure your company so that it's more efficient and profitable. If you're worried about your business being successful or possible to fail, the SBA can provide you with some inside information that will help you make decisions that will be best for you and your business. Their goal is to help you succeed.

Many people fear the idea of having to manage their own businesses because they feel like they aren't in control. You're the one who has to answer to no one but yourself, so you'll have to learn to manage your time and your staff. In order to make sure that you're making the most out of your time and resources, it helps to have a good business plan. Writing out a business plan is also a good idea if you have any doubts or concerns about what you want to do or what you're going to sell.

Many small businesses make the mistake of trying to do everything all at once. They try to do everything from hiring employees, handling customer service calls, and managing inventory by themselves. While some small businesses do well in this type of situation, most struggle because they try to do too much at once, which often leads to overwhelming stress and chaos. You can avoid all of that by planning and organizing your business properly, starting with your daily and weekly tasks.

Don't scrimp on the small stuff. When you're starting a business, you'll likely invest some money in tools and processes to help you get your project done quickly and efficiently. Don't let yourself starve in this area. Invest in the basics, and don't be afraid to spend a little extra if you need to. The extra money will soon pay for itself over time as you see your business grow. Remember, in order to grow your business, you have to make more money!