5 Things to Do to Simplify Your Business

Finnegan Pierson

If you run your own business, you know how important it is to keep things as simple as possible. When you keep it simple, it makes it easier to pass instructions on to others, and there is less of a chance of someone making a mistake along the way. Learn more about ways you can simplify your business, creating less hassle for yourself and anyone else who helps you out with your company. 

1. Find Simple Ways to Market

Find different ways to market your business to customers that aren't difficult, costly, or too time-consuming. If you use social media marketing, you could start implementing a program like Hootsuite, allowing you to schedule social media posts days in advance, without the need to handle them at a specific time.  Alternatively, try using promotional marketing products and going to trade shows. You can hand out pens, magnets, and other items with your company name on them, ensuring people will remember who you are and what it is you do, with less effort on your part. 

2. Outsource Certain Aspects of Work

Outsourcing can make your life easier, depending on the area you are seeking help in. If you need someone who is good with numbers, hiring a bookkeeper can save you time while you focus on areas of the business that only you can handle. If you don't have time to sit on the phone and provide customer service all day, using dedicated employees to take care of this matter can make it easier for you. While outsourcing does have a cost attached to it, getting paid back in extra time is beneficial. Companies such as Workiva are one way you can outsource. 

3. Use Networking to Your Advantage

Are you looking for more contacts, customers, or ways to promote your business? Networking can be a quick and useful way to grow your company. You can often attend network events such as Network After Work, and meet others who have the same or similar goals. If you and the other individuals you connect with have a way of helping one another or a need for services, this is when you would use them. Networking can be a condensed way of meeting new people, while growing your client list or getting the help you need with outsourcing services. 

4. Start Out Small With Less Overhead

The less overhead you have, the more you can save money, at least in the beginning. Although it might be tempting to rent office space, try working out of your home, and see if that can help you save. Use social media marketing before trying direct mailings, and discover if this alone can help you build your customer base. Starting out small doesn't mean ignoring your business or doing less. It is about focusing on ways you can avoid spending a lot of money while seeing what type of results you get, and acting accordingly from there. 

5. Ask Customers What They Want

When trying to grow your business, getting customer feedback can be invaluable. That is because customers can tell you what they want and need, and you can discover if there is an underserved area you could tap into. Many current and even potential customers are happy to share what they are looking for. You can try using a survey or even asking them directly, depending on the type of working relationship you have with them. This can open the door to new possibilities and help you learn more about what people are looking for without spending a lot of money.

If you are trying to find ways to simplify your business without spending too much money, find simple ways to market and use outsourcing when possible. Networking can help you develop your company. Try to use as little overhead as possible, and don't be afraid to ask your customers what they are looking for. These suggestions can make it possible to grow your business into something bigger.