Ten myths about owning a small business

If you are starting a business, you need reliable sources about your industry and trustworthy information about how to run a company. Unfortunately, there are many myths about running a small business that are circulating online and in conversation. Here are 10 myths about owning a small business:

1. Your concept must be set in stone.

The ability to adapt is essential when launching a business. At any moment, you may have to change gears and rethink your company focus, so be prepared to test your versatility while your company is trying to get off the ground. You never know what may come up in the first year of doing business.

2. A great idea will conquer all.

Anyone who watches Shark Tank knows it takes far more than a brilliant idea to be successful with a company. The investors featured on the show often tell entrepreneurs they need a solid business plan, an organizational strategy, and knowledge of the industry to succeed. Great ideas are a dime a dozen.

3. You need an office to run a small business.

Some of the biggest American companies started out of a garage. Whether you are sizing up expansive office space or trying to figure out where to put a few employees, remember that your home is as good a place as any to launch a company. The office, along with an investment in equipment and furniture, can wait.

4. You can do it all by yourself.

Even the most energetic entrepreneur will run out of gas if they try to do everything for their company. As your business expands and you find yourself doing busywork, begin delegating to employees or outsourcing aspects of your operation to free up valuable time. You will burn out quickly if you try to go it alone.

5. Finding employees is easy.

Whether they are in the middle of a recession or in the most robust economic times, most business owners have a hard time finding great employees. Hiring the right people is both an art and a science, and many entrepreneurs set themselves up for failure by taking the recruiting process lightly. Whether you need help finding quality candidates or screening potential hires, The UPS Store can connect you with professional help.

6. Small business owners have more free time.

If you create a well-oiled machine that runs on its own, you will have more free time to enjoy, while the cash lands in your bank account. Otherwise, you should not expect an easy life when you are trying to get a business started. In fact, expect to dedicate more time and energy to your young venture than you would to a job working for someone else.

7. Marketing is free, optional, or both.

Marketing on social networks used to be free, but now the organic reach of Facebook and Twitter posts is usually negligible. Only paid social posts are getting traction these days. Either way, digital marketing should be a part of any new business's strategy. Believing you can get by without it is a myth.

8. Revenue is everything.

Facebook only began cashing in on its power and focused on revenue after the company had dominated in market share. In most cases, focusing on market growth and delivering a product that consumers demand is the way to build a business. Revenue will come later. If you prove to your market that your company is worth the money, then customers will pay more for products after you raise prices.

9. You need accounts on every social media network.

The key to marketing success is knowing your target audience. If you are selling to teens who love the latest in networking experiments, then you will want to have a presence across the board in social media. Otherwise, you may not have much to gain from accounts on Twitter, Pinterest, or Snapchat. Always consider return on investment when putting money in advertising.

10. Outsourcing is a bad idea.

Some business owners believe it is better to hire an employee to handle clerical work than to outsource the job, but it depends on the situation. Outsourcing gives you flexibility early on, when company revenues are light. If you hit a rough patch, it would be easier to put a company's services on hold than to lay off an employee. Myths about owning a small business continue to circulate. Whether you need advice on starting a company or help with accounting and other services, The UPS Store can help.

Guest Post: Why Quality Builders and Construction Go Hand in Hand at New York Commercial Roofing

There is no substitution for a quality New York roofing contractor or a quality roof, both of which go hand and hand at Commercial Roofing. When building or repairing your commercial roof in New York, one of the most important decisions you'll make is who you'll hire as your commercial New York roofing contractor. Commercial roof contractors can play many key roles, not only just during your commercial roof construction process, but even before the project ensues.

The experts at New York roofing can prove to be an invaluable asset and a major time saver. When choosing a commercial roof contractor some of your deciding factors should include the following questions, which can assist you in making a sound decision and preventing costly mistakes in the future. Does the construction company belong to an association or union? Can the company provide references either on paper or via a website? Are their employees properly trained and licensed? At Commercial Roofing we can answer all of these questions with a proud and resounding yes!

Once you've chosen a commercial roof contractor, they can assist you in a number of ways, including assisting you in making major decisions according to what's best for your particular building structure and budget alike. Commercial Roofing commercial roof contractors can also assist you by helping you in finalizing key decisions such as deciding on metal or flat roof construction, and which materials should be used during the construction process. Commercial Roofing contractors are experts in their field and are able to provide a wealth of knowledge on ways to extend the life of your roof too, such as using roof coatings like heat reflective paints and roof coatings.

Once your commercial New York roofing contractors have done their job and your roofing construction has been completed, it's imperative that you protect your investment, and roof coatings are a scientifically proven way to not only protect your investment but your wallet as well. While it's best to use roof coatings such as heat reflective paints during the initial roof construction process, you can of course add them later. These coatings have been proven to be effective against ultra-violent and infra red rays, reduce electricity costs, and resist damage from weather, mold, and fungi. When you total the benefits of their use, it's easy to see why roof coatings are recommended by metal roofing contractors and flat roofing contractors alike.

Commercial New York Roofing provides a wide range of roof services and products including roof repair, asbestos removal, and heat reflective paints, all of which are designed with your business needs and ultimate satisfaction in mind. We strive to deliver the best in scientifically-proven and environmentally-friendly solutions for your construction needs.

Small Business Space Design: 7 Tips for a Better Workplace

The design of your small business space is nothing to take lightly. Whether you run an office out of your home or rent space to produce and showcase products, the look and feel of your workplace will have a definite impact on customers and employees. Here are seven tips for designing a space that will attract business and bring out the best in your staff:

1. Emphasize natural light

Everyone has an aversion to fluorescent lighting and other touches from soulless workplaces. Now that you are in charge, do your best to fill your workplace with natural light. The psychological impact will be palpable for team members and anyone visiting your company. While you cannot create windows to the sun where they do not exist, you have the option to insist on natural lighting when you choose which space to use for your business.

2. Get the entrance right

The first thing customers and employees see when they enter will color their impression of your company. Take the time to visualize what you would like to show them in a small business space and work toward that goal. Whether you have a front desk where customers are greeted or you have a workplace without a traditional layout, dive into branding for the entrance. Everything from the sign outside your door to the cleanliness of your waiting room counts. Give customers an immediate feel for how special your company is.

3. Avoid cubicles

Cubicles put employees in safe compartments and give customers the impression that your company is exactly like the rest. To craft an image worthy of your venture, work out a better system of seating than drab cubes can provide. Open layouts are great when collaboration is important to your work, but grouping design teams and other natural partners together also makes sense. Ask your employees what makes them comfortable before finalizing a decision.

4. Make it colorful

As with lighting and layout, you can do more in small spaces by using bright colors. Compared to dull grays and browns, brighter tones provide visual stimulation for employees sitting indoors all day. For the best results, use colors that work with your business logo so you can reinforce branding for anyone entering your workplace. If you are not great at spotting the potential in a small business space, ask your most creative employees to help. Delegating should never be limited to decisions about content.

5. Consider the physical element of work

Sitting, typing, sketching, and building are physical acts with varying degrees of stress. Think about how each work activity impacts your employees throughout a day in the office or shop. To avoid exacerbating back problems or joint issues from excessive typing, invest in ergonomically sound seating and place keyboards and screens at comfortable levels. Furthermore, allow employees to sit and work in ways that make them comfortable. Creativity thrives in comfortable atmospheres.

6. Add decorative flourishes

Small businesses that specialize in classic movie posters know exactly what to put on their walls, but there are options available for any field. Think about decorative flourishes around the workplace that will inspire your employees and pique visitors' interest. You do not have to spend a great deal of money to get design pieces for an office. Local vintage stores and other secondhand shops supply unique items at basement prices.

7. Set aside a quiet place

Even in a collaborative workplace, keep a space where employees can think and communicate in quiet. Everyone needs such a spot during a long week at work. When you have an open floor plan, you can achieve a haven by setting up tall plants or getting creative with screens. This spot will also give visitors a space to feel comfortable amid a busy workplace.