As the CEO of your own business, you are not only responsible for your dealings with clients, but also for the operations and practices of the people who work for you. While your bottom line and the ability to turn a profit are most important to your business, you also have to think about day-to-day operations, procedures, human resources, marketing and other aspects for short-term and long-term success. Here are some important considerations.
- Marketing
Marketing is essential to your strategy for success. Is your customer or client base aware of your presence? How do you reach out to them and connect them to your products? What platforms should you be using to publicize your business? Your company’s branding is an important element when it comes to your reputation and the likelihood of potential clients to work with you? As an owner, you need to have a strategy that leverages the right marketing tools, and avenues including media and social media to generate sales and build market share.
- Operations Tools
Whether your business has one or more brick-and-mortar locations or is online, there are various tools that help you complete daily operations. If you owned a store, you’d have to decide whether to accept cash or go cashless. This will impact whether you go with traditional cash registers or you use an app-based system that uses tablets or smartphones as equipment. The computer software that helps you run and complete transactions is also important. How do you manage and track inventory? How do you fulfill requests? What programs will you use for accounting and/or tax purposes? These are important questions that you must answer as an owner.
- Employees and HR Management
If your business involves the hiring of other staff, then you’ll need human resources management. If you offer full-time employment, you will need to think about which benefits to offer and which providers to work with. Company handbooks, operation procedures and labor laws are just a few of the things you’ll have to address as an owner. It’s a good idea to work with an expert on labor rules and regulations to make sure that your interests, as well as that of your employees, are protected. Consult with an employment lawyer in Toronto for guidance.
The professional, personal and financial satisfaction of being a business owner can be worth it. This is a major step up from being a senior manager in terms of professional responsibility, especially when you have employees working under you. There are a lot of decisions you have to make as a CEO that can push you towards success. Having a plan is important and know when to consult experts.
