Starting your own business is an exciting time. However, you don’t want to get so excited that you leave some key basics off your to-do list. There are a lot of little details that need to be addressed but you never want to forget to include these eight basic things to get done when you are starting a new business.
Your Landscaping Needs
It’s important to make sure your business property looks its best at all times. The right landscaping company can help you to improve your commercial business property so that you can make the right first impression every time someone comes to your business. Professional landscapers are the experts that can manage all of your needs, from simple grass maintenance to complex skyline dredging services.
When you choose a professional landscaper to manage your landscaping needs, you are creating a space that is welcoming to clients and customers. Customers will judge the appearance of your property and make decisions about your business’s abilities. Unkempt outdoor areas make it look like you’re not interested in making a good impression. Keeping your outdoor areas nicely manicured tells customers and future customers that you care about your business and what impression it makes.
Your Specialty Equipment Needs
Make sure you make a list of all the equipment that you are going to need to operate your business. Leaving one item off the list can be a recipe for a disaster. Make a list that includes the equipment that you want to buy and the equipment that you’ll rent. For example, account for the cost of a refrigerated trailer rental unit if that is something you’ll need in order to perform your services.
It’s important that you go into your business fully prepared to conduct your business. Using a spreadsheet can help you to define all the equipment that you need and how you’ll get that equipment. Make a few different columns that you can label with variables like cost, what date you plan to order it, and when the process of getting the equipment is complete. There are a lot of things to keep track of, and setting up a spreadsheet will ensure that nothing falls to the wayside. You don’t want to have your services stalled because you don’t have the equipment you need.
Don’t Ignore Your Door
Your door is the first thing customers see when they walk up to your business. Don’t ignore how your entrance door looks. Adding a custom shutter can really add some charm to your doorway and it can provide you with added security. Shutters can also help to keep storm damage at bay if you are in a high-threat storm area.
Don’t stop with the shutters, have a blind installation company come out and install custom blinds on your door so you can control privacy. Of course, blinds also allow you to control the level of light that comes into space as well.
Certified fine and decorative art appraisers are often called into appraising historic doors that have beautiful stained glass inserts. If you are lucky enough to have this type of door on your business, that, of course, will speak for itself and you won’t need to do much to improve the appearance.
You should also plan on decorating for each season. Consider investing in some holiday decor early on so you’ll have it on hand. A festive door indicates a welcoming environment.
Evaluate Your Local Resources
How can you make your business seem more like a part of a community with plenty of resources nearby that people can visit when they are coming to your business? Learn about the neighborhood resources. For example, are there notary services nearby or are there other stores that are not in competition with you but offer great services?
Get to know the surrounding business owners and use those businesses as a way to sell your own. For example, if there is a store that sells used electronics, learn more about that store. You never know if one of your customers may ask about this type of store. Being able to make local recommendations will endear you to your customers.
Knowing where walk-in urgent care is located helps you point people in the right direction. Of course, it can also help you to get health care when you need it. Understanding the resources that are available around you is important not just to help build your customer base, it’s important for you to build a sense of community.
You can be a great help to your customers if you know where there is a criminal law attorney that can help them with a speeding ticket or you know where the best restaurant is for a good burger located nearby. People appreciate ‘insider’ information.
Connecting with local businesses and forming relationships with those businesses is a great way to network. It’s also a great way to meet other business owners and support each other.
Stock Up on Employee Favorites
A happy employee is a productive employee. Stock up on the things that your employees love to snack on to keep your employees happy. For example, connect with a Jarritos distribution company that will make deliveries every week so you never run out. Other things you want to make sure you have stocked up include beverages like coffee, water, and maybe even some juice. It’s important that your employees have a fully stocked snack room.
Of course, you also want to make sure that your employees have the tools that they need to get the job done. Order enough equipment, office furniture, and other tools that they’ll need to use on a daily basis. It can be better to order a bit more equipment and supplies than you might need so that you can grow your business without having to worry about adding more equipment. Supplies like paper, pens, and other office supplies should always be in ample stock.
Making the job easier for your staff will ensure that they can focus on being productive. Get the supplies you need before you open your doors.
Think About Decor
It’s important that your space is impressive. The right decor can really send the right signal to customers and guests. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find great decor for your space. Whether it’s retail space or office space, the right decorations make the right first impressions. Start with color and work your way out from there. Decide what color walls you want. If you are leasing the space most leasing agents won’t object to painting the walls. They also likely won’t object to new flooring if you want to add some carpeting. Be sure to check your lease agreement to ensure that you are within your rights to do those things. You don’t want to get in trouble with your landlord before you even open the doors to your business.
Once you have the basics out of the way, it’s time to add a little flair to the space. Choose wall art and hangings that are in line with your corporate culture. You can scour thrift shops and online marketplaces to save some money. There’s tons of affordable decor out there looking for another chance at life. While we are on the topic of buying used, you should consider buying used office furniture to save. There are a lot of slightly used options out there that can save you hundreds of dollars in costs. There’s certainly nothing wrong with buying used if you can find quality products.
With these six ideas, your business will start off ahead of the game. Try to brainstorm on your own from here — what’s the next natural step?