Time management. Change management. Managing employees. As a business owner, you face the dreaded "M" word at every turn. And if you're like most entrepreneurs, you want to run in the opposite direction.
But don't. Learning business management is not as daunting as it seems, and the consequences of ignoring the day-to-day running of your company can be severe. Establishing basic operational systems is not hard, and with the help of readily available web-based business management software and informational sites, it's never been easier.
1. Human resources management to get the most out of your employees.
2. Developing your own business management style.
3. Improving your time management skills.
4. Mastering change management as your business grows.
Learn the essentials of human resources management
Perhaps the biggest ongoing challenge you face as a business owner is managing employees. From the basics, like vacation policy and sick leave, to the more touchy, like bonuses and layoffs, human resources management presents myriad considerations. A solid employee practices manual is the best starting point. With that in place, training in employer-employee communications is a great way to both avoid problems and build organizational strength.
I recommend: Turn to
TemplateZone.com for an inventory of items an employee manual should cover then check out
Personnel Policy Service, Inc., which offers business management software to create one. Some providers of training in interpersonal communication skills can be found at
Engage Group,
Dix & Eaton and
Joan Lloyd .
Discover your business management style
The key to business management: Know thyself. Examine how you naturally lead your troops and then play to your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
I recommend: For an objective perspective on your individual business management style, take the free quizzes at
ManagementVitality and
Business Bureau-UK. A self-coaching system like the one at
Signature can help boost areas where you need bolstering. Sign up for the free emails from
Foster Seminars and Communications and
Thinking Managers for a steady flow of motivation and insight on everything from specific small business management issues to overall human resources management concerns, change management matters and leadership topics.
Improve your time management skills
From the minute you started your business, you've faced the challenge of too much to do and too few hours to do it in. To balance the work-time equation, overscheduled entrepreneurs need to develop solid time management skills.
I recommend: Mind Tools Ltd. offers a wealth of time management tools, including a template to help prioritize your workload
. FranklinCovey's PlanPlus business management software performs multiple functions, while
TimeWhiz and
Time Sheets let you clock activities to see how long various tasks actually take.
Grow your business with effective change management
As your business grows, change is inevitable. Embrace and capitalize on the changes that face your business, developing effective change management tools, such as a strategic plan for growth. You may not follow the plan to the letter, but you will have a better idea of the types of future changes you will need to address.
I recommend: For help creating a strategic plan that will assist you with change management, download a free template from
Gazelles Inc. or
PlanWare. Both sites also offer primers on strategic planning. Find more resources on
change management at Business.com.