The Care and Feeding of Your Small Business

While I was hard at work last week, an everyday drama was playing out in a hospital room in the next town. My niece was working on presenting me with a new great nephew. Tyler James came into the world Thursday afternoon, mother and child are both doing well. Naturally, I am able to discern at this early stage that the child is adorably cute, remarkably bright, and very advanced for his age. Takes after his Great Aunt, I'm sure.

Now, watch how I turn this blessed, private family event into a small business parable-hopefully the child didn't inherit my one track mind.

Young Tyler received the pre-birth gifts of two pairs of baby shoes. Then, he was born with big puppy feet. Already he has outgrown at least one pair of his new shoes. By the end of the week, I suspect the other pair will be much too snug as well. Two things are sure with babies and small businesses, Growth Happens and Change is Inevitable. Your infant soon becomes a toddler who soon becomes an adolescent. Each stage of growth brings different challenges and opportunities.

The key is to anticipate the growth before it happens and prepare for the challenges before they develop. Tyler, like your business, will grow. His needs will change and his parents will need to change with him. Many of the challenges to be faced are not anticipate-able. But many are.

When you start your business, your main concern is survival. Often small businesses don't make it through the first year and by year four many more have succumbed to the pressures and harsh realities of the small business climate. It is classic Darwinism--survival of the fittest at its most basic level. Businesses that are well capitalized, well run, serving flourishing markets, and executing a solid business plan have the best chance of survival.

And then there is the rest of us. Struggling along, trying to figure things out as we go. Anticipating the changes makes the trip much easier, and makes for successful businesses. My own business has taken just such a trip over the years. And yes, I have many "if only's". If only I had done this then, how much farther along my business would be. If only I hadn't handled that situation like that, how much better my business would have run. Sometimes the "if only's" outweigh the successes.

Consider the stage your business is at. Is it a newborn needing protection and nurturing? Is it struggling to stand on its own feet? Is it rocked by rapid fire changes and needing a firm foundation? What can you do to help your business through whatever stage it is in? What can you do to prepare your business for its next phase of life?

Your business and my nephew will go through predictable growth stages. Business owners and parents each start out with the wonder and excitement of new birth, struggle through the early work-intensive years, seek balance during the intermediate years, get tossed about by the turbulence of adolescence, and someday, through the grace of God, are able to stand back and say, "My work has paid me handsomely."

Caroline Jordan, MBA helps self employed professionals navigate the trials and perils of raising a small business. For more tips and strategies to create a successful business without losing your mind visit http://www.TheJordanResult.com

---

Franchisee; Vacation Managing

Do you own a franchised business? Over 400,000 franchised businesses... Read More

Small Business Credit Card Advantages

Obtaining a business credit card enables the small business owner... Read More

Is Your Business Making Money?

Is your business making money? Would you know?Figuring out whether... Read More

Increase the Wealth in Your Community

Many of us have noticed how some nearby communities seem... Read More

How to Start a Paper Shredding Business

Paper Shredding Business Opportunities are blossoming up everywhere because in... Read More

In Home Daycare Businesses for Profit

To have one of the popular in home daycare businesses.... Read More

Electronic Franchise Disclosure and E-Signature Future for Investors

It has been discussed allowing Franchising companies to electronically disclose... Read More

Preparing to Launch Your Small Business

Small business owners often enter their field with great expectations.... Read More

7 Tips to Improving Your Cash Flow

Cash is King... That is what everyone tells us and... Read More

Launching your Business with a Chamber of Commerce

Why are Chambers a good launching pad?Chambers provide you with... Read More

Mobile Pressure Washing and Cleaning Scheduling

If you own a mobile car washing, pressure washing or... Read More

Cleaning Grain Silos, Towers, Containers, and Combines

If you run a pressure washing company in a rural... Read More

Awning Cleaning Business Case Study: Entrepreneurship 101

It is most fascinating to study how entrepreneurs spot opportunity... Read More

Truck Wash Business Case Study

Often smart entrepreneurs look for out of the way businesses,... Read More

Do You Love Food? - Then Maybe Opening a Restaurant is Not Such a Crazy Idea

The restaurant industry in the United States employs an estimated... Read More

Everything I Need to Know About Business I Learned From My Nametag

So there I was ? sitting in the audience of... Read More

But This Is Just My Opinion

Hi, Charles...here, Your Cap and t-shirt guy From Texas. How... Read More

Franchising in The Middle East There Will Bring Significant Opportunity for US Based Franchisors

As stability emerges in the Middle East there will be... Read More

Breaking The Chains!

Everyday, customers and business owners are bombarded with billboards, logos,... Read More

Are You Satisfied With Your Business Just As It Is?

Did you know that satisfaction is the number one emotion... Read More

The Failures Guide to Small Business Success

How many "get rich schemes" have you joined? Or have... Read More

Hispanic Small Business Advantage

One thing I have noticed in my travels to different... Read More

Using Technology to Manage Customer Loyalty

Don't let your customer satisfaction research initiative collect dust on... Read More

Work is a Four Letter Word

I love work, I can watch it all day.I am... Read More

How Do I Choose The Right Business Opportunity For Me?

First you have to start with knowing your budget and... Read More

City Wide Garage Sales: Hidden Riches!

Most of us remember going to at least one garage... Read More

Find Some Sample Payroll Check Stubs on the Net for Easy Reference

Starting a business? For many people, the bravery to venture... Read More

Small Business Success Tip: Learn Something New Everyday

Your grandfather probably told you to "learn something new everyday".... Read More

How to let go of your EGO

When does your ego get in the way?Let's go back... Read More

Three Big Barriers To Small Business Marketing Success

When you feel like you're always busy working on your... Read More

Starting an Aircraft Washing Service

To wash an airplane there are many items you will... Read More

Small Business Planning -- Three Myths

Are you -- like 70 percent of small business owners... Read More

Most Franchises Are Small Home Businesses

Many of our nations 400,000 franchisees run their businesses out... Read More