A small company needs several business services to maintain its edge. It's hard for an owner to do everything.
Business services can help a small company stay competitive in today's challenging economic climate. Running a business is not for the timid. It entails the juggling of multiple duties,
wearing many different hats and overall tenacity. Some individuals think they will quit their day jobs and do whatever they want when they become an owner and boss. This is definitely a pipedream as being a small business owner is a 24/7 proposition. While an energetic person can handle wearing a certain number of hats, there comes a time when delegating some of the duties to a company that provides business services will take the load off. Here are some of the tasks that might be farmed out to others:
- Accounting: Sure, there are lots of computer programs available to balance your own books. But do you really want to do it? Even software takes energy from the human at the helm. Bookkeeping is a detail oriented task that must be constantly maintained and updated. If an owner likes crunching numbers, this may be a task he or she can continue. If it's not his or her forte, hiring a service will make everyone happier.
- Payroll: In order to keep employees happy and the IRS off your back regarding the tax withdrawals, payroll must be done correctly and promptly. This is not a duty to be sloppy with. If writing checks and figuring out hours, deductions, vacation days, and sick-leave allotments are fun for you, keep this chore. If not, hiring a payroll company will be a wise move.
- Tax preparation: Every year, the tax tables and regulations surrounding them change. Tax issues are so complicated that even accountants become confused. Unless the manager is a CPA in disguise, it would be smart to hire a professional tax preparer and interpreter. The IRS really does speak in a different language than the average citizen.
- Marketing specialists: Advertising and marketing a company is extremely important. If customers don't know about you, how will they ever show up on your doorstep? Not every organization should be marketed in the same way. A specialist will know the tools to attract the proper clientele to your front door. Brochures, website, ads in local or national magazines and newspapers are all great ways to get the word out. If you, the manager, are an expert in this arena, bravo. If not, get some professional guidance. It takes money to make money.
- Cleaning crews: Did you realize that toilet scrubbing came on the list of tasks for ownership? Not many people know this when they start their own company, but this is definitely one of the hats that need to be worn. The office, store or facility must be tidy or customers will be scared away. If you hate cleaning and never seem to get around to it, pick up the phone and call a maid service.
Running a small company is challenging, yet in many ways very satisfying. There are many roles to be filled and balls to juggle. When it all becomes too much, it may be time to call in another company and take advantage of what business services they may have to offer your company.
