There are so many things that can take down your business from an operational standpoint. From workplace illness to employment and management issues, the dangers are many. Today’s roundup looks at the threats and at some of the possible solutions too. If we’ve missed out on any of the big ones, feel free to add them in the comment section below.
Cure Your Business
Sick and tired. A flu outbreak reported in the U.S. and leading to increased interest in the “flu shot” to ward off the ailment, may threaten more than just the health of its victims. Experts and business leaders say the outbreak can threaten business operations and more broadly, the economy. The flu can deprive companies large and small of needed workers critical for operations. NBC News
The best medicine. To combat the dangers the flu outbreak poses to your business, it’s important to develop strategies that allow you to adapt, explains Stephen Morris, online media coordinator for the U.S. Small Business Administration. Here are seven steps you can take immediately to lessen the danger to your day to day operations. It’s a bitter pill, but experts consider these steps the best medicine to keep your business healthy. SBA.gov
Build a Healthier Company
Chart your success. Taking the time to chart the organization of your company may seem like an unnecessary activity compared to other tasks, but these charts can help in many ways, writes business adviser Ian Smith. You can use them to better understand the leadership dynamic in your company and help you break down goals into delegated assignments for members of your team or different departments. The Smith Report
Don’t get personal. Hiring for your business is always a challenge, says blogger Ben Hargrove. Choose the people who will strengthen your business and your team. Avoid hiring decisions based on personal factors like friendship. This doesn’t mean refusing to interview friends for positions in your business. It does, however, require making clear distinctions between professional and personal considerations. Business2Community
Fire when ready. Sometimes you come to a point when making your company healthier means letting someone go. Deciding it’s time to fire an employee is never easy, writes business adviser Brad Farris. So it’s critical you make sure your decision is the right one. Here are some questions you should ask yourself when trying to decide whether it’s time to show that troublesome employee the door. Anchor Advisors
Take control. Business meetings can be a helpful exercise for achieving your company goals or an agonizing waste of time for everyone involved. Learn to effectively plan and chair meetings with these tips from training consultant Kim Larkins. Simple tips for establishing desired outcomes, creating defined agendas, and assigning roles and responsibilities ahead of time will help you improve your meetings and increase their benefits. KSL Training
Be the best. Another general approach for improving your company involves encouraging your employees to be at their best. This post looks at some deceptively simple tips to improve the overall performance of your staff. Suggestions range from better listening to encouraging goal setting. Managers or business owners are also advised to be positive while avoiding glossing over reality. Start making these improvements today. CorpNet
Joel Libava
This year’s flu outbreak is a doozy.
Businesses will be-and are being affected, for sure.
I’d be curious to see if CVS and other chains will have increases in their earnings (and profits) because of all the flu vaccinations they’re doing.
The Franchise King®
Ti Roberts
Great roundup. Yes, the flu has been major this year. It’s important that we’re monitoring the health of our employees, co-workers, and keeping ourselves covered as well.
Ti