11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From Google

1. Encourage Input – Google team members live by a code of “tolerance and respect.” Once decisions are made, the company insists upon consensus and cooperation from everyone.

2. Think Lean – A typical employee-to-manager ratio in the technology industry is seven-to-one. Google averages 20 employees for every manager…the result of an inclusive culture.

3. Focus On The Numbers – Data rules at Google, as the company understands decision-making is easier when based on facts. Make sure your small business has strong data.

4. Share – On Fridays, Google has an “all-hands on deck” meeting – complete with refreshments – to disseminate information and solicit feedback.

5. Test – Employment candidates endure several levels of testing and eight or more interviews, being graded at every turn. Some of the brightest don’t get hired, if they’re not team players.

6. Improve On Someone Else’s Idea – Search engines, video file management, mapping, online auctions, e-mail…all of these existed before. Google just made them easier to use.

7. Play Big – Some say Google wants to control the Internet, because whoever does will rule the world. There is nothing wrong with aiming high, even if it’s a tad short of global dominance.

8. Don’t Fear Competition – Google wasn’t afraid to go up against Yahoo or MSN. If you believe in your small business, welcome all challengers…and don’t fear Goliath.

9. Recover – Did you know Google was supposed to be “Googol” (like the number)? Someone misspelled it on an application, so they went with it. Not a bad decision as it turns out.

10. Create An Experience – Google focuses on being user-friendly, utilizing its 82 million monthly visitors as a big testing ground, then adapting quickly to suggestions and feedback.

11. Be Innovative – Internet advertising (think: pop-up) was in decline until Google came up with a new approach. Look for new ways to do something old in your small business.

Copyright ฉ 2006 by Success Handler, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Coach, David Handler, is the founder of Success Handler, (http://www.successhandler.com), and specializes in helping small business leaders, franchisees and franchisors find clarity and take action. He understands the challenges of running a business, because he’s been there – as a small business owner, franchisee, franchisor, corporate leader and trainer. Much like sports coaches, his coaching will show you how to compete on a level playing field in your industry.

Starting a New Business - Your Business Framework - What Scaffolding Do You Need

When starting a business of what ever kind, large or small, there is a always a require framework or scaffolding that you have to set up. Not only does this make your business much more effective, but it also saves you from a lot of embarrassing and costly problems. Here is your framework:

1. Business Name. Choose an appropriate name that sums up what your business stands for. It has to be unique – try and ensure that a suitable domain name is also available as you will probably want a web site as well. The owner of an established web site might cause problems if you give your brick based business the same name – so be careful in your choice.

2. Your Business Entity. Obtain professional advice as whether to the best way to set up your business as a limited company, partnership etc. Then register your company.

3. Patents and Trademarks. If you have unique products then you need to ensure that you have registered your patents before your start trading. Similarly any product names, mottos, selling tags etc should be trademarked. Take professional advice on how to do this..

4. Licenses and Permits. Ensure that you have all the licenses and permits that you are legally required to have.

5. Insurance. You may think that you don’t need this but you do and will. So take out property, business, vehicle liability, staff and disaster insurance. A good broker can advise you.

6. Taxes. A necessary evil I am afraid. Register with your local tax collector. Set up a good accounting system and hire a good accountant.

7. Employment Laws. Establish what you local employment laws are and ensure that you adhere to them. Set up employee guidelines and handbooks. Make sure you hire and fire legally.

8. Banking. Visit your local banks and find the best business bank account and credit card for you business. Always keep your business and personal spending separate.

9. Business Plan. This is your carefully written plan on how you want your company to operate, what you want to sell, where and to whom. It includes your business and marketing strategy as well as your financial standing and projections. This is the foundation of your business.

10. Liquid Cash. Ensure that you have enough money to carry your through the first few months of your business as well as any foreseeable troublesome times ahead.

When you start up your business, remember to tick off the 10 items above and you will have a very sound start to your business.

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ฉ Copyright 2006 Biz Guru Services Ltd

Lee Lister writes as The Biz Guru, for a number of web sites including her http://www.clikks.com where she sells her informational products. With over 20 year’s management and business consultancy experience with businesses large and small as well as being a serial entrepreneur, she now helps others set up, develop and market their businesses.

If you would like more help and assistance in setting up your new business then visit http://www.startmynewbusiness.com for advice and assistance.

This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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Seven Things Your Network Must Have

Small and medium businesses tend to use information technnology for what they percieve as being absolute necessities. That's not a bad approach but it can cause you to miss opportunities to grow your business and save money Without a budget that will support a chief technology office or experienced director of I.T. how do you know what you really need? We're here to help!

1. A reliable backup of your data

While it may seem obvious to most of the small and medium businesses we visit this is just not the case. Just having a tape drive and backup software is not enough. You should test your backup on at least a monthly basis. It doesn't need to be a complete restore all of the time, just pick out a few files and see if your I.T. staff can restore them. If you use outside consultants it's worth the money to have them come in and test your backup on a quarterly basis. It shouldn't take more than two or three hours and you'll sleep better.

2. Sales automation software

Not only does it allow your sales people to stay on top of potential leads, it helps you to stay on top of your sales people. For the SMB market there are dozens of applications that you can run locally on your network or you can use one of the on-line providers like salesforce.com.

3. A decent web site

It really doesn't matter if your business cuts grass or makes transmissions for tractors you should have a website. And don't let the secatary's sixteen year old son do it, get it done right. It doesn't have to be expensive. Sites like aliger.com have hundreds of templates specific to just about any business. They look great and they're easy to use.

4. Accouting software

Ok this is pretty much a no-brainer for any medium sized business and most small busineses. But even the really small businesses will benefit greatly from haveing an accounting package. Quickbooks is the old standard and still one of the best around. Your accountant will appreciate it too.

5. Computers less than three years old.

I know it may be running just fine but with the cost of new computers well below $1000 and the speed increases over the last few years you can't cost justify keeping around an old computer.

6. A document management process

This doesn't have to be a software application that costs thousands of dollars. But you should have a standard process for keeping critical or often used company documents in any easy to access location on your computer or preferably file server. It's one of the easiest ways there is to boost productivity and the bottom line. How many times have you spend searching for that old proposal to use as a template?

7. ERP Software

ERP is an acronym for Enterprise Resource Planning. What that really means is anybodies guess. For our purposes we're going to define it as software that is specific to your business and helps you to create and deliver your product or service. The reality of the situation is that it can be inventory management software, or a spreadsheet that shows the number of units shipped, or lawns cut. Be prepared to customize anything you buy off the shelf because it can be an aggravating process. But when you have it the amount of data available to you makes planning for the future a whole lot easier.

Eric Gurr
Senior Editor SMBresource
http://www.smbresource.com
To reach Mr. Gurr egurr@intralinkinc.com