Top 5 ways to make running a small business easier

Running a small business is challenging, and it can often feel like there are never enough hours in the day. However, there are ways to complete tasks easier and more efficiently. Here are our top five ways to make running a business easier.

1. Take control of your daily schedule 

Small businesses have a lot to juggle, and owners tend to wear multiple hats at once. It's easy to become overwhelmed by to-do lists pulling you in different directions, which is why managing your calendar is vital. 

Prioritise tasks

Focus on the most important tasks that generate the most value for your business. It's easy to get distracted by small things that don't serve the bigger picture you want to achieve. 

Start your workday at the same time each day

Creating a routine to stay on top of your workload will help you be more productive.

Use a scheduling tool

Too many South African businesses are still using pen and paper to manage their schedules when there are excellent online solutions available. For example, using a tool such as BIZpockit helps automate scheduling and follow-ups to maximise your opportunities and gain revenue. Clients can schedule a time slot that suits them without you even having to lift a finger. 

Delegate tasks

As small business owners, we often try to do everything ourselves. However, this can really hold you back and steal your focus. It's important to break down your tasks and delegate them, either to team members or by automating them with software. 

Using BIZpockit's automation features, you can free up your time and allow you to focus on the areas of your business that require your expertise. Furthermore, BIZpockit allows you to keep all vital client information together for your entire team to access so that everyone is on the same page. 

Take breaks

It might sound self-explanatory, but business owners often don't prioritise rest. However, getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and taking breaks throughout the day will help you better handle the business's challenges. Burnout is a real problem among entrepreneurs, so don't fall into the trap. 

2. Make brand promotion a priority 

Marketing and sales are essential for small businesses to attract and retain customers. But studies show that just 31% of small business owners' time goes to strategically growing their businesses.

Develop a marketing strategy

Define your target audience, messaging, and channels not to waste precious resources. 

Use social media

Use relevant platforms to reach a wider audience and engage with potential customers. If you're not on social media yet, create your accounts today! Clients will seek you out on social channels and might be hesitant to do business with you if they can't find you.

Attend events

Network with potential customers and partners to boost brand awareness. LinkedIn and Facebook groups are great places to connect if you can't attend in-person events. 

Use an automation tool

Take advantage of BIZpockit for effortless marketing tools. Send branded messages, automate campaigns, and offer coupons or promotions to nurture your current customers and attract new ones. It really is super simple, and you don't have to know anything about marketing to use it. 

3. Tap into the power of online reviews

Leverage the power of online reviews to grow your business. This is an often-overlooked aspect of managing a small business, and it's also the easiest way to convert prospects into clients.

Manage your online reputation

Increase your credibility and social proof through online reviews to drive sales. It's very important to respond to negative and positive reviews on various platforms to improve customer engagement and your reputation. We make this easy for you on BIZpockit with our automated online review invites you can send after every client interaction.

Get found online

Improve your search engine ranking so potential customers will easily find your business and increase your chances of getting new business. The more reviews you have, the higher you'll rank on search engine results pages.

4. Stay on top of your finances 

Cash flow management is critical for small businesses. However, it's also one of the biggest headaches! Take control of the situation by having the rights systems in place to give you full visibility. 

Invoice promptly

Send invoices on time and follow up on late payments easily with BIZpockit, either by sending them an automated reminder email, SMS, or both.

Make early payment desirable

Offer discounts or rewards to customers who pay early to encourage them to pay you on time – every time. 

Make it automatic

Use an automated invoice system to save time and focus on other essential aspects of your business. BIZpockit enables you to send and receive e-signable quotes and branded invoices to customers. 

5. Remember every client interaction

Make sure you never forget a face or conversation so that each client will feel like they're your only one.

Onboard clients 

Make sure you have an onboarding process in place so that clients feel confident from the get-go. 

Store client information in a dedicated place

With BIZpockit, you can create client cards, noting down any important information. For example, if you're a dietician, you can store their weight, height, progress, etc. Furthermore, you can securely send and receive documents and allow them to manage their own bookings from a dedicated, customised client portal.

Use trusted software  

BIZpockit is your small business's ultimate software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution. It allows clients to book, pay, and contact you through a safe and secure portal anytime and from anywhere. 

Run your business confidently from anywhere

Running a small business can be overwhelming, but automating processes and using one platform to manage your tasks can make the process easier and more efficient.

With BIZpockit, you can focus on growing your business and achieving your goals. Browse or Plans or sign up for a free 14-day trial to see how it can benefit your South African business.