Tips for Small Businesses, from Small Businesses

ADP ran a contest among over 17,000 small businesses to garner their ideas/strategies for success. Their top winners are the following:

1. It’s the small ideas. (More important than having the next “big idea” is solid execution of the small ideas: taking care of clients, delivering on promises and providing value. Growth will happen.)

2. Put HEART into your business:

H: Hear your customers' needs.

E: Exceed their expectations.

A: Adapt based on their feedback.

R: Retain through lasting relationships.

T: Thrive together.

3. Embrace long-term planning (balance working in your business with working on your business)

4. Be willing to roll up your sleeves – don’t just delegate (even routine tasks, sometimes)

5. Be ready to pivot (adaptation is sometimes necessary)

6. “Your ‘Why’ is your way” (share with your employees the reason you are in business, which can carry to clients as well)

7. Do not fear failure. (“Lessons can teach more than successes”)

8. The answers are right in front of you. (Employees, clients, network, community, mentors, etc. can all provide valuable inputs.)