Entrepreneur Resources Your source for small business information
You might not be experiencing it yet, but there are signs in your business that tell you you’re not doing a great job. These issues are hidden but, once agitated enough, they’ll explode and take you and your business down together. Is your business a ticking bomb? Let’s explore some of these hidden dangers in your business and how to safely remove them from your company before they have time to do damage and poison the well.
Disgruntled Employees
Many business owners aren’t capable of firing employees. Not every business owner is a hardened veteran that can make those difficult decisions and confront their staff—but that’s why human resource departments exist. If you find it difficult to fire someone that clearly isn’t helping your company, for example, if they are a relative or close friend, then you need to make a decision fast before it ruins your company. If you can’t fire them, then you’re going to go down with your business as it sinks.
Network Security
Without a single security measure on your office network, you’re essentially inviting hackers in to steal your customer information and empty your bank accounts. If you really care about your data, then make sure you purchase some security software, hardware or even hire a service like Digital Planet.Net to do the work for you. Installing new security measures will cost you some money, but that investment will be worth it when you realise how much it costs to recover data, repair your hardware and most importantly, mend damaged customer relationships.
Social Media Backlash
If you don’t have a dedicated professional managing your social media accounts, then you’d better stop whoever is doing it. The slightest misstep in social media posts could end up causing traumatic effects to your business. Something that was meant as a joke could be spun into a derogatory comment that makes media headlines and tarnishes your business. Make sure that you hire someone professional and polite for your social media management. A few jokes here and there are fine because it adds some personality to your business, but watch what you post at all times because it’s your public voice.
Legal Teams
By the time you’ve been sued by an angry employee or frustrated customer, it’s probably too late to get out the phone book and hire a local lawyer. The presence of a lawyer is usually enough to deter even the bravest of customers who are looking for a legal battle to squeeze money from your company. The best method of preventing this is to have a legal team ready to brawl when they send that lawsuit email to you. Get to know your local attorneys, speak to professionals and make sure they’re qualified to represent and help you.
Quality Assurance
Whether you’re selling homemade cakes or video games, you need to test your product. Iron out the bugs in your software, make sure your products taste great, ensure the packaging is safe and doesn’t cause problems and listen to feedback from testers and follow their advice. Everything about your product has to go through a thorough testing process if you want to avoid any potential problems that could arise when the product finally gets into the hands of your paying customers.
