Starting and running a business can be a constant challenge, which means you have to continually learn and improve in order to succeed. These 5 interesting reads for small business owners can help you learn new things about entrepreneur tips on time management, human resources, the psychology and stress and more.
1. I sat down with a millionaire who operates 10 businesses while sailing around the world with his family
This blog post follows an anonymous businessman who used to write for the ISO 9000 quality management systems. (Did you know that Profiles Asia Pacific is a certified ISO 9001:2008 company?) He took the 8 quality management principles required in ISO 9000 and built his own businesses adhering to them.
His 10 businesses include a skateboard and BMX shop, a network of pawnshops, a consulting practice, a musical instruments shop, an Internet sales business, a real estate development and management firm, a firearms shop, a marine products online store, a standup paddleboards shop, and a visual displays store. Yet he has time to sail around the world with his family.
The keys to his success and time management skills are covered in the article, but here’s the summary.
- Create multiple, easily managed revenue streams. They don’t have to earn much alone, but together they will add up.
- Try not to partner, as partnerships mean you will have to share profits and decision-making authority.
- Study the market. Small markets are a little behind of large ones, so learn where your market is heading and be the first to open shop.
- Be very careful with who you hire, since your talent will make your company.
Key takeaway
“To be successful in business does not mean changing the world. It means meeting a need (regardless of size) well and dependably over time.”
2. How to Work 40 Hours in 16.7
This post covers the Pomodoro technique and how it can help you manage your time better. The technique basically calls for 25 minutes of dedicated, productive work with a 5 minute break in between. After the first 2 hours, give yourself a 15 minute break. The author uses a kitchen timer or app to track time and eliminates all distractions during those 25 minutes of focused work.
3. The entrepreneur’s guide to handling being overwhelmed
This article talks about how business owners and entrepreneurs can handle the stress and pressure of running a business, better. Here are the key points of the article;
- Be the boss – run your business instead of letting it run you
- Create strong systems – map out your workflows
- Start with necessities – don’t waste time and money upfront on things you don’t need
- Stay focused – multitasking won’t help you in the long run
- Remove blocks – identify your roadblocks and take steps to eliminate them
- Get your daily joy – find something to inspire and delight you each day
4. How Habits and Uncertainty Revealed My Entrepreneurial Calling
This post is a great display of a founder journey and startup origin story. Many entrepreneurial ventures began out of a dissatisfaction with the way things are. It talks about the need to create a company that reflects who you are and is something you’re truly interested in. The story follows multiple career pivots and the value of discovering your “why.”
5. Want a Great Team? Build a Great Culture
This article outlines the value of building a company culture in order to attract your ideal team members. It’s an interesting take on the typical team-centric views that most HR firms believe in. This article suggests that when you start a company, your personality becomes the culture.
Empowering people, being idea-focused, and showing that mission is more important than profits are a few ways to show what your company is about. The author says to “demonstrate that no one may help you, but no one can stop you” and “nothing is more important than user happiness” to create a clear, inspired company culture.
About the Author: Jocelyn Pick
