Lessons From Small Business Owners On Flexibility

Posted on December 15, 2022

Small business owners don’t have the same perks as large corporations. For example, they don’t hold a long list of clients and the financial resources to provide service on a large scale. However, flexibility is an advantage that small businesses can utilize in their marketing and practices. That is where flexibility lessons for small businesses […]

Small business owners don’t have the same perks as large corporations. For example, they don’t hold a long list of clients and the financial resources to provide service on a large scale.

However, flexibility is an advantage that small businesses can utilize in their marketing and practices. That is where flexibility lessons for small businesses come in. 

This article will go in-depth about the basics of flexible innovation, why flexibility is important, and what you can gain from flexibility lessons for small businesses.

What Is Flexibility in a Business?

The definition of flexibility describes the willingness to change and compromise. In the context of business, the quality of work takes priority over how the employees work. 

Flexible business varies with each owner. The responsibility can fall to the employer and give the workers enough freedom to perform their duties. 

Employees can also express flexibility by adapting to the changes within the company. Doing so will help them stay agile in an ever-changing world. Adjusting hours and offering to help other workers with a project shows that you can alter your personal life for the benefit of the business.

Why Is Flexibility Important to Your Business?

Some jobs require a constant flow of productivity, but there’s also an appreciation for maintaining a work/life balance.

Here are a few reasons why flexibility is a crucial aspect of your business.

Morale Boost

Employees who feel like they have no control over their work get a sense of demotivation. Their efforts are not their own but whatever it takes to satisfy the company’s needs.

Offering flexibility to the place makes employees feel valued. The employer understands the work difficulty and allows his workers to perform in whichever way makes them comfortable.

Job Perk

When job seekers are looking for a promising career, one of the perks they look for is flexibility.

A business that offers a flexible schedule shows that the company cares about the well-being of its workers.

Many companies expect too much from their employees that the work overload can take over. So offering some freedom and breathing room is always nice to have.

Market

Companies that can change and adjust to the market find success easier. They are willing to shift to different models and make sacrifices to improve business performance.

Flexibility gives small businesses a slight edge over the competition. Investors and stockholders will see that the company knows the market and how to use it in its favor.

How Can a Business Increase Flexibility?

Different businesses have their methods to promote flexibility in the workplace. But in any case, learning how to find opportunity in every situation will help with your flexibility. The main central point of it revolves around freedom.

These ideas can help improve your company’s flexibility.

Custom Schedule

Some people work better at night than in the morning. The traditional nine-to-five work hours don’t apply to every worker.

As long as the work gets done, allow your workers to set personal working schedules and clock in their hours.

Short-Term Goals

Focus on setting and achieving small incremental goals. Don’t expect your workers to accomplish so much in a day. Tackling the daily tasks as small goals keeps production smooth and boosts morale.

Employees like to feel accomplished, and dividing the work into parts can make it more achievable and rewarding.

Conclusion

Flexibility lessons for small businesses can help improve your company’s success. The workload isn’t as taxing as large companies and allows for better management over employee satisfaction.

Small business owners don’t have the same perks as large corporations. For example, they don’t hold a long list of clients and the financial resources to provide service on a large scale.

However, flexibility is an advantage that small businesses can utilize in their marketing and practices. That is where flexibility lessons for small businesses come in. 

This article will go in-depth about the basics of flexible innovation, why flexibility is important, and what you can gain from flexibility lessons for small businesses.

What Is Flexibility in a Business?

The definition of flexibility describes the willingness to change and compromise. In the context of business, the quality of work takes priority over how the employees work. 

Flexible business varies with each owner. The responsibility can fall to the employer and give the workers enough freedom to perform their duties. 

Employees can also express flexibility by adapting to the changes within the company. Doing so will help them stay agile in an ever-changing world. Adjusting hours and offering to help other workers with a project shows that you can alter your personal life for the benefit of the business.

Why Is Flexibility Important to Your Business?

Some jobs require a constant flow of productivity, but there’s also an appreciation for maintaining a work/life balance.

Here are a few reasons why flexibility is a crucial aspect of your business.

Morale Boost

Employees who feel like they have no control over their work get a sense of demotivation. Their efforts are not their own but whatever it takes to satisfy the company’s needs.

Offering flexibility to the place makes employees feel valued. The employer understands the work difficulty and allows his workers to perform in whichever way makes them comfortable.

Job Perk

When job seekers are looking for a promising career, one of the perks they look for is flexibility.

A business that offers a flexible schedule shows that the company cares about the well-being of its workers.

Many companies expect too much from their employees that the work overload can take over. So offering some freedom and breathing room is always nice to have.

Market

Companies that can change and adjust to the market find success easier. They are willing to shift to different models and make sacrifices to improve business performance.

Flexibility gives small businesses a slight edge over the competition. Investors and stockholders will see that the company knows the market and how to use it in its favor.

How Can a Business Increase Flexibility?

Different businesses have their methods to promote flexibility in the workplace. But in any case, learning how to find opportunity in every situation will help with your flexibility. The main central point of it revolves around freedom.

These ideas can help improve your company’s flexibility.

Custom Schedule

Some people work better at night than in the morning. The traditional nine-to-five work hours don’t apply to every worker.

As long as the work gets done, allow your workers to set personal working schedules and clock in their hours.

Short-Term Goals

Focus on setting and achieving small incremental goals. Don’t expect your workers to accomplish so much in a day. Tackling the daily tasks as small goals keeps production smooth and boosts morale.

Employees like to feel accomplished, and dividing the work into parts can make it more achievable and rewarding.

Conclusion

Flexibility lessons for small businesses can help improve your company’s success. The workload isn’t as taxing as large companies and allows for better management over employee satisfaction.

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster

Creating A Culture of Innovation: 5 Ways CEOs Can Drive a Culture of Innovation

Posted on December 8, 2022

We can all agree that a business must be innovative and revolutionary to thrive. As a company’s CEO, you must find and implement every strategy to create a culture of innovation and facilitate a healthy company atmosphere. But how to create a culture of innovation? What department can you start with? Why Fostering Innovation Is […]

We can all agree that a business must be innovative and revolutionary to thrive.

As a company’s CEO, you must find and implement every strategy to create a culture of innovation and facilitate a healthy company atmosphere. But how to create a culture of innovation? What department can you start with?

Why Fostering Innovation Is a Worthy Goal

First, let’s dive into why innovation culture is important. As a CEO, you want to be at the forefront of your industry, and one of the best ways to do that is to bring innovative products or ideas to the table and focus on growth.

Common Problems a Lack of Innovation Creates 

Some common problems lack of innovation generates are:

  • Falling behind competition
  • Lack of pricing control
  • Falling margins
  • Market share troubles
  • Recruitment troubles
  • Losing key employees

It’s best if you create a winning innovation strategy for your company so you can ease into retirement.

What Can Leadership Do To Introduce Innovation Culture in a Company 

Leadership can create an environment that promotes introducing and spreading new ideas. This change can be a suggestion box, weekly staff meetings, or monthly conferences.

The most significant idea is to encourage input from every level of the company. That means welcoming ideas from the lowest minimum wage workers to the high executives.

How to Determine an Approach to Innovation Metrics 

When you’re brainstorming ideas on how to create a culture of innovation in your company you need to consider innovation metrics. The best way to approach innovation metrics is to look at their previous history and improve upon those where it’s needed. If the project duration is too long, develop a faster system led by maverick employees.

If the budget is a problem, try to find ways you can cut costs in other areas of your company. 

Examples of Cultural Innovation In 2023

What is an example of cultural innovation? Some great innovative culture examples of 2023 are:

  • Miro is introducing an online whiteboard tool for companies to spread ideas and communicate
  • Indeed introducing a fully automated job search process
  • Dropbox is introducing virtual office arrangements for employees
  • Slack’s audio call feature and message send scheduling

These examples of creating a culture of innovation in organizations will contribute to staying ahead of the curve for 2023.

5 Ways of Driving a Culture Of Innovation

How do you drive a culture of innovation? Well, there are five steps that you should take that will lead to you driving a culture of innovation.

  1. Assess

Take a good look at your company and determine what is blocking, hindering, or flat-out preventing innovation from taking place. It could be a particular set of rules, lousy management, or lack of communication.

  1. Quantify

Quantify the tangible assets your company has that can facilitate an environment of innovation. The measurements can be: 

  • Counting the number of hard-working employees and separating them from the lackluster ones
  • Keeping track of how many customers are coming through the doors every day
  • Counting revenue
  • Quantifying processes and optimizing for efficiency
  1. Build

Build a team that is geared towards innovating and improving the customer experience. You will need individuals with can-do attitudes who don’t mind going the extra mile for the company. Of course, you must take care of these people to the best of your ability so their morale does not dip.

  1. Compose

Once you have your team, you must create a structure allowing them to use their strengths to the best of their ability within the company. Composing the management of innovation will enable everyone to bring their best attributes to the table.

  1. Assign

Assign and address the resources your company has at its disposal. Remember that innovation takes time and money for it to be truly remarkable. Give your mavericks enough time to get their brain juices going, and you will reap all the benefits.

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster

Listening to Employees: It’s More Important Than You Think

Posted on December 1, 2022

As a manager or executive, it can be easy to approach a situation with your perspective in mind. But even though it’s crucial to develop your instincts, listening to employees is an essential procedure in any process, project, or company. In this article, we’ll discuss all the benefits of listening to your employees—and what can […]

As a manager or executive, it can be easy to approach a situation with your perspective in mind. But even though it’s crucial to develop your instincts, listening to employees is an essential procedure in any process, project, or company.

In this article, we’ll discuss all the benefits of listening to your employees—and what can happen when you don’t.

Importance of Employee Input – Why Listening To Your Employees’ Opinion Is Important

At the highest level, listening to employees is simply an ethical way to run a business. Nobody likes to work in an environment where they feel unheard, and if you want your company to be a humane place to be, you must help them know their presence matters.

On top of that, all the data suggests that productivity correlates with livable work settings–challenging the traditional belief that employers exist only to light a fire under their employees.

What Happens When You Don’t Listen To Employees

If the positive benefits of listening to employees are not enough, consider the flipside: there can be grave consequences for ignoring workers’ concerns.

It is commonsensical that when employees don’t have room to voice their opinions, they feel dissatisfied, contribute fewer ideas to the company, and, worst of all, feel less able to report unethical workplace behaviors, such as harassment.

Challenges of Companies That Don’t Listen To Their Employees

Concerns about employee listening are more pressing in today’s environment than ever. As evidence suggests, the phenomenon known as the Great Resignation is propelled by toxic workplace cultures. One element of toxic cultures is a pervasive inability to listen or speak up–which only foments more problems.

The upshot is that companies that don’t listen to their employees put themselves at risk of skill drain, mass departures, and human resources issues.

Furthermore, companies that don’t listen to employees face less obvious challenges. Managers who don’t pay attention to what employees are saying and thinking can lose out on valuable insights that workers bring to the table. As a result, projects lose opportunities to be innovative and ultimately end up less successful in the long run.

Key Tips for Listening To Employees

If you’re on board with the importance of employee input, it can be challenging to know where to start. That said, while every listening strategy is different, it’s important to keep a few basic principles in mind.

First, set specific priorities. While it’s important to have an abiding culture of listening, your efforts won’t achieve all they can unless you know what you want to listen for. Maybe you want to check employees’ temperatures on company culture, perhaps you’re looking for new project ideas, or you might have something else in mind.

Second, remember that all employees communicate differently. Some prefer private conferences with employers, while some feel more comfortable (for a valid reason) giving anonymous input. To make your listening strategy successful, deploy different tactics to capture all sorts of employee input.

How to Develop an Employee Listening Strategy In 2023

Ultimately, listening to employees is a win-win for companies. It exercises business ethics, avoids financial and human resources problems, and propels the organization to greater success. 

Now, with all that in mind, it’s time to develop an employee listening strategy. Pick out your goals, find effective modalities to communicate with employees, and start listening!

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster

6 Professional Tips To Help Employees Grow and Develop

Posted on November 24, 2022

Anyone can benefit from professional development—it builds connections, refines skills, and sets the participant on track to higher achievement. For that reason, knowing how to help employees grow can be profoundly beneficial. That said, it isn’t always easy. But if you want to know how to help employees with career development, the following six tips […]

Anyone can benefit from professional development—it builds connections, refines skills, and sets the participant on track to higher achievement. For that reason, knowing how to help employees grow can be profoundly beneficial.

That said, it isn’t always easy. But if you want to know how to help employees with career development, the following six tips can be your starting point.

How To Help Employees Grow Professionally—6 Tips

Although every company is different, the following employee development suggestions can give you a sense of what support is needed at work as you figure out how to help employees grow professionally.

1. Start With an Objective

As with any company procedure, it’s always best to direct your actions based on a goal, not the other way around. 

Figure out what your company and your employees need. Are you looking to cultivate the next generation of managers? Do you just want everyone to be a little bit better at their jobs? Are you seeking holistic development, or focused on concrete deliverables?

Once you know your priorities, you can structure your initiatives around them as part of a coherent professional development program.

2. Know the Difference Between Training vs. Professional Development

When considering the question “how can managers support employees,” you’ll need to distinguish basic employee training from more complex professional development. The former often has concrete objectives and firm requirements, while the latter tends to be more open-ended, networking-oriented, and personalized.

It’s an important distinction, if only because it helps you get your employees enthusiastic about growth initiatives. 

When they learn you’re launching projects for professional development, they might associate those words with mandatory training. But you want them to see it as a growth opportunity.

3. Meet Employees Where They Are

As much as you want employees to grow, you must appreciate their uniqueness. If you’re more focused on end goals over progress, you’ll inevitably be disappointed in their work.

Furthermore, meeting employees in their current capacities can help you set practical goals. An employee who loves to write, for example, might do better in a communications workshop than in a seminar on advanced accounting—and you should support them in that.

4. Challenge Them Productively

On the other end of the spectrum, one of the best ways to improve professional development is by humanely challenging them. It can be all too common to feel inadequate or impotent at some point in one’s career. As a supervisor, you can intervene by encouraging staff and communicating that you believe in their potential.

5. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

As an extension of the last tip on how to help employees grow, it’s essential to actively show you believe in your staff. To help them develop their skills and confidence, let them take the lead on presentations, new projects, or personal initiatives.

6. Respect Soft Skills

Remember that not all professional growth means accumulating hard skills. Soft skills, the competencies that are transferable across different settings, can also be a developmental end goal. 

For instance, if your organization has the resources, you could pay for an employee to get a master’s degree. Though some may pursue business degrees, others gain equal (or more) benefit from degrees that emphasize soft skills, like English.

Employee Growth and Development Ideas 2023

So, how do you encourage employees to improve? With these six tips as your starting point, you’re already on the right track to encouraging productivity, keeping your company fresh, and learning how to help employees grow with you.

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster

Top 3 Apps To Have in 2022 to Stay Productive

Posted on November 24, 2022

Do you need to know the top productivity apps? Whether searching for the best productivity apps in 2020 or recent years or only want the best productivity apps for iPhone, we have everything you need to know. Staying productive is a crucial part of stress management. Stay on top of the game with the top […]

Do you need to know the top productivity apps? Whether searching for the best productivity apps in 2020 or recent years or only want the best productivity apps for iPhone, we have everything you need to know.

Staying productive is a crucial part of stress management. Stay on top of the game with the top three free productivity apps.

What Are Your Productivity Goals?

Consider your goals before downloading an app. Students might consider an app with a scheduling feature, while small business owners prefer a task-based app.

The Best Apps To Increase Productivity in 2022

Consider downloading these top apps to increase your productivity in work and life.

Todoist

Todoist is an app specifically for to-do lists. It’s one of the top productivity apps on the market today, and you’ll love the interactive and efficient features.

The app lets you organize your to-do list to the finest detail. Create a sub-task to prioritize your assignments, sort tasks into categories, and add significant due dates to a schedule.

Todoist syncs on Apple Watch, Android, and Windows, so you’ll never miss a deadline or task. The simple, appealing interface makes the app easy to use.

The Todoist app lets you collaborate with teammates and manage up to five projects on the free plan. Upgrade to the premium membership to enjoy 500 projects and collaborations with 50 different users.

Zoho Projects

Check out Zoho Projects, a project management system that will improve your work and life productivity. It’s popular with small business owners, and the tool boasts more features than any other product management app on the market.

Keep track of your task list, input items into a project database, and communicate with teammates efficiently. Zoho Projects has tons of customizable options, and you can make the interface ideal for your use.

The Zoho Projects app has a timesheet feature where employees can track billable hours and record overtime. Also, consider integrating Zoho with an app you already know and love. Zoho Projects syncs with Microsoft and Dropbox, and the program is also one of the best Google productivity apps.

Notion

Whether you’re a writer, a student, or you only want to increase your productivity, Notion is an essential app. You can create to-do lists, calendars, work tracking sheets, and more with the Notion app. The program is among the top productivity apps for Android and is one of the best apps to increase productivity.

Choose from hundreds of unique templates like the Habit Tracker, Travel Planner, Company Goals, or Lesson Plans. The app syncs between your devices, so you can use Notion on your laptop, phone, or tablet.

The Notion app can help streamline your personal and professional life. Organize small business loans, create a directory of your employees, or craft a monthly reading list. The basic plan is free, and the pro plan is free for students with a valid university email address.

How To Be More Productive Using Apps

Whether you need Mac productivity apps or the best productivity apps for iPad, productivity apps are essential for success at work and school. However, we recommend keeping your interface organized and your schedule simplified to avoid spending too much time on the apps.

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster

3 Tips for Post-Pandemic Prosperity

Posted on November 17, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic was tough on individuals, businesses, and economies everywhere. Organizations had to adjust their operations to stay afloat. In a post-pandemic world, companies have to make more changes to secure their growth in the long term. For example, you may have to alter how you approach marketing during a pandemic and after. As […]

The COVID-19 pandemic was tough on individuals, businesses, and economies everywhere. Organizations had to adjust their operations to stay afloat. In a post-pandemic world, companies have to make more changes to secure their growth in the long term. For example, you may have to alter how you approach marketing during a pandemic and after.

As a business owner, you must take time to regroup and think about running a successful firm in the new world. You might wonder what measures to take to ensure post-pandemic prosperity. Keep reading for a breakdown of actions to take to thrive in the new normal. 

Economic Recovery After COVID-19: Trends in 2023

The state of a nation’s economy affects businesses and individuals alike. Thus, effective economic recovery after COVID will benefit both these groups. Here are some trends for recovery following the pandemic.

Higher Investments

The government plays a significant part in economic recovery after the pandemic. They can increase investments to revive the economy. 

They may infuse capital into the banking sector to encourage investment. Partnerships between private organizations and the government can also benefit the economy.

Focus on Marketing

The economy before and after COVID is quite different. Before the pandemic, economic stability and growth may have positively impacted your business. Post-pandemic, the economic challenges may also trickle down to your business as the world recovers.

To stay afloat, you may get tempted to cut back on marketing expenditures. However, that isn’t the best choice since you need to reach your clients through marketing. Instead, you can examine operational expenses first and see where you can trim them down. 

Keep Track of Your Cash Flow

You must focus on your business’s cash flow. Doing so will ensure you have an accurate picture of how much profit you get. You may falsely know your firm’s position if you don’t understand your cash flow.

Thus, you may make decisions that end up harming the business. You must take stock of all your business’s expenditures if you’re to enjoy post-pandemic prosperity.

How To Increase Business Growth After COVID-19

You must change how your firm functions to serve clients better when getting back to business through a pandemic. Developing new strategies will help you care for employees and meet customer needs. It will also boost the overall health of your business. 

Here are some answers to how to increase business growth after COVID:

Strive To Understand Your Customers

The pandemic caused changes in customer behavior. So, you need to understand which kind of customer purchases your goods and what drives them to make a purchase. Doing so will help you deliver value to your clients. Thus, it will boost sales leading to business growth.

Retain and Hire Qualified Employees

As you try to grow your business in the uncertain post-pandemic era, you need qualified employees. Their expertise will help you beat the problems that arise. So, make sure you retain and hire dedicated and skilled workers.

Look at Your Competitors

Your business may experience periods of slow growth after COVID. As you grow, you’ll need ways to measure how much progress you’ve made. 

Researching the growth of competitors is an excellent way to measure your performance. It can also lead you to discover new growth strategies essential for post-pandemic prosperity.

3 Effective Tips for Post-Pandemic Prosperity

A crisis like the pandemic can fuel future business success. That happens if you take advantage of the opportunities it presents. Here are some useful tips for post-pandemic prosperity for your business. 

1. Take Advantage of the Power of Social Media

You can use social media to connect and engage with customers. Having a social media presence and following can help you understand your clients. It can also be of assistance in anticipating what they need. 

An online presence may help foster trust with your customers boosting customer loyalty. Some online platforms can also help increase sales by allowing you to set up an online store. Such innovation helps you reach even more customers and stay connected to them. 

2. Keep Investing in Technology

During the pandemic, technology played a crucial role in keeping businesses afloat. In the post-pandemic era, technology can propel organizations toward long-term success. It helps businesses meet customers’ needs in many ways. 

Comprehensive websites, online shopping, and apps improve the customer experience. Technology can also help you reach new markets and clients. It also makes it easier for you to manage your business operations. If you select the right technical solution for your organization, you can enjoy the following:

  • Reduced costs
  • Effective operations 
  • Increased efficiency. 

When combined, these benefits lead to higher revenue and long-term prosperity.

3. Prepare for Future Business Disruption

One thing businesses can learn from the pandemic is that disaster can strike at any time. Thus, you need to be ready in case of any future disruptions. Firms with a business disruption response plan can respond swiftly and effectively. They are more likely to maintain stability in the face of disruption.

But, according to a study, 95% of businesses need to improve their crisis management abilities. Strategic planning is something that all companies must take seriously. To ensure you’re ready for a disruption, you can:

  • Create a team to respond to crises (they will act quickly in case of disruption)
  • Develop a plan that allows you to respond to problems effectively
  • Keep assessing and refining your plan whenever disruption occurs

Examples of Post Pandemic Prosperity for Small Businesses 

Following the pandemic, the future of your business may seem bleak, but there are many examples of post-pandemic prosperity. Entrepreneurs created more online microbusinesses during the pandemic than before. The shift to e-commerce fueled this growth. 

Your business can grow if you can identify opportunities to do so. Staying agile in an ever-changing world ensures your business’s success. 

Wrap Up 

Navigating the post-pandemic era will require businesses to change their operating models. So, you should analyze your business model to make sure it works. If it doesn’t, make the necessary changes and implement new strategies. 

COVID-19 changed how businesses operate. However, it also uncovered new growth opportunities. Identify them and apply the right strategy to ensure your business’s post-pandemic prosperity. 

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster

Why Company Culture Is So Important To Drive Business Success

Posted on November 10, 2022

The success of a business comes from many factors. Strategic planning, organization, and online software can help improve a company’s productivity. However, company culture is a trait that can’t be bought or manufactured. It is a natural occurrence between coworkers that shows how we interact with one another in a workspace. While some managers focus […]

The success of a business comes from many factors. Strategic planning, organization, and online software can help improve a company’s productivity.

However, company culture is a trait that can’t be bought or manufactured. It is a natural occurrence between coworkers that shows how we interact with one another in a workspace.

While some managers focus on the statistics to drive their success, others look towards the team’s strength and how well their employees get along.

This article will teach you the importance of organizational culture, the major components of achieving company culture, and how beneficial it is for your business’ success.

What Are the Elements of Company Culture?

Productive company culture goes beyond more than planned meetings and chain emails. 

Developing a unique company culture depends on the people you hire and the policies you implement around the workplace.

Here are some key elements to remember when establishing your company culture.

Communication

A working environment that practices good communication can remain an efficient business throughout its lifespan. Employees should feel comfortable with each other to share information and business details.

Strong communication acts as a form of trust between workers. Company culture builds upon a bond that allows people to make connections that can last beyond working hours.

Without communication, business meetings and transactions become sluggish and slow the workflow.

Environment

The workplace should be an environment that’s inviting to all employees. The office’s atmosphere should provide positive vibes that are welcoming and lack any judgment.

The environment can be both mental space and physical space. Some managers can set up areas designed to separate from the work and allow workers to decompress.

Finding the balance between work and comfort can be challenging, but it can boost worker morale and improve productivity in business.

Fairness

One of the main attributes of maintaining company culture is fairness for all employees.

Fairness can apply to several factors, like the rules and policies of the workplace. Favoritism shouldn’t make anyone above the guidelines or give them an upper advantage over coworkers.

Fairness also exists in pay and benefits. People get a sense of community when they know they are getting the same treatment as everyone.

What Is the Most Important Part of a Company Culture?

The employee must feel they are safe to express themselves and their personality without being judged. They shouldn’t have to hide mistakes. They should be supported in order to evolve and progress. 

People spend the majority of their awaking hours at the office with their coworkers, so it must be a pleasant place to be at. 

Can Culture Drive a Business to Success?

A positive space that elevates moods and expresses the value of its employees can push employees to deliver superior results. Companies that lack company culture are less motivated to work and find ways to slack off and avoid committing to their duties.

Depending on how you run the office, you can shift the workplace to your preferred environment and recruit good people.

What Are the Benefits of a Positive and Strong Culture?

Company culture remains relatively new to the business world, so people don’t understand the success it can bring.

Here are a few benefits businesses can earn from building a growing company culture.

Fast Productivity

When the workplace is comfortable and engaging, workers are motivated to put in 100% of their efforts to their jobs.

If your company requires fast and satisfying results, improving the company morale can help.

Respected Reputation

As businesses adapt to online appeal and services, customers get a better view of the brand and how the company runs its business.

More importantly, consumers can judge a company based on how they treat its staff and employees.

Are the workers paid fairly? Do the company policies promote fairness and diversity among all employees? Is the workplace a safe environment that looks out for the well-being of everyone inside?

These few questions showcase the general impressions of the consumers. If these conditions exist, public opinion shifts towards a positive experience and boosts brand recognition.

Attracting New Talent

The image of a company that treats its workers well has the potential to reel in workers with incredible talents and work performance.

A company with no company culture has a higher chance of attracting workers with no motivation to work as a team. Coworkers will keep to themselves and get through the way with minimal contact.

A positive company culture attracts workers who engage and openly share their thoughts and opinions. Newcomers can learn to respect the workplace and earn their keep to remain in this trusting community.

How to Build Company Culture for Successful Businesses

It’s never too late to begin creating a company culture around the workplace. The process might require internal changes within the group, but the results are worth the effort.

Here are some tips to help you build your own company culture.

Employee Feedback

The best way to change the corporate culture is by asking the workers who will be affected by these changes.

You can send a quick email inviting all staff members to input their thoughts about what can make the workplace more comfortable.

Not only will these answers provide you with ideas, but it gives the impression that you value your employees and their contribution to shaping the company to shared ideals.

Picture Your Ideal Company Culture

Ultimately, only you will have the power to shape your desired company culture. The easiest method to change is by comparing your dream workspace with the current one.

Evaluate the status of the business and see what works and what doesn’t. Is this a company that needs more teamwork? Are the rules one-sided and don’t meet the needs of every employee?

Building a respected company culture involves looking beyond what exists and thinking about the well-being of the employees.

Recognize Achievements and Value

You can improve your company’s morale and drive by recognizing achievements in the workplace.

Whether you acknowledge success through award ceremonies or annual bonuses, you’re showing interest in your employees. People enjoy recognition and being valued once in a while for their hard work.

Inclusion in the office makes them feel like part of the corporate family you are building.

Examples of Impact of Culture on Business in 2023

Let’s explore some practical examples of company culture and how they can impact businesses.

Work–Life Balance

A company that respects the employee’s personal time will receive commitment in return. If a personal emergency comes up and the employee feels supported by their manager in terms of taking time off, they will happily work extra hours when the need arises.

Flexible Hours 

Many of us have to juggle work and children. And school hours many times don’t match the office hours. Also, some people are more productive in the morning or in the evening. If a company allows their employees to adjust their working hours to their personal needs, they will get more from the employee.

Conclusion

The reason why company culture is important is that it builds a positive environment for everyone to thrive. Implementing a space with connections between coworkers and good values can bring success to any company willing to try.

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster

Ways to Maintain Leadership While Working Remotely?

Posted on November 3, 2022

Managing a team remotely during COVID has led many companies to look for strategies to maintain leadership while working remotely. Some managers allow workers to become self-independent and work their hours, but a company still needs a functioning team. Group leaders are essential to micromanaging a team, but with the introduction to remote work, it’s […]

Managing a team remotely during COVID has led many companies to look for strategies to maintain leadership while working remotely.

Some managers allow workers to become self-independent and work their hours, but a company still needs a functioning team.

Group leaders are essential to micromanaging a team, but with the introduction to remote work, it’s harder to maintain a sense of control.

This article will give you tips on performance management for remote workers and some work-from-home strategies for companies.

The Challenges of Remote Leadership

Commanding a staff of workers from a distance is challenging for any supervisor. No one understands the preparation it takes to manage a remote team.

Here are some issues you can expect when working with a remote team.

No Face-to-Face Supervision

Working in person, some employees feel pressured to work harder with their boss around the corner. 

In a remote position, the employee has no supervisor watching over their performance unless it’s a scheduled meeting.

Employees get the bare minimum requirements and are left to do the work themselves, which leads to poor team communication and productivity.

Poor Expectations

The expectations become loose with each employee and push workers to set how much effort they decide to put in.

Some workers require more guidance than others, and that kind of trait is hard to pick up over a computer screen.

What Styles of Leadership Are Preferred When Working Remotely?

While a leader grows with his team, he develops a style and pattern to perform his duties, leading to promising results.

These are the three most common leadership styles that emerge from remote work.

Participative Leadership

A participative leader enjoys making his workers feel heard and included. During meetings and collaboration groups, the workers have many chances to voice their opinions.

Transformational Leadership

These type of leaders motivate their workers with an inspirational mindset. Setting an example by practicing and focusing on the big picture helps employees develop a drive to work harder.

Situational Leadership

Situational leaders adapt to the situation and change their working habits to match the changes. Employees who are very flexible and appeal to the latest policy rules can work under situational leadership.

Tips for Being a Better Remote Leader

There’s a learning curve to maintaining leadership while working remotely. Depending on the team, the methods vary for effectiveness.

However, there are common strategies leaders can learn to manage their remote workers.

Open Communication

The change from in-person to remote work limits the different communication pathways. So how do you get in contact with an employee without being intrusive?

Video chatting and creating an online discord group helps keep the team connected without losing communication.

Establish Goals and Priorities

Employees are more motivated to work when they have clear goals to follow.

Set the ground rules, online policies, and basic etiquette when working remotely. When everyone is on the same page, there are no problems and confusion.

Lead by Example

There are times for the leader to motivate his workers by putting himself first and showing that the work is manageable.

This method creates a bond between the leader and employee and improves company morale.

Conclusion

How to maintain leadership while working remotely is a new concept to grasp, but with the right skills and personality, anyone can be able to do it.

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster

The Importance of Delegation in Growing Your Business

Posted on October 27, 2022

As the CEO, you may want to control every aspect of your business and ensure everything is going well. However, as your company grows, having control of every process becomes impossible. Has your company grown? If so, you need to learn how to delegate like a CEO. First, separate different tasks into specific categories when […]

As the CEO, you may want to control every aspect of your business and ensure everything is going well. However, as your company grows, having control of every process becomes impossible. Has your company grown? If so, you need to learn how to delegate like a CEO.

First, separate different tasks into specific categories when pursuing delegation in management. Then figure out who can handle which assignment the best. Then, you’ll need to delegate the tasks to the best employees. Now, spend your time focusing on complex and big-picture items.

To learn how to delegate like a CEO, read the guide below. Now, let’s get started!

What Does Delegation in Management Really Mean?

Delegation is a vital part of a manager’s job. However, many supervisors and managers avoid delegating and take on too many tasks themselves. Why do they do so? Many prefer to do some projects themselves. Others don’t like to spend too much time explaining how to complete a task.

Delegation in management involves transferring one person’s tasks to another individual. Essentially, that includes a manager or CEO requiring certain employees to complete specific projects or assignments. 

So, what is the role of the CEO? The CEO is responsible for keeping employees engaged by delegating tasks and providing them with some amount of autonomy. 

A Gallup study found that CEOs with impressive delegation skills produced 33 percent more revenue than CEOs who do not have the same level of delegating talent. Delegating helps CEOs and managers find more time to focus on high-value projects, which allows them to grow their businesses.

Can Anyone Master Delegation?

Any leaders like executives, mid-level managers, or immediate supervisors can all master delegation. For instance, women business owners and female leaders can all succeed by learning how to delegate effectively. The best leaders know where they excel and need help, which is when delegation comes in handy.

If you’re CEO, you will need to assign tasks to others you, as the leader, have weaknesses. As such, you will need to determine the strengths of everyone on your team. Then, it is vital to find the right projects and assign them to each employee to grow their skill set.

A few tips to help anyone master delegation include:

  • Understanding what tasks require oversight and which to delegate
  • Using your employees’ strengths and career goals when delegating
  • Defining the desired results of a project
  • Offering the right amount of authority and resources to employees

How To Delegate Efficiently If You Are a CEO

So, how do you master delegation when you’re the CEO of a company? The CEO’s best practices in delegation first include understanding any possible resistance toward delegation. 

First, it is vital to state company goals and any behaviors impeding that progress. When examining certain behaviors, CEOs should consider what would happen and how they would feel if they did the opposite. What would be the outcome?

Doing so should help CEOs see the benefits of delegation. The best leaders will start to delegate and stick with the goal. To start, try several small, low-risk delegating procedures. Team members should also consider whether they can take on new roles and responsibilities in the workplace. 

To delegate efficiently when you are a CEO, you must pick the right employee for certain tasks. Focus on who can develop vital skills and can take on the challenge. Also, when delegating, provide the following:

  • Clarity on the task at hand.
  • The expectations for the project.
  • The amount of autonomy expected.

Furthermore, you will need to provide the necessary resources for your employees, such as training, a quiet space to work, supplies, or assistance from other workers.

Lastly, CEOs should develop milestones in the project development phases, create a motivating environment for their workers, and tolerate possible mistakes on the part of their employees.

5 Rules of Delegation

If you want to figure out how to improve delegation at your company, you may need to follow the 5 rules of delegation. The 5 rules of delegation include the following:

  1. Define your precise strengths
  2. Perform a task, eliminate, delegate, or automate
  3. Plan out your delegation and provide resources
  4. Assign responsibility and authorize an employee to complete a project
  5. Analyze results and offer constructive feedback to employees

Figure out which areas you have strong skills in and complete any tasks associated with those strengths. Otherwise, make sure to delegate tasks in areas you have a weakness. 

When facing a task, figure out whether you can automate it, eliminate it, or delegate the work to someone else. What will happen if you eliminate it? Does it need completion today? Is this a common daily task that you can automate? Consider these questions when deciding what to do.

Provide the support and resources employees need when you do delegate a task. You also need to stop taking control and give autonomy by providing employees with the authority to complete an assignment.

Lastly, you will need to review the outcome of a project, see whether the goals were met, and provide feedback to team members.

CEO’s Best Practices for 2023

Delegation of authority aligns with the latest best practices CEOs have developed for 2023. When you have worked to scale your business and achieved more revenue through that growth, you will find that greater demands, less time, and fewer resources force you to delegate more tasks.

For true success as a leader and CEO, you must let go of control and become less involved. The best practices for 2023 among CEOs also include the following:

  • Delegating tasks you have weaknesses in
  • Delegating well-functioning processes that you don’t need involvement in
  • Delegating assignments that you need your team to complete in the future

The Final Word

After reading through the guide above, you should now have the right process in mind to delegate like a CEO. Follow the 5 rules of delegation, and you should have no problem growing your business. Soon, your company will make its mark in its industry.  

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster

Hiring the Right People to Grow Your Business

Posted on October 20, 2022

Knowing how to hire the best candidate is important for growing your business. Hiring the right people for business growth is essential because they are at the front of customer service, which means they are the people that give an excellent first impression to clients.  Tips For Finding the Right Person The difference between growth […]

Knowing how to hire the best candidate is important for growing your business. Hiring the right people for business growth is essential because they are at the front of customer service, which means they are the people that give an excellent first impression to clients. 

Tips For Finding the Right Person

The difference between growth versus quality is crucial when hiring the right people for business growth. Sure, you want to employ people, so you have the help you need for your business to grow. However, quality is just as important as numbers in your business. 

You may have enough employees to staff your business, but are they quality members? Do they give the best customer service possible for your clients? Are they knowledgeable of your products and services to be armed with the tools necessary to serve your clients to the highest potential?

Importance of Hiring the Right Person For Your Business

A client’s first experience with your business starts with your customer service employees. Customers see customer service associates at the front of a brick-and-mortar store, and associates are the first people that clients talk to on a phone call. 

How your customer service representatives talk to and treat your clients will put a lasting impression on them as to whether they will continue to support your business or not. You can be a great owner and love putting your clients first, but if your employees are not doing the same, then customers will still believe that your business does not have quality customer service. 

Here are things to consider when hiring an employee:

  • Years of experience in the field. 
  • Personality traits of courtesy, helpfulness, critical thinking, and others. 
  • Flexibility to fulfill different responsibilities in their role. 
  • Ability to interact and socialize with customers. 

How Do You Know If You Hired the Right Person?

You will know when you have hired the right person for the right job. They will show up on time to work daily. They will excel above and beyond to fulfill their duties besides what’s in their job description. 

How to Establish Effective Hiring Strategies to Grow Your Business 

Here is how to hire the right person:

  • Choose interviewees with the most thorough and carefully-worded resumes. 
  • Listen to how the person talks. If they are upbeat with a smile on their face, that is a great sign. 
  • Evaluate their professional background. Do their past work experiences and personality match with your available job? 
  • Put yourself in the customer’s shoes. Would you be amazed at the interviewee’s customer service skills (as you evaluate the proficiency in which they are answering the questions) if you were a client shopping in your business?

Final Thoughts

Even as you continue hiring the right people for business growth, think about your retirement plan. As a small business owner, you have worked hard to grow an entity that is all yours. Don’t forget to reward yourself for your hard work by choosing a quality retirement plan. 

Now that you know the importance of hiring the right person, it’s time to start hiring your game-changing team members! Post your job on different job board websites such as Monster and Indeed to get started screening new candidates today!

James Webster

James Webster, founder and Executive Chairman of ROK Financial has almost two decades of experience within the financial services industry. His passion for helping small business owners and his innovative way of thinking, has allowed him to run multiple successful businesses including National Business Capital & Services. Under the National name, the team was able to help secure over $1 Billion in financing for small businesses nationwide.

View all posts by James Webster