Small business owners often do not have the luxury of hiring people toperform all the tasks required to keep a business going. As the owner, your duties is to perform such tasks which are so required. You might be very good at what you do to make a product or provide a service, but running a small business brings a whole range of other responsibilities.
Business Planner
As the owner, you are the one to prepare a business plan for your company. You can use marketing research to identify trends and potential markets for your products. If you have an on-staff salesperson or a manufacturer's representative, you have to provide guidance and training. Introducing a new product and expanding into other markets are decisions you have to make - read, "Tips on Creating a Successful Business"
Human Resources
Owners of a small business often hire employees. As the owner, you have to determine whether the business can support new hires and, if it can, you have to conduct the interview process by asking key questions and avoiding ill-advised and illegal questions. The owner decides on benefits for employees, provides benefit information and forms, fields employee questions and complaints, and fires subordinates for any number of reasons.
Customer Service
Unless the business can support CSRs (customer service representatives), the responsibility of servicing customers falls to the owner. Besides handling complaints and requests, customer service involves troubleshooting, installation, training and technical support, depending on the product or service provided by the company - also read, "Reason Why Some People Could Not Make Money"
Marketing
The owner of a small business must plan and implement marketing strategies. Effective marketing methods depend on the type of business you have. Some companies rely heavily on print marketing materials such as catalogs, brochures and booklets. Others advertise in magazines or set up booths at trade shows. As an owner, you could find that networking works wonders, and you might join a business group or attend organizational meetings for your industry - you may read, "Marketing Products and Services".
Resident Technology Expert
Few businesses can survive without cutting-edge technology. As the small business owner, you have to keep up with innovative products on the market to remain competitive. You must be skillful to operate your computers and business software to keep track of orders and invoices, load new software and install upgrades. You might have to network multiple computers and link them to a single printer. It also helps to be able to make repairs if the copier, fax, printer or computers break down - you may also read, "Working Smarter To Succeed In Business"
More business tips:
How To Determine The Best Business To Start
What to Sell Online to Make Money
