David Barnett’s Top Five Tips for Small Business Success

I was invited by a small business lending website to share my top five tips for small business success. I’ve discussed these in various podcasts and thought it was a great opportunity to compile them all in one place. So, without further ado, here are my five tips for achieving success in your small business: https://youtu.be/hjJUly_MLBQ

1. Know Your Gross Margin

Understanding your gross margin is crucial. It’s the foundation of your business’s financial health. I once worked with a craft manufacturer who sold products at fairs and markets. He didn’t realize he was operating in three different business models—manufacturing, distribution, and retail—each with different margin expectations. By breaking down the margins for each level, we found that he was more successful as a manufacturer and distributor than as a retailer. This analysis allowed him to focus on building wholesale accounts rather than retailing, significantly improving his profitability. Always ensure you know the margins you should be achieving and monitor them closely.

2. Reconcile Your Books Monthly

Having a robust system for monthly financial reconciliation is essential. One of my clients, who buys and installs products, struggled with margin discrepancies because they only did inventory quarterly. This delay made it hard to track their true cost of goods sold. By implementing a better inventory system, they reduced the time spent on inventory from a full day to just an hour and a half, allowing them to reconcile their books monthly. This timely tracking ensures they stay on top of their margins and make necessary adjustments quickly.

3. Understand the Difference Between Debt and Equity on Your Income Statement

Though debt and equity typically appear on the balance sheet, understanding their impact on your income statement can offer valuable insights. Think of debt as a fixed obligation—like paying an employee a wage, which you owe regardless of their productivity. Conversely, equity, such as a commission-based salesperson, is only compensated when they generate value. By leveraging this concept, you can structure your business to minimize fixed costs and maximize performance-based expenses, enhancing your financial flexibility.

4. Maximize Return with Minimal Investment

Big companies excel at leveraging other people's capital and resources. For example, instead of purchasing real estate, they often lease to utilize the landlord’s equity. A client of mine wanted to open a second automotive repair location but was concerned about the high equipment costs. I suggested they lease a nearby space and use it for estimates and customer service, while performing repairs at the original location. This approach allowed them to expand without a significant upfront investment and minimize their risk if the new location didn’t succeed. Always look for creative ways to achieve your goals with less capital.

5. Understand the Customer Journey

Knowing what drives your customers to choose your business is vital. Back in my corporate days, I encountered a small-town restaurant that didn’t accept American Express. As a result, I had to go through a cumbersome expense process, which discouraged me from returning. The restaurant owner likely focused on food quality and cleanliness, but overlooked the inconvenience caused to customers by not accepting certain payment methods. Always consider the entire customer experience, from their perspective, to remove barriers that might deter them from choosing your business.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find these tips helpful. If you enjoyed this, make sure you join my list so you’ll never miss any of my new content online: www.DavidCBarnettList.com 

Cheers!

David C Barnett