The only constant in this world is change. Instead of fearing change when it comes to your business, embrace it! Every business owner, especially those seeing declining or stagnant profits, should realize that a change is advised, even necessary.
Here are five and a half ways to turn your business around for the better. Making some of these changes may even help you regain momentum in a positive direction. If you’re already going in a positive direction (and we hope that you are) these tips may provide different ideas for how you can explore new opportunities:
1: Keep an Open Mind
If you want to make changes in your business, you should be focused on listening to the advice of others, and on trying new things. You can never truly know ahead of time whether a new strategy will work, but you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take. In the spirit of transformation and rejuvenation, make it a point to step outside of your comfort zone.
2: Focus on Employees and Culture
The quality of employees will easily make or break your business. If there is someone on your staff that you want the others to emulate, reward them. On the other hand, if there is a staff member that you question, it’s probably time to reconsider their employment.
Once you have a staff that you believe in, it is your job as the business owner to encourage a productive and friendly culture. Don’t let your employees get too stressed, instead reward positive behaviors and show appreciation in ways that match up to your employees’ motivators. (Here’s a tip: Many employees are motivated by receiving great health insurance and workers compensation coverage from their employer!)
3: Don’t Drag Your Feet
If you’re going to implement a change at your business, take the time to research it and figure out the steps that you will need to do to successfully start a new process or policy. Once that’s done, though, don’t waste time – it may take a while to figure out if a change is for the better, so get started as soon as possible.
4: Prioritize Transparency
Don’t try to sneak around when you make changes in your business – celebrate it! Be realistic with your staff and customers about what you are changing, and explain what benefits you expect to gain. You may also want to share what could go wrong, if you want to make sure that everyone is completely prepared for potential repercussions.
5: Share a New Vision
In the same spirit as ensuring that you are transparent with your employees and clients about the changes that you wish to implement, make sure that you also share your new vision of your business. Explain to all people that have a stake in the business what it is you want to accomplish, and how you plan to get there. Make sure that you listen to their comments and concerns, and address them accordingly.
6: Revive Your Business Insurance
While it may not help your business turn around, a new business insurance quote from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency may be able to help you ensure that your business is financially protected in case of a peril. If you already have a Massachusetts business insurance policy from Vargas and Vargas, you should call 617-298-0655 at least once a year to update your coverage.
