Tag Archives: Small Business

Benefits of Opening a Small Business in the United States

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Opening a small business provides several advantages for the owner. It gives an individual the opportunity to control how he makes his living and to spend his time doing so. Small businesses also provide a way for owners to help their communities grow by offering jobs and paying taxes. The income potential of running a small business is also a great advantage.

Control of Your Business

Becoming a ‘boss’ is one of the main reasons for opening a small business. An owner has the authority to set their own rules and hire and train employees and staff. He has the power to choose a business location, set prices for his services or products and pick the company’s name. One of the intangible factors that make an individual open a small business is that it gives him the opportunity to make money doing something he wants to do. Having total control over a business also allows the owner to work the hours he wants so he can spend more time with his family on his schedule.

Income Potential

A person goes into business for herself to increase her money-making potential. A small business owner reaps the profits of the successful business. The difference in salary between a small business owner and a worker in the United States is significant. According to PayScale, the average salary of a small business owner was $70,447 per year ($39,540-$101,354). In 2015, the average worker’s salary in the United States for all occupations was $43,460 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 The Ability to Put Americans To Work

Small businesses make the United States economy strong. According to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, 99.9 percent of all employers were considered small firms (companies with less than 500 employees) in 2017. Small businesses operate in all communities across the country, providing jobs to millions of Americans. Examples of small businesses include physician and dental offices, retail and grocery stores, restaurants, car repair shops and web design, online and other home-based businesses. The Department of Commerce also reported that small businesses employed over half (60.7 million) of all workers in the United States (120.6 million).

Time Management Software for Small Business: How to Choose the Best Time Management Software Package

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Implementing and using a quality time management software package can reduce stress and increase productivity for a small business owner. With so many comprehensive time management software products available on the market, it is challenging for a small business owner to make an informed purchase decision without feeling overwhelmed. Here are some basic things to consider to simplify the shopping process:

Time Management Software Must be Easy to Use

A time management software system that is difficult to install, overly challenging to learn, or cumbersome to maintain will likely be abandoned before any real benefits are realized. When comparing time management software options, consider the learning curve. Look for products which include short video tutorials, quick-start materials, and a comprehensive “help” menu.

Time Management Software Should Integrate and Synchronize with Other Small Business Tools

The ideal time management software system will integrate and synchronize with other productivity and communication tools. Some time management software products integrate with popular time management systems, such as GTD (Getting Things Done) or FranklinCovey. Look for time management software that synchronizes with the Microsoft Outlook calendar and task folders. Since Outlook synchronizes to most PDAs, Blackberries, and Smartphones, this allows for portability of the time management system.

Look for Flexibility and Features That Best Serve the Small Business

There are no one-size-fits-all time management or productivity solutions for small businesses. Depending on the nature of the small business, some small business owners may be able to plan for a few months a time, while others work in a rapidly changing environment and must plan on the go. When shopping for time management software, make sure the system offers the flexibility and features needed for the specific small business. While functions such as pop-up reminders, importing of motivational images, search capability, color-coding prioritization, and time management training all have their place, there is no point in paying extra for features if they will not be used.

Find Out How the Time Management Software is Reviewed, Supported, and Guaranteed

Look for and study independent consumer reviews on the internet. How do customers review the functionality and support of the time management software product? Some products also offer user forums which are open to the public, so review these to monitor user satisfaction and product support. Ideally, the product will come with a 30-day or longer trial period and a money-back guarantee.

The optimal time management software system will offer the small business owner ease of use, integration and synchronization capabilities, flexibility, useful features, and reliable product support. By being a wise consumer, the small business owner can feel confident in the purchase decision and enjoy the rewards that come with using quality time management software.