In the world of small business ownership, every day brings a mix of challenges and sweet victories – a reality that shouldn't be glossed over. Running a business can be tough. We're right there with you, as a small business in the trenches, fighting the good fight.
As we reflect on the past year, as well as eight years in business, we thought it might be helpful to share one of our most invaluable lessons. That’s the importance of having the right support around you. Not just a team of great employees but outside experts & allies who have your best interests at heart.
With this in mind, we’ve identified six key people every small business owner should have on speed dial. Since web development is our specialty, we’ll begin there.
A strong online presence is crucial if you want to grow your business. We’re not just saying that because it’s what we sell. It’s the truth. It’s also science. You can’t rely on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or other channels to generate meaningful or affordable leads.
We suggest finding a reputable person (or team) who can build a website that *actually* works. Also, look for someone who will shoot you straight and explain exactly what you are paying for. That has been our motto at Modular Orange since we began. You deserve to know where your hard-earned money is going, and if it’s invested in a great web platform, that money will keep working hard.
Something else to look for is how easy the platform is to manage. One of the main reasons businesses have switched to Modular Orange is they didn’t know how to update their previous site. They essentially got “locked out” while paying hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars each month. If you’re curious, we only charge $95/month, and it comes with built-in support from real people who care about your business.
What does Modular Orange support look like? While our platform is easy enough for you to make changes to your site, our team is available to help. We can update any form of content, including text, videos, photos, promos, pricing, and entire pages. Updates can involve adding, deleting, or ‘hiding’ sections as needed and changing products or services as your business evolves. This support is included in your monthly subscription, so there are no extra fees.
Our support doesn’t involve IT services or small business consulting. While some tech services may feel like part of your website, many aren’t. For instance, choosing third-party systems to run other parts of your business falls outside of web development. We encourage you to collaborate directly with these providers to guarantee you get a tailored solution that’s then integrated with your website. If you’re unsure where to start with these services, that’s where the next expert can help.
It can be extremely beneficial to cultivate a relationship with a seasoned mentor who has navigated the landscape in your specific industry. Their wisdom and guidance can provide invaluable insights, helping you avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions about the growth of your business. If you have someone in mind, it never hurts to ask. Most people would be flattered. So, if they can’t personally help, they will likely offer a solid alternative.
Having a trustworthy lawyer by your side is non-negotiable, and don’t wait until you need one. Developing a relationship with an attorney while things are steady gives them better knowledge of you and your business. It creates a much shorter learning curve for when you need their help to navigate contracts, compliance issues, and other legal intricacies.
In order to eat and put a roof over your head, numbers matter. That's where an accountant steps in. From meticulous bookkeeping to strategic tax planning, they can provide essential financial insights for sound decision-making. A great accountant will also ask about your business goals and make suggestions to help you reach them. They can also be an excellent resource for selecting a third-party payment and invoicing system integrated with your website.
We recommend developing a strong relationship with a local banker who understands the unique needs of small businesses. We personally enjoy working with Signature Bank of Arkansas. They’re a community bank with a commercial focus, so they cater to the distinct needs of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and their families. They have advised thousands of small business owners so you can leverage their expertise to navigate your own business more efficiently and smoothly. If you’re on the lookout for a great banking partner, definitely give them a call.
As your team expands, you’ll want to enlist the services of an HR professional to manage personnel matters, foster a positive workplace culture, and optimize your workforce as a strategic asset. We can’t think of a single small business where the people aren’t crucial to its success and are worth investing in resources.
As you navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of entrepreneurship, remember that a thoughtfully curated network is your cornerstone for success. If you’re in Northwest Arkansas and need resources to build your team, consider networking with other like-minded entrepreneurs. NWA Networking is a great spot to check out upcoming local events.
All of us at Modular Orange hope this information motivates you to get busy building a solid team of experts so you can roll into the new year feeling fully supported. Obviously, we’d be honored to top your list. If you need a trustworthy web expert, reach out at any time. Together, let’s have the best year yet!
Kate is a creative leader with a talent for writing and passion for helping companies grow. She has spent more than 20 years in advertising helping some of the world's best-known brands. She has an in-depth understanding of how to connect with customers and build loyalty in today's ever-changing digital landscape.
