If you own a small business, you’re well aware that you can’t do everything, as much as you might try. Even though you’re a talented, organized person, some tasks may simply be beyond your skill set. That’s when you should call on professionals who can boost your small business and relieve some of your stress.
An Accountant
Maybe finances aren’t your specialty. Then don’t try to handle them on your own. Turn to a professional accountant instead. Your accountant can manage your accounting software, make sense of reports (and explain them to you), advise you on expenses and income and issue payroll.
If you’re lucky, you may even be able to find an accountant who is also a tax preparer and can guide you through the tricks of your tax forms. In fact, your accountant might be able to give you some tips to help you save money. Your accountant might suggest that you file for ERC tax credits, for instance. These might apply if you had employees working for you during the pandemic. You may be able to claim part of their wages as a credit on your taxes. Your accountant can let you know if you qualify and help you through the application process.
A Tech Expert
Technology is at the heart of business these days, but if it isn’t up your alley, then hire a tech expert to help. Your tech person can do everything from set up an in-office computer network to fix a broken printer. You can also get advice about upgrading computers and software, adding a work-from-home option and incorporating the latest gadgets into your company’s technology plan.
Some tech experts can also design and maintain your website. This is ideal if you offer online ordering or scheduling that must work smoothly and securely all the time. Your tech expert may even be able to write customized programs so that you can offer better service to your customers and clients.
A Marketing Specialist
Of course, to better serve your customers and clients, you need to attract them to your business and then keep them coming back. This requires creative marketing. If you struggle with that, consider bringing in a marketing specialist. This person will be filled with ideas for fresh campaigns, new channels and interesting ways to reach out to people in all kinds of markets.
You might hire such a specialist to improve your branding or create a specific campaign. If you can’t afford all this, you might at least get some advice about how to use your social media accounts for marketing or how to write better ads or product descriptions. Be open to suggestions even if they sound strange to you. They just might work!
A Virtual Assistant
Perhaps you feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in a day to get everything done and your to-do list is overflowing. Then hire a virtual assistant. You might work through a company or find an assistant through an online job board. You can ask your assistant to schedule appointments, do research, complete data entry tasks, make phone calls and more. Your task list will grow shorter, and your stress levels will decrease.
A Data Analyst
Finally, ask yourself if your company is collecting important data and then using it to its full effect. If the answer is “no,” then connect with a data analyst. A data analyst will guide you as to which data you should track and then help you set up the right channels to do so. You may be surprised by how much you learn about your sales, customers, employees and marketing trends simply by using data properly. This will help you make better decisions and more effective plans for your company.
Don’t think you have to do everything on your own. You may own your business, but you don’t have to run it single-handedly. Bring in professionals to help you, and you may find both your company and yourself running more smoothly.
