Small business growth and management concerns

Small businesses depend on growth and good management in order to become successful businesses. However, many small business owners have a number of concerns that they feel hampers the growth of their small business.

The type of concerns small businesses have regarding growth will depend largely on the type of business and services they provide. For example, for a business that requires labor-intensive work, such as manufacturing, labor costs may be more of a concern than a small business who only employs a few people.

Regardless of industry, the following are some common small business growth and management concerns, and what you can do overcome them.

Growing your business in a poor economy
With the economy in its current state, many small businesses are feeling the pinch of a poor economy. With many consumers and other businesses cutting costs, it can be difficult to keep and attract new business at a time when most companies and customers are saving rather than spending money.

But you can still grow your business in a poor economy. Cutting costs yourself, exploring cheaper means of advertising, taking care of current customers, and offering incentives or discounts to referrals or new customers are all ways you can still grow your business in a time where it seems like no one is buying.

Health care costs
For small businesses that have employees they pay benefits to, the cost of health care insurance is a top concern. Health care costs have risen steadily year after year, and some small businesses feel that the high cost of health care insurance can keep them from growing.

When it comes to cutting health care costs, shop around for the best deals. Insurance is a competitive industry, so do your homework and find the cheapest rates possible for your employees. If health care costs are cutting considerably into your business revenue and hampering growth, while it may seem unpleasant, it may be necessary to lay off full time workers and hire part-time instead until finances improve.

Finding qualified employees
One common management concern of small businesses is finding qualified employees. Some feel that schools or on the job training doesn't sufficiently prepare their employees for the workplace. Other management concerns with qualified employees is turnover rate-some companies go to the expense of hiring and training new employees, only to have them quit shortly thereafter.

To hire more qualified employees, make sure you do thorough background, education, reference, and employment checks. Look for employees who want to be in a job long-term so you can lower your turnover rate, or offer incentives for staying longer.

Energy costs
Many small businesses also express concern over energy costs. These costs include lighting, heating, and other utility bills. This is particularly the case for retail stores, where lighting is often bright and running long hours in order to keep the store bright and comfortable for customers.

Cut your energy costs by installing timers on your lights, or by keeping your thermostat at a steady temperature. You can also use energy saving bulbs to reduce the amount of money you spend each month on energy.

Growth is crucial to the survival of small businesses, but many small business owners have legitimate concerns they feel are hampering the growth of their business. The above tips are a few ways you can help your business push through common growth and management concerns.