Running a business is not an easy undertaking. But focusing on the most important aspects of your company’s success increases your chances of survival.

Using a full service digital marketing agency can be one of the best investments in your business that you can make because they understand the data, know how to do the research, and will use their goal-oriented approach to get you the best return on your investment.

4 Business Areas You Should Never Neglect

1. Planning

A strong business plan is key to your organization’s success. A Business Plan details the services or products your business provides, your marketing strategy, number of employees, and other vital information. One of the most important elements of a business plan is the Revenue Projection.

The Revenue Projection forecasts your expected income and expenses so you can estimate your profit or loss in a given period and provide you a starting point when making decisions regarding staffing, pricing, and other operational details.

1. Create both a conservative and an optimistic projection.

   Because the actual revenue will likely end up between those two estimates. And as time passes, you’ll see which of your 2 forecasts is more accurate and adjust your revenue projection accordingly so you can grow your business.

2. Remember the importance of short-term planning and time management

   Short-term planning and time management are imperatives for your success as they are necessary actions to achieve your goal. Make daily, weekly, and monthly schedules. Track how you spend your time to see if there are any areas for improvement. Turn off your social media notifications and other distractions.

3. Regularly communicate with employees and partners

   Communicate with your team and everyone involved to ensure that everyone knows what to do when. There are many management apps available now that will help you and your entire team plan together.

2. Customer Service

1. Happy patrons are the foundation of any successful business!

   So make sure all employees practice excellent customer service. Everyone should be patient, knowledgeable, friendly, and proactive.

2. Respond quickly to complaints and inquiries.

   Design a survey or set out a suggestion box for anonymous input. Act on the feedback whenever possible.

3. Compliance

Non-compliance is a risk for many companies and can lead to fines or even forced closure. Because there are many state and local regulations, it can get confusing at times.

1. Create a checklist.

   Create a checklist of all the tasks required to remain legally compliant.

   It may help to create different checklists for weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual regulations. Tasks may include filing taxes, keeping licenses updated, following environmental ordinances, and maintaining adequate insurance coverage.

2. Form an LLC.

   Forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) can feel daunting, but understanding what’s expected and learning the steps can make it easy and efficient. If you’re in Idaho and wish to form your own LLC, use this guide to get you started. If you know that paperwork is not your strongest area, delegate the tasks to a qualified employee or hire someone specifically for the job.

3. Get proper insurance.

   The types of insurance policies you will need will depend on the nature of your business, but many companies require at least general liability, workers’ compensation, and property insurance. Speak with an agent to ensure you have all the coverage necessary to operate legally. Read your policy documents thoroughly so that you understand all the terms and conditions.

4. Organization

Data shows that most entrepreneurs believe that an organized office is key to success. But it can be difficult for busy people to develop and maintain an organizational system and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so

1. Tailor your approach to your specific needs. Ask for input from employees, and make sure everyone is on the same page.

2. Digitize your paper works.

   Many businesses find that digitizing paperwork reduces clutter and saves time. After the initial digitization of paper documents, you can choose from a variety of software options to help you stay on top of paperwork and maintain records.

   Application Programming Interfaces or API software has the ability to give you real time financial information and bank account balances that reduce NSF fees and enable account pre-funding.

In Conclusion

Every business is different, but some elements are universal. All companies have to plan ahead, get organized, stay legally compliant and maintain good customer relations.

Focusing on these areas will help your company thrive no matter what product or service you provide.

About the Guest Author

Gloria Martinez loves sharing her business expertise and hopes to inspire other women to start their own businesses and seek promotions in the workplace. She started WomenLed.org to celebrate the advancements women have made and inspire women to become entrepreneurs and seek promotions in the workplace