Business Performance

Its year-end review time at many companies. Instead of dreading it, or worrying about giving negative feedback, why not turn it into a chance to improve morale and engagement? You can do this by including a professional development plan with your review.

As any bookstore owner who’s heard a customer say, “That’s okay, I’ll order it on Amazon,” when a book is out of stock can tell you - supply chain management can make or break a small business. Supply chain management is the flow of input materials, finished goods, or services, through your business.

Did you know that your business has a credit score? It’s similar to your personal credit score - it tracks missed and late payments, if you’ve defaulted on loans, and your business’s assets and liabilities. But unlike your personal credit score, it’s not compiled by a credit bureau.

Do you know how much inventory is in your warehouse right now? If the answer is a shrug, you would do well to learn about inventory management. Businesses which rely on the sale of physical goods must learn how to manage the flow of those goods in and out of their warehouse. 

What is Inventory Management?

Whether you’re big or small, putting together a PR strategy pays off in multiple ways. A press release that a reporter turns into an article could send new customers to your door. Having a good reputation in your community strengthens your business’ sales and longevity.

For many companies, personnel and personnel-related costs represent the biggest chunk of their expenses. During this pandemic, companies of all sizes have had to take a closer look at their personnel costs to see where cuts can be made. This has resulted in millions of people losing their jobs. But what if there were alternatives?

Companies large and small are struggling in this age of COVID. In Chicago alone, an estimated 4,000 small businesses have shuttered.

The skillset most managers develop over time often relates entirely to managing in an office. Stopping by a direct report’s desk to check in, scheduling one on one meetings or taking them out to coffee to catch up on their progress.

Coronavirus has disrupted the economy, shuttered businesses, and cause major uncertainty for small business owners. For some, it’s been easy to move their business online or continue fulfilling and shipping orders.

If you’ve been relying on word-of-mouth, newspaper advertising, and local networking to bring in new clients, it’s time to expand your thinking. The internet isn’t just for selling products; even service professionals like accountants can build their customer base online.