Why Business Management for Startups is Essential for Growth You'll need these skills to keep your business profitable and thriving for years to come.
By Melissa Houston Edited by Russell Sicklick
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Startup businesses are essential to the economy. They are job creators, innovators and filled with creators who bring new ideas to market. If you are leading a startup company, you know that it's not easy and there are so many hats you need to wear as a business owner.
One of the most critical and often overlooked areas in business that you must pay attention to is business management. But don't overlook it because good business management skills will keep your business growing and thriving for years to come.
Good business management can be complex for startup companies for various reasons. Primarily, because business owners started their businesses to tap into the skill they have to offer the world. They put their offer out into the world and earn a living from what they do best, whether selling a product or service. Chances are you did not take a business class or enough of them to manage a business effectively.
And that's okay. You can't be an expert at everything in business.
However, every company needs good business management. It can feel inaccessible to get help for SMBs, either due to being outpriced for services or not knowing where to turn. Many business coaches are qualified to help, but you need to know what you need help with to meet your business needs.
Related: 8 Financial Tips for Entrepreneurs Launching a Startup
The top business management tips that can help your business:
1. Create your vision and goals for your business
Business management is most effective and efficient when you have a vision and plan that give you direction and goals to work towards. Plan out how much revenue you want to earn throughout the year. Also, plan out the business expenses and your expected profit margins.
2. Manage your business finances
Effective business management includes the cost-effective control of your finances. As the CEO of your business, you do not need to get stuck in the weeds of financial activity. Still, you need a high-level understanding of your business finances to make profitable decisions for your business. The purpose of business is to create profit, and the higher the profit margins, the more profit you will have.
Related: How Entrepreneurs Can Manage Their Business Finances With ...
3. Set up automation in your business
Automations are excellent time savers and can be cost-effective. With today's technology and a plethora of time-saving products, you need to take advantage of the technology and set yourself up for success.
4. Listen to your customers
Your customers are the drivers of your business, so pay attention when offering you feedback. Respond to their changing needs and make improvements that they suggest to deliver an excellent customer experience. Happy customers spread the word and bring in new business.
5. Listen to your team
Visionary CEOs hire intelligent people. You do a disservice to the business when you are not listening and implementing your team's feedback and suggestions. Don't surround yourself with yes people; surround yourself with people who have new ideas that are not afraid to express them. New and innovative thinking helps the business grow.
6. Build good relationships
People don't like working with jerks, regardless of how intelligent or successful they are. Business is enjoyable, especially when we keep the human element as part of the business. You can have the most intelligent person on your team, but if they kill your team's morale, the company will suffer.
7. Above all, be resilient
Resiliency is critical in business, as market demand changes rapidly and what worked today may no longer work tomorrow. It would be best to flow with the changes and alter your plan accordingly to survive.
The bottom line is that there are so many areas in your business that need attention to flow together successfully. Yes, generating revenue is a vital component of business. But, don't forget about the backend office activities that require attention. Every action in your business affects the bottom line, whether it's directly or indirectly. Be sure you have tightened up your backend services to ensure you are meeting the highest profit potential in your business.
Related: Starting a Small Business? Welcome to Financial Management 101.
