Poor management of emotions can create problems for both a business and its employees, often leading to loss of income and undue stress. On the other hand, proper professional etiquette, emphasizing respectful communication and emotional intelligence, can help organizations exceed targets while establishing work cultures that attract and retain high-quality talent.

On this episode of The Small Business Show, host Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by Matt Easton, sales coach and founder of sales training platform Easton University. Having helped hundreds of professionals from different industries grow in their careers, Easton knows not only how crucial it is to manage emotions properly but also the secrets to communicating effectively, transparently, and positively. Now, he shares his tips to help you and your team reduce stress and improve efficiency with emotional management.

Key Takeaways

1. It is not personal. Although emotions can be intense in the workplace, employees and managers must avoid letting negative interactions fluster them or lead them to spread additional negativity.

2. It is not as bad as you think. As humans, obstacles can often appear as insurmountable, not due to the actual difficulties presented but rather our lack of familiarity with the tasks at hand. Once enough experience is gained, professionals can have more confidence in tackling problems and avoid letting their emotions get the better of them.

3. Do not stereotype your customer. Every client is different, no matter how similar they may appear. Assuming that an interaction with someone will go poorly simply based on a few shared characteristics with other individuals can create negative emotions and ruin your chances of closing a sale.

4. Do not stop to take pictures. When on a winning streak, the last thing one should do is sacrifice new opportunities to enjoy the moment.

5. Do not set goals based on what others have done. Comparison leads to negative emotions, and negative emotions lead to less productivity. Professionals who set realistic goals for themselves not only achieve their targets with greater speed and efficiency but also protect themselves from feelings of inferiority.

"Winning begets more winning." – Matt Easton

In this article, we’ll dive into six essential small business trends of today’s fast-paced, digital-first world. We’ll explore how emerging technologies can be a game-changer, why consumer habits are more important than ever, and how embracing digital marketing can open doors to new opportunities.

1. Emerging Technologies

AI and automation are essential for small organizations because they enhance productivity, simplify processes, and generate insightful data. These technologies can help streamline repetitive tasks, reduce human labor, and eliminate mistakes, saving costs and strategically using resources.

"Winning begets more winning." – Matt Easton

AI can improve customer experience, streamline supply chain management, and make data-driven choices. Forecasting demand, adjusting inventory levels, and optimizing logistics are all possible with a supply chain that combines automation and AI algorithms.

Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology—a decentralized, secure ledger—holds implications for small enterprises. It facilitates end-to-end traceability in the supply chain by automating and enforcing smart contracts, ensuring transaction transparency.

Blockchain technology opens up new capital production and investment channels through novel fundraising techniques like Security Token Offerings (STOs) and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). Furthermore, the cryptographic principles of blockchain improve data security by safeguarding confidential information, fostering consumer confidence, and adhering to changing data protection laws.

2. Changing Consumer Behavior

Small enterprises must adapt to evolving purchasing habits and preferences by 2024. Key factors include the dominance of eCommerce, growing sustainability concerns, a focus on local and community values, and the importance of authenticity in branding and communication. With consumer behavior shifting towards eCommerce, businesses should focus on increasing their online presence, delivering smooth digital experiences, and embracing effective solutions.

Businesses should embrace eco-friendly processes and convey their commitment to environmental responsibility transparently. Local companies can capitalize on this trend by emphasizing their local origins and promoting the distinct features of their products or services. Authenticity in branding and communication is also crucial since it appeals to customers.

For small companies to stand out from the competition and create enduring partnerships, customer experience, and customization are essential. A positive customer experience relies on excellent customer service, data-driven personalization, multichannel interaction, technological integration, customization, and flexibility. Small firms may develop a unified brand experience by investing in employee training, using consumer data ethically, and connecting online and physical channels.

3. Digital Marketing Strategies

To optimize their digital marketing effect in 2024, small companies must keep up with developing social media trends. The domination of video content is critical, and short-form material, such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, is popular.

Authentic influencer marketing is critical, and firms should collaborate with micro-influencers who share their brand values. Participating in the community may boost brand loyalty.

eCommerce and internet platforms are critical to a company’s success. For a smooth purchasing experience, businesses should prioritize mobile-friendly optimization and responsive design. Data analytics can enhance personalized shopping experiences, and augmented reality (AR) integration can create an immersive shopping experience.

Integrating across platforms offers consistent branding and a smooth transition from discovery to purchase. By using eco-friendly packaging, offering sustainable product lines, and clearly articulating their commitment to environmental responsibility, eCommerce businesses can attract environmentally conscious shoppers.

4. Financial Strategies and Funding Options

Small enterprises must consider other funding sources to ensure financial stability and development in 2024. Platforms for crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, venture capital and angel investors, government grants and subsidies, and revenue-based financing are all viable options. Crowdfunding platforms offer a novel approach to raising funds, whereas peer-to-peer financing links firms with individual lenders.

In exchange for equity, venture capital, and angel investors may provide funding. Grants and subsidies from the government can offer financial aid for certain sectors, innovation, or economic development. Businesses can use revenue-based financing to return investors based on a proportion of their monthly revenue.

In unpredictable economic circumstances, small firms should emphasize cash flow management, establish financial scenarios, apply cost-cutting measures, diversify income streams, and use financial technology tools. This involves monitoring expenses, optimizing payment terms, maintaining a sufficient cash reserve, and preparing for different economic outcomes to mitigate risks.

5. Environmental and Social Responsibility

In response to the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility worldwide, small firms are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. Some strategies include eco-friendly supply chains, energy conservation, recycling, waste minimization, product life cycle assessments, openness and communication, and satisfying consumer demand for socially conscious businesses.

Green supply chains include environmentally responsible supplier selection, waste minimization, and sustainable material acquisition. Energy-efficient technologies may enhance the environmental effect of a business. Two examples of such technologies are energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources.

Reduction and recycling strategies, such as audits and programs, are committed to environmental responsibility. Product life cycle considerations must create durable, repairable, and recyclable products to support a circular economy. Transparency and communication are essential for building and preserving consumer trust.

Small firms should adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR), diversity and inclusion, ethical sourcing, community participation, and honest communication to address the rising need for socially responsible companies. These practices promote consumer trust and a more sustainable and ethical company environment.

6. Finalization

Entrepreneurs in 2024 should adopt a holistic approach that incorporates these evolving small business trends. This includes implementing digital marketing strategies, fostering remote work, building financial resilience, and emphasizing environmental and social responsibility. Small companies can thrive in the evolving business landscape by strategically incorporating these insights.

Innovative digital outreach, flexible work arrangements, diverse funding, and a commitment to sustainability and social causes can help position their ventures for success. Being agile, customer-centric, and socially responsible will drive growth and contribute positively to the broader societal and environmental context.

To ensure that your business’s next project will succeed, there are some essential steps to follow. From project planning and team selection to risk management and communication strategies, this guide provides practical tips and proven methods to steer your project toward success. 

Whether you’re a project manager or a business owner overseeing initiatives, this article will briefly discuss the tools to overcome challenges and optimize project outcomes. Learn all the information to achieve a successful business project. 

Steps To Ensure Your Business’s Next Project Is A Success

By implementing the nine essential steps, project leaders can drive remarkable results and achieve excellence in their business initiatives. These steps are: 

1. Define What The Success Of Your Project Looks Like

Before working on any project, having a clear vision and actual definition of success for a specific individual is important. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. 

Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to help you track progress and measure success. This step lays the foundation for the entire project and ensures everyone involved is aligned on the project’s purpose and expected outcomes.

2. Conduct Thorough Planning

A well-structured plan is the backbone of any successful project. Devote sufficient time to detailed planning, outlining the project scope, milestones, deadlines, and resource requirements.

 Create a comprehensive project schedule that includes all tasks and their dependencies. Involve your team in the planning process to gain valuable insights and foster a sense of ownership. 

A solid plan keeps the project on track and prepares you to tackle unexpected challenges that may arise during the project.

3. Understand the Risks to Success

Every project carries inherent risks that can impact its success. Identifying potential risks early allows you to develop risk management strategies to mitigate their impact. 

Conduct a risk assessment with your team and stakeholders to identify internal and external risks. Develop contingency plans for high-impact risks to minimize disruptions and keep the project on course.

4. Set Achievable Goals

While aiming high is admirable, setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and project failure. Ensure that your project goals are ambitious yet attainable. 

Consider your team’s capabilities, available resources, and external factors that could influence the project’s success. 

Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, making progress easier to track and accomplishments more frequent, and boosting team morale.

5. Build the Right Team

A successful project relies on a competent and motivated team. Assemble a diverse group of individuals with complementary skills and expertise. Assign roles and responsibilities based on team members’ strengths.

 Encourage open communication and collaboration to foster a positive and productive work environment. Regularly provide feedback and recognize achievements to keep team morale high.

6. Monitor Progress

Consistent monitoring of project progress is essential to identify and address potential issues early on. Establish regular check-ins and status updates to keep track of milestones and deliverables. Utilize project management tools to aid in tracking progress and managing tasks efficiently.

If any deviations from the plan occur, take prompt corrective actions to prevent further delays or setbacks.

7. Build Central Communication

Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful project. Establish a central communication system to ensure seamless information flow between team members, stakeholders, and project leaders. 

Use tools like project management software, email, and meetings to inform everyone about project developments, changes, and decisions. Transparent communication builds trust and promotes a sense of unity within the team.

8. Accountability

Hold team members accountable for their assigned tasks and responsibilities. Foster a culture of ownership and responsibility, where team members understand the significance of their contributions to the project’s success. 

Regularly review progress and performance, providing constructive feedback when necessary. Celebrate achievements and acknowledge efforts to motivate and inspire the team.

9. Evaluate the Project Upon Completion

Once the project is complete, conduct a thorough post-project evaluation. Analyze the project’s overall success against the defined objectives and KPIs.

 Identify areas of improvement and areas of excellence. Gather feedback from team members and stakeholders to gain valuable insights for future projects. Celebrate the team’s accomplishments and acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

Final Thoughts 

Understanding that success in business projects is achievable through effective planning, resource allocation, and communication is important. 

Any project may overcome obstacles and enhance its chances of success with clear objectives, a well-structured plan, and a skilled staff.

We hope this article will provide all the steps to ensure the project’s success. Make sure to follow them and avail all their benefits.

"Winning begets more winning." – Matt Easton

No matter the situation, ending a business relationship is never easy. However, if you keep the lines of communication open and are prepared to compromise, it is possible to reach a resolution that works for both parties. 

1. Give them a heads-up: Let them know that you have been thinking about this and that you have decided it’s time to move on.
2. Be honest: Don’t make up excuses or try to sugarcoat things. Be tactful when explaining your perspective.
3. Be respectful: Keep your tone polite, and avoid being overly critical.
4. Be professional: This is not the time to vent about all of your grievances. Be professional and keep your emotions in check.
5. Offer to help: Suppose you can offer to help them transition to a new service provider. This can be something as simple as giving them a referral.
6. Make a clean break: Don’t leave things on a sour note.
7. Avoid burning bridges: You never know when you might need to work with them again, so keep the door open for future opportunities.
8. Give them closure: Make sure they have all the necessary information and that you have wrapped up loose ends. This will help them move on and avoid any confusion.
9. Keep it short and sweet: There is no need to drag things out.
10. Thank them for the opportunity: This is an excellent way to end things on a positive note.

There is no definitive answer to when to end the business relationship, as each business relationship is unique and may have different circumstances. However, some common reasons why businesses may end their relationship include:

"Winning begets more winning." – Matt Easton

• The business relationship is no longer beneficial or healthy.
• There is a pattern of negative or destructive behavior.
• There is a lack of trust or communication.
• The business relationship has become too difficult or stressful.
• One or both parties have violated the terms of the agreement.
• One or both parties have engaged in unethical or illegal behavior.
• The business relationship has become too expensive or time-consuming.
• The business relationship interferes with other vital relationships.

Additionally, it may be helpful to consult with a legal professional to determine if any contractual obligations need to be considered before ending a business relationship.

The decision to end a business relationship is a difficult one. Ultimately, the decision to end a business relationship should be based on what is best for the company and the individuals involved.

Negotiation skills are essential for entrepreneurs, as they can impact every aspect of a business. Joining us on the latest episode of The Small Business Show to discuss negotiation is Kwame Christian, CEO and Founder of the American Negotiation Institute. Christian is also a Bestselling Author, Business Attorney, and keynote speaker. 

From the beginning, Christian knew his journey had a unique path. As a recovering people pleaser, he became the “negotiations guy” because he was profoundly flawed at it. So, when he discovered negotiations in law school, he realized it was a skill he could learn and improve at. Furthermore, the American Negotiation Institute, ANI, was established on the premise of helping others attain the same revelation- negotiation is a teachable skill, not just a tool. 

Key Takeaways:

1. At ANI, they believe the best things in life are on the other side of difficult conversations. Christian uses the broad definition of negotiations as “Anytime someone in a conversation wants something.” 

2. The key for entrepreneurs is understanding that negotiations are not just about sales. Rather, they originate from discussions with those closest to them, such as coworkers, partners, or kids.  

3. The biggest mistake people make in the entrepreneurial space comes down to two things: 

• • One: Not negotiating
  • Two: Not asking questions nor managing emotions. 

4. Christian elaborates that when entrepreneurs realize they have a third option besides yes or no in a conversation, it opens them up to more opportunities to add value. Also, “if you want to be an effective negotiator, you need to be able to control the temperature of emotions in the room.”

5. Negotiating requires the right mindset and skillset. “You may know the right things to say and do, but if you do not have the right mindset, you won’t be able to put the skills into action when they matter,” exclaims Christian. 

6. Christain discovered two recurring themes in his first book—confidence and conflict. He further explains, “People lack confidence and are reluctant to have difficult conversations. ” 

"Winning begets more winning." – Matt Easton

Whether you plan to launch a new product, revamp your website, or run a marketing campaign, project planning is integral to all these processes. But it can be overwhelming, especially when you have a small team and limited resources. 

However, it doesn’t have to be stressful. 

Want to know how to plan out projects for entrepreneurship and small businesses?

Read on!

Project Planning Steps For SMEs

Starting a new project can be daunting, especially if you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur without a strong background in project management. It can be increasingly challenging to navigate through comprehensive guides.  

We know that new entrepreneurs and small businesses may not have the resources or time to invest in complex project-planning processes. This is why we’ve rounded up some crucial steps to ensure your project’s success. 

We’ll help you determine your project’s objectives and scope and identify the resources you require to create a project plan that sees you through to the end. 

Follow the eight steps to the T, and rest assured you’ll complete your project with minimal setbacks. 

1. Determine Stakeholders Needs

Before you start a project, identify your stakeholders, what they require and expect from the project, and prioritize their needs depending on their relevance and urgency.

Your stakeholders may range from project team members, clients, project managers, your company, and the local community to global organizations. In short, anyone who has an interest in or gets affected by the project is a stakeholder. 

Believe it or not, knowing your stakeholder’s needs can help you better align your project with their goals and ensure success. 

2. Identify Project Scope And Objectives

Once you identify stakeholders and their needs and expectations, set your project’s scope and objectives. 

Your objectives can be SMART goals you want to achieve, while the scope defines project boundaries.

If you plan to create a site for your online business, A SMART project goal could be ‘start a basic Shopify site in 3 months’. But, the scope could limit it to ‘create the homepage, about us, shop, and contact us pages’. 

So, define your objectives and scope without losing sight of the bigger picture, Do this at the project’s outset so you can stay focused and avoid scope creep, which can be costly and time-consuming.

3. Define Project Deliverables

Your project deliverables are the tangible outputs that result from your project. They could be products, services, reports, or any other real result your project aims to achieve. 

You can stay on track and monitor progress against your objectives if you identify clear project deliverables. 

4. Create Project Timeline

Create a project schedule to help you track how long different phases will take and when you can provide clients with deliverables. 

Your project schedule should outline the tasks required to create deliverables, the sequence in which they should be completed, their timeline, and the team members responsible for tasks.  

It’s best to break down your project into smaller tasks to make it more manageable and less overwhelming. Once you identify how long every task takes, estimating a project’s timeline becomes easier. 

5. Estimate Project Budget & Resources

You’ll have to estimate your project budget and costs based on information available about the project scope. This will help you distribute funds promptly and properly and determine pitfalls before beginning your project. 

Besides knowing how much to spend, it’s important to know what team members and resources you’ll require and whether they are accessible when as and when needed.  

For example, you have a client who wants a new SEO-optimized website; however, you don’t have enough workforce to undertake SEO for a massive site and get it done on time. So, you’ll have to identify logistics like: 

• What’s the availability of a developer?
• Will you have to hire freelancers for this project?
• Do you have the required budget to recruit freelancer web developers?

6. Assign Roles & Responsibilities

Assigning roles and responsibilities is essential to ensure that everyone involved in your project knows what they need to do and when. 

There are various reasons why many projects fail. For instance, 38% of businesses say projects fail because team members don’t know their roles. Moreover, 37% of projects fail because leadership doesn’t define project goals and objectives.

So, make sure to specify clearly:

• Who will look after each project
• Who will manage tasks and deliverables
• Who will collaborate with clients during the entire project 

For instance, when you run marketing campaigns for clients, you expect clients to provide social media profile credentials, approve social media images and copy, and offer specific and actionable feedback throughout the project. 

You must communicate these expectations to clients and educate them to give useful feedback. 

By assigning roles and responsibilities, you can avoid confusion and ensure everyone is working towards the same goals.

7. Assess Risks

Risks can be anything that can derail the project or cause delays. You must identify these risks upfront to take specific measures to mitigate them. 

All projects carry risks. Here are a few risks you may face:

• Scope creep
• Project delays
• Overspending
• Miscommunication
• Overstretched resources
• Equipment or technology issues
• Team members leaving 

You can use strategic planning software such as SWOT to determine these risks. Afterward, prioritize risks based on their likelihood of occurrence and the potential effect on a project. 

Then, create a comprehensive plan to mitigate risks. This will help you avoid surprises and stay on track. 

8. Develop A Communication Plan

Setting communication modes and expectations for your project is paramount. This ensures your team members have the data they require to stay on track, maintain stakeholders’ confidence, and enable you to track project progress. 

Your plan should outline how you’ll communicate with your stakeholders and team members, what information you’ll share, preferred communication modes, project checkpoints requiring client approvals, and how often you’ll provide updates. 

For example, you may have weekly Zoom meetings with team members to evaluate their progress on assigned tasks. Creating a communication plan ensures that everyone is informed and that your project runs smoothly.

Takeaways

Project planning can be challenging. It involves time management, team management, resource management, and more. 

In addition, you may find yourself busy overseeing various projects simultaneously, making it increasingly tough to manage tasks and meet project deadlines and budgets.

Follow these eight tips to simplify project planning for your small business and entrepreneurship. These will help you plan and perform a successful project that meets stakeholder needs and your set goals.

Small businesses across all industries, from retail to technology, have one thing in common: they are still dealing with the onslaught of labor shortages and supply chain disruptions created by the COVID pandemic. On this episode of The Small Business Show, host Shyann Malone is joined by Priya Monga, general manager at Instacart Business, to discuss how the company’s new service is helping companies address these critical issues.

From now until October 31, small businesses who create a new Instacart Business account can earn 2% credit on purchases over $250 and receive one free year of Instacart+, which unlocks $0 delivery fees on orders over $35 and other exclusive savings across all transactions. “We’re really, really excited to share this offer with the world today,” remarks Monga. This deal is especially beneficial for companies with small teams and limited resources. Entrepreneurs frequently struggle to obtain supplies for their companies due to their limited manpower and funds. Small businesses also lack inventory space, meaning they can only purchase so much stock before running out of storage. The drawbacks of these limitations are further aggravated by supply chain disruptions, which have disproportionately affected startups and family-owned companies since the COVID pandemic.

The new service was inspired by feedback from users already on the Instacart platform. Even before creating a business-only account, the company had become a crucial partner to many entrepreneurs across the U.S. “When we saw this data, and we saw businesses already flocking to Instacart to leverage our platform to get same-day delivery, we knew that we really had to continue to build a business product that serves their unique needs,” Monga explains. The Instacart team incorporated features tailored to entrepreneurs and the pain points they often face when managing their operations. For example, Instacart Business allows users to easily switch between personal and company accounts within the same application and includes stocklists and reordering tools to make purchases as simple as possible. Select small businesses in eligible states can also qualify for tax exemption on their Instacart Business orders, a feature that the company expects to roll out to more accounts before the end of the year. Certain wholesale suppliers have also partnered with the platform to expand the categories of items available to business account owners.

Instacart Business is intended to complement the vendors that small businesses already use, increasing the flexibility managers and leaders have when purchasing necessities. The platform also protects companies in the event that a supplier is unable to deliver on time, serving as a convenient emergency backup. Since its launch earlier this year, the service has attracted users from across multiple industries, including restaurants, mom-and-pop stores, coffee and tea shops, law firms, medical facilities and daycares. “Most businesses have a need for supplies and for ingredients,” adds Monga, “and they’re realizing that it’s very costly to actually send an employee to the store, to spend hours in line, to spend money on gas back and forth. And this is really where Instacart Business comes in.”

The platform is also planning additional services to help small businesses even more. “Over the coming months, we’re working really, really hard to roll out a steady drumbeat of features for business customers,” Monga remarks. For instance, Instacart Business will be looking to address additional pain points affecting U.S. startups, such as limited payment options. It will also be developing ways to connect retailers with small businesses at scale, allowing them to better serve the needs of their communities. “We are just getting started,” she concludes. To set up a new Instacart Business account and take advantage of cash-back and free deliveries, download the app or visit their website here.

"Winning begets more winning." – Matt Easton

This article will explore the practical, sustainable practices that SMBs can implement to achieve environmental and economic goals.

5 Ways to Implement Sustainability for Small Businesses and Reap the Rewards

Assessing Environmental Impact

Understanding the environmental impact of your business is the first step towards sustainability. Conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment or audit to help you identify areas for improvement and set realistic goals. Assess energy consumption, waste generation, carbon emissions, and water usage.

This evaluation forms the foundation for implementing targeted, sustainable practices. After conducting the audit, establish clear sustainability goals and priorities. Also, determine the areas that require immediate attention, and focus on initiatives that align with your business values and objectives.Energy Efficiency and Resource Conservation

SMBs can significantly reduce their environmental footprint by implementing energy-saving measures, which include switching to energy-efficient lighting, optimizing heating and cooling systems, and investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Encourage employees to conserve energy by switching off lights and equipment when not in use and adopt practices such as recycling, reusing materials, and embracing digital documentation. Additionally, consider implementing policies that minimize paper usage and encourage responsible consumption.

Sustainable Supply Chain and Procurement

Small businesses can enhance their sustainability credentials by engaging in responsible sourcing and supply chain management. Source materials and products from eco-friendly suppliers who prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, fair trade, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

Consider the lifecycle of products, from raw materials to disposal, and aim for environmentally friendly alternatives. Emphasize collaboration with suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability, fostering a culture of mutual growth and responsibility.

Supporting local businesses not only fosters community growth but also reduces transportation-related emissions. Additionally, opt for sustainable materials and packaging, such as recyclable or biodegradable alternatives, to minimize environmental impact.

Water Conservation

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, and SMBs can contribute to conservation efforts by implementing water-saving measures. Implement water-saving measures such as low-flow faucets, water-efficient toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems.

Encourage employees to be mindful of water usage in their daily activities. Furthermore, encourage employees to embrace environmentally friendly practices such as proper waste management, recycling, turning off lights when not in use, properly disposing of hazardous materials, and composting to minimize environmental impact.

Measuring Progress and Communicating Efforts

To ensure the success of your sustainability initiatives, establish performance metrics to monitor and measure progress regularly. This allows you to track improvements, identify areas for further optimization, and set new goals to enhance your business’s sustainability efforts continuously.

Measure key performance indicators (KPIs) such as energy consumption, waste reduction, and carbon emissions. Utilize marketing materials, website content, social media platforms, sustainability reporting tools, and certifications to benchmark and communicate your efforts.

Sharing sustainability initiatives and achievements with stakeholders, customers, and the community enhances your reputation, builds trust, and attracts environmentally conscious customers.

Conclusion

Sustainable practices not only mitigate environmental effects but also foster customer loyalty, raise brand awareness, and attract environmentally conscious customers. By implementing realistic sustainability measures, small business owners can contribute to a greener future, have a positive environmental impact, and achieve economic success. Embracing sustainability as a small business owner showcases ethical principles and provides a competitive edge in the market. By demonstrating dedication to sustainability, you can attract eco-friendly customers and contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come. Adopt sustainable practices and witness your small business thrive while making a positive difference.

Millions of individuals have had to learn how to be more frugal in terms of material consumption and managing costs with minimized capital, and those in the corporate sphere are being forced to do so, as well. Many company managers, owners, and executives have found their businesses unwillingly forced to do more with less as the subsequent repercussions of the Great Resignation of 2021 continue to have an impact on workplaces both large and small.

The “less” that businesses have to do more with is not limited to just the number of employees, either. Companies are encountering the issue of having fewer on-hand materials available for manufacturing and production due to disrupted or disappearing supply chains. They also see lower profits because consumers have not only reduced their spending on non-essential purchases but have also scaled down other factors of their shopping choices, like how often and where they spend money, too.

If your company is dealing with shortages of staff, supplies, or sales, you don’t need to take the hit to your profitability lying down. Face the challenges head-on and use these six proven ways to do more with less and boost your company’s success:

5. Rather than downsizing your goals like your company may have been forced to downsize in many other areas, raise the bar and reach for the sky. When you set goals that are easily reached, you make it easy to say you’ve accomplished something, but that “something” may not be doing much to increase your business stability and longevity. Easy-to-achieve goals also incubate an unmotivated atmosphere in the workplace because no one feels energized or inspired to aim high and shoot higher. Challenge yourself and your staff to refocus on goal attainment, improve strategies for prioritizing and accomplishing tasks, and enhancing time management and teamwork by setting goals that are unrealistic. Sometimes telling someone they’ll never reach an unrealistic goal is the best way to get them to dig in, get creative, and make sure they can and do reach it.
6. Ferret out and utilize the skills and experience already at your disposal. Whether your company cross-trains employees in other areas of your business or not, chances are you already have staff members who have the skills and experience to successfully switch titles or job duties. Learn more about the abilities and potential of your existing employees, shuffle staff around to handle department needs, production quotas, or scheduling deficits, and get more work done with fewer gaps in your staffing needs.
7. Avoid the temptation to fast-track your training processes for new hires or reduce ongoing training for existing employees, and ensure that your training programs exceed standards for what is “necessary.” Companies are having a harder time recruiting new hires, facing higher turnover and lower retention levels than previously encountered, and are spending less time and money on continuing education and/or training for existing employees. An in-depth and high-quality training program creates a team of knowledgeable and highly skilled workers who have higher morale, greater investment in their position and company, a stronger sense of personal pride in their daily accomplishments, and who are more motivated to do the best job they can do no matter how big or small their assigned tasks may be.
8. Encourage the sharing of ideas for the betterment of the business. While most companies have an employee handbook of some type that includes an “open-door policy,” a large number of those companies don’t put that policy into practice with any sort of sincerity or genuine interest. Also, in most cases, open-door policies typically refer to addressing grievances, deficiencies, or other negative aspects of business operations and personnel interaction. Revamp your company’s “open-door policy” to one that encourages, appreciates, and gives serious consideration to suggestions and ideas from any and all staff members who want to offer their perspective on doing old tasks in new ways to boost productivity, efficiency, or profitability.
9. Create action plans that result in real action. It’s easy for anyone to come up with a list of priorities for accomplishing goals and an action plan for tackling those priorities – but how often are those plans followed by genuine effort and real results? When you are trying to do more with less, you don’t have to make endless lists of things you want to get done; you have to create relevant and targeted lists with actionable steps that consistently move your employees toward their end goals.
10. Eliminate labels, definitions, and titles in the workplace as much as possible. An employee who is an Administrative Assistant by title may decline to do the job of someone whose title is Accounts Payable, Public Areas Attendant, or Talent Acquisition Coordinator by saying, “it’s not my job.” In reality, even though some people may be specifically trained to accomplish certain work-related tasks and others are not, everyone works for the same company, and therefore everything is potentially their job, even if they don’t get asked or expected to do it on a regular basis (if at all). Labels, titles, and definitions force people or positions into neatly-wrapped packages and leave little room for creativity, motivation, personal expansion, or outside-the-box thinking. When you eliminate those restrictions and only expect the end result from your staff rather than placing expectations on how they achieve it, you will likely be amazed at what gets done.

All businesses want their employees to do the best job possible, whether that job relates to creating a product, coming up with and selling an idea, or taking care of the company or its customers in other ways. As doing the best job gets harder because of smaller staff size, dysfunctional logistics, and other factors, you can apply these six steps to your business to do more with less and be much better off because of it.

"Winning begets more winning." – Matt Easton

61% of businesses in the U.S. turn to freelancers in their hour of need to manage their workload.

Freelancers are skilled professionals with specialization in specific areas. Your business can use its expertise to thrive. Whether you’re in need of a social media whiz, graphic designer, content creator, or web developer, there’s a freelancer out there with the ideal skill set to meet your unique needs.

To help you, we have researched and compiled a list of the top freelancer platforms. They can come to your rescue when your small business needs an extra hand. 

Upwork

If you’re looking for a versatile platform that won’t be too heavy on your small business budget, Upwork is worth considering. With over 12 million freelancers and a history dating back to 2003, Upwork has earned a solid reputation as one of the most popular freelancer sites around.

One of the coolest things about Upwork is the sheer variety of freelancers and contractors available on the platform. Whether you’re looking for a civil engineer, an attorney, or a financial consultant, you can find specialized and licensed help on Upwork. And the best part is that freelancers’ hourly rates and job success ratings are displayed clearly. So, you can hire a freelancer for your quick job even if you’re on a tight budget.

"Winning begets more winning." – Matt Easton

But Upwork isn’t just a freelancer database or job board. The platform also offers project management tools allowing you to track your freelancer’s progress and communicate with them in real-time. Moreover, it’s free to join for businesses and freelancers.

Fiverr

Looking for a freelancer but don’t have the time to sift through proposals or manage an hourly contract? Fiverr is a hassle-free solution for you. Setting up a job on Fiverr is a breeze, and with flat-rate pricing, you know exactly how much you’ll pay upfront.

What sets Fiverr apart is its unique approach to helping you find the right person. Instead of posting a job, you can browse through a curated list of talented professionals across various industries, including professionals with extensive experience on WordPress and Shopify, illustrators, programmers and voice-over actors.

Whether you need a website, a short video ad, or an illustration, Fiverr has got you covered. Popular services on the platform include video editing, presentation design, 2D animated explainers, and web application development.

At Fiverr, creating a supportive community is a top priority. Fiverr Pro gives you access to high-end services and personalized support from top-rated freelancers. This makes it easier than ever to find the perfect freelancer match for your business needs.

Freelancer.com

If you have used traditional job search platforms to find talent, you will hardly have trouble transitioning your search to Freelancer.com. It has a user-friendly freelancer catalog and easy-to-understand graphics. This makes Freelancer.com easy to navigate, even for first-time users.

The global talent pool of this platform is massive, with over 50 million users from around the world. From this massive pool, you can search for freelancers on the basis of their skill or location. 

It also allows you to review freelancers’ past work and user reviews when they submit bids for your project. This helps employers make informed decisions.

Freelancer.com accepts nearly every type of payment method and offers secure payments. The platform also has a live chat interface, so you can communicate with your freelancer in real-time, no matter where they are in the world. Working across international borders has never been easier.

One unique feature of this platform is its “Contest” system. Using this feature, you can post a project, and freelancers can submit their work for consideration. You then pick the submission that suits your standard and give the prize money to the winning freelancer. 

Toptal

Toptal, short for “Top talent,” is a platform that prides itself on being the go-to destination for the top 3% of freelancers worldwide. With serving over 21,000 clients across 140 countries in 2022 alone, this platform is a trusted name in the freelance industry.

The specialty of this platform lies in business, design, and technology jobs. This is why it is considered an ideal platform for projects that require the expertise of a true professional. 

The platform is exclusive and only works with highly vetted contractors. It only approves applications that have passed a rigorous selection process and demonstrated their skills through a series of assessments.

At Toptal, you will only come across high-quality talent and a personalized experience. The reason is that the platforms place a high priority on providing quick access. To ensure quality, the platform has a rigorous screening process for freelancers, with acceptance rate as low as 3% per month. 

PeoplePerHour.com

This simple platform allows employers to access quality talent, making it an ideal option for anyone looking to hire quality work.

PeoplePerHour is an excellent option for hiring web projects. But that isn’t all it offers. You can find various services like web development, design, and SEO. 

Moreover, with PeoplePerHour, you can post specific jobs and list your requirements or browse freelancers’ profiles and hourly rates. This way, the freelancer you pick will perfectly fit your job requirement. 

Besides the usual features, PeoplePerHour has a unique pricing system. It offers two options: fixed-price projects and hourly rates. So, you wouldn’t have to pay the full amount if you think your job will only take a few hours.

The platform also features a “Recommended Freelancer” function that highlights freelancers with a proven track record of success.

FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a trusted resource for businesses. This top-notch platform is renowned for its focus on remote work and flexible jobs. While the platform is not exclusively tailored to freelancers, it provides a curated list of job opportunities, including freelance gigs. Hence, it is an excellent choice for small businesses looking for part-time or project-based help.

One of the hooking factors of this platform is that employers don’t have to pay a fee to use it. However, they still get access to a highly skilled pool of freelancers meticulously vetted for quality and experience.

When you post a job listing on FlexJobs, the platform will match you with top candidates with the skills you require. Whether you need a web developer, a designer, or a writer, you can find a perfect match on FlexJobs.

Conclusion

Hiring people for short-term projects can be costly, especially for small businesses. However, they can still get the work done, but without the overhead of hiring an employee full-time through platforms like Upwork. 

But with so many freelance sites out there, finding one that meets your specific needs is important. Explore your options while keeping your priorities in mind. Do you want an easy-to-navigate platform? A very thorough screening procedure? Or quick project turnaround times? 

With more people participating in the gig economy, freelance sites are expected to grow. If you take the time to learn about the various paths forward laid out in this piece, you should be ready to take on any task that comes your way. So, use these helpful tools and reap the rewards of freelancing for your company.