5 Steps to a successful business

2013 has been a successful year for us and I’d like to impart a few tips to running a successful business… These steps apply to almost every business, not just in the shopfitting industry; they also assume that you have already started your business.

• 1.   Hire the professionals

No, I don’t mean Bodie and Doyle off the telly!  It’s important to have the right professional people around you to help you build your business, keep you on track and aware of how successful you are, to advise on the inevitable changes and also, most importantly, to keep you within the law.

• 2.  Maintain accurate records

No, not those black round things that broke easily and we used for music a couple of decades ago!  I’ve even seen them used in shop displays; back on track. Accurate, that’s an important word!  Accurate.  Accurate records will not only tell you how much profit you are making, they can also tell you how to change your business, what needs to change, which products sell well and what doesn’t.  Maintain those records, make them your best friend and use them to their fullest potential.

• 3.  Keep the dream alive and don’t lose sight of the goal

Tut tut, I wasn’t thinking about football.  Keep the dream alive; remember what made you embark on this journey of being a business owner.  This will help get you through the rough times, the sleepless nights and the uphill battles you never seem to win.

• 4.  Balance

Yes, I can balance a book on my head just not whilst horse riding.  It is important maintain a balance in your life.  Running your own business is hard work and takes a lot of long hours but don’t neglect yourself or your family. Ensure you make some time for family, hobbies and the simple pleasures in life.

• 5.  Employees

If you follow step 2, and try to maintain step 4, you’ll get to a point where you realise that your business is already successful and to move forward you need some help.  Don’t be afraid to take that giant leap (not the movie kind!) into the world of becoming an employer.  Go back to step 1: Hire the professionals.  Ensure the people you employ are professional, reflect your business and will have your business interests at heart.   We offer a full range of top quality Display Units, Retail equipment, retail shelving, Slatwall panels & accessories. Visit our Bristol showroom just of Junction 20, M5.  We can provide you with customised sizes and finishes, as well as a professional nationwide shopfitting service. Give us a call free on 0800 587 5880 or visit www.crowndisplay.co.uk