Top 5 frustrations of running a small business

Based on personal experience and observations of businesses I've worked with.

Marketing - I know I struggled when I first started, never having done it before. I've done a huge amount, learnt a lot along the way, although still a way to go and new things to learn all the time. I still see many small businesses who don't know how to market, where to start or even why they need to do it (yes, really)!

Finances - not just the basics of knowing and keeping track of what comes in and what goes out but also what makes business sense and knowing what to charge. New businesses I work with often seem to think that if they're cheaper than everyone else - they'll get the business, not always the case. Finance also includes getting paid on time or knowing how and when to chase.

Jack of all trades - having to or trying to do everything. Especially in the early stages or when you feel you can't afford staff or to outsource. You're juggling the marketing, PR, accounts, admin, selling, working with clients and customers or producing your product/service, coming up with new ideas, running the business day to day, social media ...

Which leads on to -

Staff/Employees - when to hire and fire. Getting the right staff on board - either permanent, full-time, part-time, outsourced or freelance and what to do when it goes wrong or things aren't working quite as you want.

Time - not having enough time to get everything done or not using it in the most efficient and productive way. Wasting time on things that aren't going to benefit their business. Getting distracted by everything and everyone. Not understanding the value of their time and where it can be most productively (and profitably) spent.

The impact running your own business has on your work/life balance - do you really want to spend all your evenings and weekends on your business. How much time it takes to get a business going - getting out there, building your reputation, finding clients, creating a good structure, the right processes for a successful business.

What are your frustrations when running your business?

Live Below the Line - can you survive on £1 a day?

This week 1000s of people are accepting the challenge to live on just £1 per day.

I only became aware of this at the weekend but decided to join the challenge and see just how feasible it is.

Well, it's going to be tough.  After a quick calculation of store cupboard essentials and what I was eating last week, some items are definitely going to be out.  Even a simple orange works out at 30p, nearly a third of the day's allowance.

It means no cafe latte's and definitely no treats.  Although I've worked out that I might be able to manage the occasional home brewed coffee and will be drinking more water (free) to replace the more expensive (relatively) teas and coffees I drink on an almost daily basis.

I'm not going to resort to basic/value ranges to keep the cost down.  I want to become more aware of just how much my daily food bill is costing and what I'm eating.

I've not shopped specifically for this challenge to get the very cheapest unit price, which could have saved a few valuable pennies here and there but I've taken what I've already got and picked up a few items on offer to keep the cost down.

May aim is to eat healthy, balanced meals - waste less, eat less and see just how much we take for granted.

So far porridge, brown rice and eggs are likely to feature quite frequently on the menu.

Please support me in my challenge and help raise funds for Practical Action at me/clareevans

Related articles:

• Live Below the Line

Rice with peas (Photo credit: pelican)

Brighton Summit - The Pleasure Hour

The first ever Brighton Summit took place on Friday 19th April and what a great event it was.  The theme was "Doing business in a city built for pleasure".

Different from many business events with a varied and inspiring selection of speakers and different panels and sessions for people to get involved in, as well as the opportunity to network.

Just before lunch was The Pleasure Hour.  The opportunity to do something a little different for an hour.  There was a choice of: joining a choir, chocolate making, a walking tour, gaming, visit a secret garden and meditation.

OK, so I didn't opt for something completely different but it was the 'secret' element that attracted me as well as the opportunity to get out into the fresh air for an hour.

The forecasted showers hadn't appeared and a short walk from the Clarendon Centre is The Garden House. An amazing and delightful garden set behind a terrace of houses, complete with chickens, a vegetable patch and a wonderful garden room (ideal for workshops).

There's no better way to spend an hour and take a complete break from the busyness of business.  Something that can be applied back in the workplace - whether in the office or at home.

We all felt refreshed and revived returning for the afternoon sessions - a very appropriate adjunct to the work life balance aspect of my own talk.  A reminder that an hour's break out in nature can give you a physical and mental boost and reduce stress.

So, make the most of the sunshine, as and when it appears.

One Simple Tip that will get you great results

What could make the biggest difference to how much you can achieve?

What one thing do my clients notice that gets them great results?

It only takes a few minutes, it's one of the simplest things to do but sometimes the hardest to implement.

Find out what it is and read the rest of the newsletter article "One Simple Tip for great results". Subscribe to the free monthly newsletter and get "7 Essential Time Tips For Instant Results".

Are you running a business or is it running you?

I had a call recently from someone who is running their own business but working long hours, giving up their evenings and weekends and putting a lot of time into it but not getting the results they want - namely, they're finding it hard to earn any money.

Mums (and Dads) want a business that provides flexibility, fits in around the children, gives them with financial reward and a lifestyle they enjoy.  So, they decide to start up their own business based on something they enjoy doing, are passionate about, the skills they have or that fills a gap they see.

Many successful businesses start this way - from the kitchen table - but they can end up being all work, no play and no money.

While you may have no previous knowledge of running a business and although you may not be heading for global domination, you need to take your business seriously.  You need to know if you're running it just for fun or if you want to earn a living from it and recognise when the balance changes, so it's no longer fun or profitable.

Get clear about what it is you want.  Know what you don't want.  Recognise when things need to change and what you need to do to make those changes.  If you're find you're working long hours and giving up your weekends but earning less than if you were stacking shelves in the local supermarket, perhaps it's time to do something different.

After all - "if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got."

That doesn't mean you need to give up.  A few simple changes and a different approach could make a big difference.

Take a step back, get a fresh perspective and inject some new ideas and new ways of working into your business - get in touch if you'd like to talk things through.

 (Photo credit: megrje)

Take a break in nature

A recent study has shown that birdsong can help us de-stress quicker.  That's why so many relaxation CDs include birdsong and sounds of nature - running water, wind in the trees, the sound of waves.

You can't beat the sound of a nightingale in full song or a song thrush or blackbird singing from the top of a tree.

Getting out into nature can help us to re-energise and get us back into being productive.  It's also a good way to improve your mental health and helps to get things back in perspective, especially after a busy day or when trying to solve a tricky problem.

Taking a break in nature is not only good for stress but fresh air and a brisk walk is good for your brain and your body.  Get out into the daylight, top up your Vitamin D, breathe in ... and relax.

So open the windows and let in the sounds of Spring.

Related articles:

• Birdsong can help you de-stress (Birdwatch.co.uk)

Singing nightingale (Photo credit: hegtor)