20 Tools and Resources You Didn’t Know You Needed as a Business Owner
Starting a new business can be overwhelming. So can operating one, even after you feel like you can breathe again. 2020 has seen a whole lot of upsets, setbacks, and challenges for all small business owners. As we start to navigate our new “normal,” we thought we’d offer some insight into tools and resources that can help you get back on top. Some will seem obvious and some might be new to you, but hopefully you’ll be inspired to renew (or start) your business.
1. The Small Business Association (SBA). The SBA exists specifically to help small businesses. Many of you may be familiar with SBA from hearing about the COVID-19 relief package implemented by the federal government or from securing funding for your new enterprise, but they are much more than that. The SBA’s suite of tools can help small businesses in any stage of growth.
2. Analytics. Every business owner knows it’s important to track and understand statistics. How many people are visiting the website? Who is ordering the product? When are you seeing the biggest surge in interest? Options like Google’s statistics tool, Google Analytics, and others like Open Web Analytics and Clicky are options to help you understand your information in order to be as successful as possible.
3. Cloud Storage. This tool falls into the category of being so fundamental these days we just don’t think about it. Cloud storage allows for digital storage and organization of large amounts of data that can be available at the click of your mouse. The increasing need for secure digital storage is also being addressed by some of the biggest names in computer technology. From free to paid subscriptions, there is a cloud solution perfect for you. Now is a great time to reassess your cloud storage provider.
4. Website and Blog Creators. Have you been wanting to create or revamp your website? Are you interested in starting a blog related to your business? Not a “code” person? No worries. Easy website and blog creators such as Wix or Medium exist just for you. Want a more human touch? Consider reaching out to your local college or university. They probably have web design or computer science majors who would love to help for free or for a very reasonable wage in order to gain experience and/or your recommendation. Don’t forget you can always contact Powerhouse and we can help too!
5. Video Conference Options. Since the arrival of COVID-19, we’re all pretty savvy about video conference options these days. Skype, Zoom, GoToMeeting, Slack—it seems like there are a plethora of options out there. As we return to work, in-person meetings are probably going to be one of those things that fall under the “new” in “new normal.” Take some time to figure out which video conference options will work best for your new normal because they may not be quite the same as the ones that worked best when we were all at home.
6. Digital Document Signers. As we move more and more into the technological age and further and further away from the traditional pen-and-paper business models, digital document signers are becoming more prevalent. Options such as HelloSign and DocuSign provide ways to sign documents digitally and will save you time and money. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can update any contract and have it signed and filed away.
7. LinkedIn. This definitely falls into the “well, duh” column. However, small business expert and entrepreneur Nick Loper of SideHustleNation.com admits to being surprised by the results of a study showing LinkedIn to be the “most recommended social media resource.” Besides exceling at professional networking, LinkedIn offers talent searching and can match companies with individuals seeking positions. If you haven’t updated your LinkedIn profile lately, now is a perfect time to do so.
8. Facebook. Similarly, Facebook for Business has several free resources to offer small businesses. From help in creating ads to perfecting video content to managing appointments, Facebook has free resources to help you bring your business to the next level marketing-wise. Their resources are very Facebook-specific, so keep that in mind as you check out what they have to offer.
9. Document Scanning Apps. Feeling the need to go greener? Consider installing a document scanning app on your smartphone. Scannable and Evernote are both free apps that can help keep track of everything from business cards to meeting notes, not to mention any kind of document you can imagine. Never worry about losing a business card again with one of these apps. Evernote even connects with LinkedIn for your convenience. Just type “document scanning” into your app store of choice and be amazed at the choices you have.
10. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Tools. The technology age is definitely here to stay. Everyone jumps on their favorite search engine to find just about anything. Tools like Yoast SEO, Sumo, and Moz Pro can help you make your online presence attractive and easily found. So once you’ve used one of our previously mentioned resources to help you build your online presence, use one of these SEO tools to ensure the right people see it.
11. Virtual Private Network (VPN). Speaking of your online digital presence, security is a growing concern among businesses worldwide. Many VPNs cost money, but there are some that will offer minimum protection for free. So even if you’re not at a point yet where you can afford to ensure security with monthly subscription fees, you can find options like CyberGhost that will offer some protection for free or for a modest fee, such as $3 per month.
12. Chrome Add-Ons. Simple. Free. Easy to install. Perfect for any small business, right? Chrome offers things like TextExpander, which allows you to create custom keyboard shortcuts to optimize your time and efficiency, as well as Awesome Screenshot, an add-on that allows you to take and edit screenshots.
13. Scheduling Apps. Apps such as ScheduleOnce allow you to create a personalized calendar URL that synchs with Google Calendar. Perfect for start-ups and small businesses that need to keep track of meetings, deadlines, etc., but don’t necessarily have space or money to hire an assistant or office manager. For a modest $5 per month, you can grab additional premium features. Need a different format? Your favorite app store will have you covered.
14. Spreading the Word. It’s all about who you know, right? Or who you know and when you know them. Companies like Web FX and Ignite Visibility offer one-step marketing shops to help small businesses get off the ground and/or get recognized. They know the markets you’re hoping to reach and operate with the best possible technology. These comprehensive marketing strategists will cost you, but they deliver proven results.
15. Social Media Tracking. This has been incredibly important in 2020, as we’ve had to rely fairly heavily on online opportunities. Hootsuite and others offer free versions of their products that will help you manage all your social networks as well as allow you to schedule posts and interact with followers. Need more? They offer upgraded versions with premium features for a reasonable monthly fee.
16. Project Management Programs. Trello, Wrike, and others offer free versions of their project management programs as well as premium, paid versions. Easily track projects across your business and have a handy tool that everyone in your company can use to track and update progress. This resource is especially helpful for project-based businesses that manage multiple clients.
17. Gratitude Journal. This tool might be one you haven’t thought of before. Whether you choose a digital option or a traditional pen-and-paper route, consider starting a gratitude journal. Not only will it help you focus on the positives in everything that’s happened this year, but studies show that the happier you are the more productive you are as well. Happiness starts with gratitude. So find a way to reflect on the things that go right in your day.
18. Inspiration. Need some help with finding your happiness and success? Consider subscribing to inspirational websites, blogs, and podcasts that speak to you. Set reminders on your calendar assistant to schedule time to indulge your inspirational needs. Whether you take your lunch break or have time you can build into your day, feed your need for inspiration, kind words, or just whimsy that allows you to forget what’s stressing you. You never know what might help you past that stumbling block, and you just might be inspired to create your next Big Idea.
19. Website Freebies. Many websites exist solely to provide free resources, tips, and interactive guides to help you no matter where you are in your business journey. A great one for those just starting out or in need of a refresher is Visme. It’s a one-stop shop for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
20. Powerhouse Resources. Not only do we have free resources to help you in business and life, but we also have that human touch that can be lacking in an increasingly digital world. Maybe you don’t want to outsource everything to a digital option, but you aren’t in a place where you can afford to hire more people. Powerhouse exists just for you. Get the high-quality, human-inspired options you want at a significantly lower rate than if you had to hire someone part- or full-time. We offer a wide variety of services to help you grow your business and meet your goals.
New Powerhouse Team Member
Anna Reed is a mom of three, along with holding many other titles. She grew up in a small town in Wyoming, which gave her a unique perspective on life. She comes from a large family and grew up learning to work hard for what she wanted. Anna has always been a creative at heart and sought ways to channel that passion, from selling her art and creations around her neighborhood as a kid to designing and modeling her own clothing. She has worked in many career fields, from medical to entertainment, and is frequently (and probably jokingly) referred to as a jack of all trades because she is not afraid to try new things. Moving around the country with her family has created challenges and learning experiences not only with family but also with employment, requiring her to reinvent herself in each new location. She loves learning new things and adding skills to her repertoire, and she is grateful for each new opportunity. The biggest lesson she has learned through it all is to think outside the box and never give up, even when it seems like all options have been exhausted. Her hope is to always share her heart through her art and challenge others to see beauty in every situation.
Anna will be joining the Powerhouse team as a product model for one of our clients.
CEO SPOTLIGHT
From Mermaid to Tent Keeper, One Small Business Owner’s Hope to Bring Joy to Women Everywhere
By: Meredith Flory
Military spouses often find themselves needing to use their degrees, job training, and career experiences creatively. Aj Smit, the Armed Forces Insurance 2020 Lackland Air Force Base Spouse of the Year, certainly found a way to use her theater degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a dream from childhood to spread joy wherever she is stationed.
Smit has been a military spouse for eight years, living in Hawaii, Germany, Mississippi, and now Texas, but growing up in Northern Iowa she dreamed of the ocean. She remembers, “I always wanted to be a mermaid growing up, like people want to be a teacher or astronaut.” While she knew it probably wasn’t possible, she says, “[I] saved my birthday wish each year for this absurd thought, that I could be a mermaid someday.” She remembers wishing each birthday from ages 4 to 22, “Dear God, please let me become a mermaid. I don’t even need to breathe underwater, just the fins would be fantastic.” Then on her 23rd birthday, while looking for mermaid books, she “came across another article about a professional mermaid” and was immediately excited to find that, yes, in fact, people will pay you to be a mermaid. Soon after she got a monofin—a fin that both of your feet are attached to—and later added a tail, beginning her career as a professional mermaid.
She loves bringing “joy, whimsy and wonder to the world.” One of Smit’s early business avenues was performing for mermaid birthday parties. She explains, “At Hickam Air Force Base we could swim out farther down from where the kid’s party would be, and I would tell the adults where my treasure chest was so they could grab it from the hidden spot.” The chest would have books and treasures for the children, and Smit would know which child was the birthday child and call him or her by name as she swam into the party. She would lead games, swimming, and songs and “teach them to speak like dolphins (a lot of high-pitched yodeling, sorry parents), and they would just glow from happiness.”
As her career choice was unique, and military spouses move often, opening her own business seemed like the best way to continue performing. Because her talents and skills were focused on the arts, Smit’s challenge was the paperwork, record keeping, and other administrative duties required when running your own small business. She shares of growing as a businesswoman, “It’s something I’m always reminding myself of, and if people can take that from the get-go and be organized and make sure to keep your paperwork straight, everything else will be easier.”
Smit’s business, In-Joy Productions, has grown to include mermaid and fairy parties, storytelling, henna, and Red Tent events. (more…)
Did You Know?
Charting professional and business growth is at once one of the most exciting and terrifying parts of owning a small business. Everyone wants to ensure that they are building on their dream and successfully impacting their chosen field. Just remember there are countless parts to the professional success puzzle. For inspiration, ideas, and ways to have fun while building your small business, follow along with Powerhouse’s 20 Tips in 2020 series. Each month we’re offering 20 tips based on a different aspect of the small business enterprise. You just might find the one piece missing from completing your professional success story.
Ways to Measure Your Professional and Business Growth
By: Randi Cairns
It is quite easy to convince yourself that you need to be fully engaged and involved on every social media platform. That you need to follow every marketing expert out there. That you need to measure All. The. Things. There are two problems with that strategy: First, you don’t have time to do all that AND successfully run your business. And second, not every tool, trick, and measurement are relevant to all businesses—or even to your business all the time.
Of course, you want to be able to measure your business growth. But how do you do that strategically and in a way that results in useful information?
Decide what you will measure. Your options may feel overwhelming. There are metrics for pretty much everything—engagement, performance, retention, traffic, reach—you name it. Is information power? Yes. Is it also potentially crippling when you’ve got a million data points and no idea what to do with them? Also, yes.
Start with your goals. What does success look like for you and your business? How can you know if you’re growing or stagnant? Sales? Revenue? New customers? Social media fans? Your answer won’t be the same as that of others in a different industry or at a different stage of their company’s existence.
What will your key performance indicators (KPIs) be? In other words, what will you measure that tells you how well you’re achieving your business objectives? If you’re unsure where to start, begin with revenue (what you’re bringing in after accounting for discounts and returned merchandise), customer acquisition cost (the amount you spent on marketing divided by how many customers that yielded), and marketing return on investment (divide your marketing spend by your revenue). These three metrics will show you if your marketing activities are impacting your bottom line or if you need to think about another approach. (more…)
20 Business Etiquette Tips
By: Lindsey Stone
In business, the way you behave strongly influences how others see your level of professionalism. Doing or saying the wrong thing can negatively impact your career more than you may realize. By understanding the influence of business etiquette and recognizing what matters most, you can set yourself apart professionally.
Tip #1: Be Aware. Names are one of the first pieces of information we learn about someone, and remembering someone’s name is more beneficial than you think. If you have trouble remembering names, try repeating the name back to the individual as you interact. Writing down a name and job title with some brief notes about the circumstances in which you met can help for future connections and references as well.
Tip #2: Use Your Full Name. Introducing yourself by your full name distinguishes you from anyone else the individual may know with your same name. In addition, knowing your full name will make it easier for others to find you after the meeting or conference on sites like LinkedIn so you can stay connected and build your network.
Tip #3: Be Mindful. Do not walk into someone’s office without announcing yourself. Imagine how you feel when someone walks into your office without notice and interrupts your train of thought or important business call. Remember, the perfect time for you to talk about something may not be the ideal time for someone else. Take a minute to send an email to find out what time works for both of you.
Tip #4: Know Who Pays When. If you invited the client or coworkers to coffee, lunch, etc. for a work meeting, then you should pay. It does not matter if it is a quick meeting or note, the tab is your responsibility when you invite others somewhere.
Tip #5: Limit “Thank You.” Being polite is important, but in the professional world, it is more about minding your p’s and q’s and less about making sure to say thank you consistently. One confident and sincere thank you is sufficient, but being overly thankful may make you seem insecure or insincere. (more…)
