Small Business

Learn the essentials of human resources management Perhaps the biggest ongoing challenge you face as a business owner is managing employees. From the basics, like vacation policy and sick leave, to the more touchy, like bonuses and layoffs, human resources management presents myriad considerations. A solid employee practices manual is the best starting point. With that in place, training in employer-employee communications is a great way to both avoid problems and build organizational strength.

I recommend:  Turn to TemplateZone.com for an inventory of items an employee manual should cover then check out Personnel Policy Service, Inc., which offers business management software to create one.  Some providers of training in interpersonal communication skills can be found at Engage Group, Dix & Eaton and Joan Lloyd . 

Discover your business management style The key to business management: Know thyself. Examine how you naturally lead your troops and then play to your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

I recommend:  For an objective perspective on your individual business management style, take the free quizzes at ManagementVitality and Business Bureau-UK.  A self-coaching system like the one at Signature can help boost areas where you need bolstering.  Sign up for the free emails from Foster Seminars and Communications and Thinking Managers for a steady flow of motivation and insight on everything from specific small business management issues to overall human resources management concerns, change management matters and leadership topics.  

Improve your time management skills From the minute you started your business, you've faced the challenge of too much to do and too few hours to do it in. To balance the work-time equation, overscheduled entrepreneurs need to develop solid time management skills.

I recommend:   Mind Tools Ltd. offers a wealth of time management tools, including a template to help prioritize your workload.  FranklinCovey's PlanPlus business management software performs multiple functions, while TimeWhiz and Time Sheets let you clock activities to see how long various tasks actually take.    

Grow your business with effective change management As your business grows, change is inevitable. Embrace and capitalize on the changes that face your business, developing effective change management tools, such as a strategic plan for growth. You may not follow the plan to the letter, but you will have a better idea of the types of future changes you will need to address.

I recommend:  For help creating a strategic plan that will assist you with change management, download a free template from Gazelles Inc. or PlanWare. Both sites also offer primers on strategic planning. Find more resources on change management at Business.com.