The Must-Haves

5 essentials for every small business

must haves

Every business is unique and not all paths to success look the same. Still, there are certain essentials that almost all businesses need in order to thrive. We’ve nailed down the basics in this handy checklist, so you can ensure you’re armed with the right tools to take your venture as far as it can go.

An online presence

If being “googleable” wasn’t already an absolute must, COVID-19 (yep, we’re still talking about that) made it so, hastening the steady shift from in-person to online consumerism across almost every industry. If you don’t have an online presence, build one fast. If you’ve already got one, make it bigger, better, and more findable, using proven SEO tactics and spreading your reach to multiple social media platforms. Even if you can’t sell your product or service online, maintaining an active digital presence is the best way for you to make your business discoverable by potential customers, and continually remind converted customers that you exist.

Someone on the other end of the line

Small businesses are just that…small. And between your many to-dos and limited resources, it can be difficult to keep less urgent tasks from falling between the cracks. But potential or existing customers trying to reach you definitely don’t belong between the cracks. In the age of immediacy, consumer expectations regarding the availability of their providers are at an all time high, and improved responsiveness could make all the difference when it comes to acquisition and retention goals. In fact, studies have found that shorter response times from businesses not only increase conversion rates, they also contribute to greater spending per customer. So open the lines of communication - be it through the phone, or social media channels (or better yet, all of the above), and closely monitor those contact points to make sure no potential revenue source is unattended.

A business plan

Goals are great….but they’re not plans. The most successful business owners are the ones who take the time to map out exactly how they’re going to reach those goals, accounting for everything from budgeting to marketing and sales to product development and expansion. It’s not enough to simply strategize. Creating detailed timelines and action items will help you take your plan from paper to practice.

A task management system

Whether you’ve got a team of 2 or 200, a task management system will help you stay on track and on top of your to-dos. These can vary from intricate software solutions with a bevy of tools and functions to a simple, homemade method involving lots of spreadsheets. The only common denominator they need is that they make your workflow easier and ensure your tasks get done when they need to.

A sounding board

Whether it’s a friend, a colleague, an employee, or a professional consultant, having someone to bounce ideas off of can be massively beneficial. No matter how much you trust your own judgment, it’s nearly impossible to predict how the market will react to new products, features, or campaigns, and a second or third opinion can make all the difference between a flop and a triumph.