SFS: Small. Fast. Smart.

Delegation is the Key to Success

As entrepreneurs or small business owners, we find ourselves happily running our businesses until one day, something suddenly changes. Being able to multi-task and do everything on our own is no longer possible. There just isn't enough time in our day to complete all the mundane tasks we need to do.

What's the solution? The solution is easier said than done. Delegate. We have to hire someone to help us complete the everyday tasks that slow us down. The real trick is to hire someone that we feel can do the job and feel that we can trust. As hard as it may be for some of us, the rewards are what is going to keep your business going. As your business grows, it naturally will become harder and harder to do everything yourself. It's just not possible.

I found this great article in Entrepreneur that really gives some great advice for those who are nervous about allowing people to help your business grow.

Delegation Tips for Control Freaks

Let us know what you think. Share your experience with us. Were you also afraid to take the plunge? How did it work out?

6 Tips To Combat Job Burnout

Bob Dickson is the President of Dale Carnegie Training of Western CT in Naugatuck, CT.

The burned out employee is the workforce equivalent of the marathon runner who has gassed out - which is just what happens with burned out employees.  Naturally, this could lead to huge productively problems within your business.
 
Employee Burnout WILL Affect Your Company's Performance.
 
For your burned out employees, symptoms tend to manifest as anxiousness, noticeable tiredness (as if under-slept), an inability to focus and a short temper.  Obviously, none of these are conducive to a positive, strong work environment.  So, to make sure your employees avoid becoming burned out, scope out the six tips we have outlined below.
 
6 Tips To Combat Job Burnout:
 
Tip #1. Take Regular Breaks: Mental health is becoming increasingly important in the work place, and more and more employers are recognizing the need for their employees to take frequent breaks to keep their minds sharp.  By allowing your employees a fifteen-minute break in the morning, a 30- to 60-minute lunch break (that we recommend they take outside of the office) and an additional fifteen-minute break before the end of the day, you will find your employees' batteries are constantly at a full charge.

How Well Does Your Bank Know You? Making the Most of Your Banking Relationship

Mark Gruttadauria is the Manager of Hudson Valley Bank’s Stratford branch.

Your banking relationship should be a mutually beneficial and pleasant one. The right bank can take some of the pressure off and help your business grow and succeed. The following suggestions may help you know what to expect from your bank and how to get the most out of your overall banking experience.

1) Meet with your banker to explain your banking needs, including cash management and financing, now and in the future.  With their expertise and experience in financial matters, many bankers can be a valuable resource for you and your business.

Ten Tips to Improve Your Social Media Strategy

Paska Nayden is a business coach in Easton, CT, who works with SCORE.

Is Social Media worth the effort, will it pay off or is it just a fad?  When working in a large corporation known for white shirts and blue suits, I recall the internet was initially seen as a potential threat to our relationship with our clients.   Today with social media, large and small businesses seem to be embracing this technology hoping to crack the code on how to create revenue by engaging clients or prospects in conversations. Big, small or one person companies at the end of the day focus on two things: improving profits by selling more stuff and/or reducing cost which should be the goal of your social media strategy.

The shift to social media is real and will only continue to grow as we learn to adapt our marketing and blend it with our traditional techniques.  Who would have imagined 500 million FaceBook users and over 75 million professionals on LinkedIn with most of the growth in the last 12 months?  Join the conversation, do not push your product, create value, and you will reap the benefits of being social online.


Here are few thoughts if you are just starting or want to improve your experience:

1.  Pick one platform to start with such as FaceBook or LinkedIn or another site relevant to your audience. Start with one to gain experience

5 Simple Tips for Applying for a Small Business Loan

Michelle Orr is a Business Development Officer at Wells Fargo SBA Lending in Shelton, CT.

With interest rates at record lows, many small business ow ners are seizing this
moment to  grow their businesses.  When the time comes to open or expand a small business, countless small business owners select the benefits of a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan for their financing needs.  These guaranteed loans provide high-leverage financing with low down payments for qualified borrowers.  While the process of applying and successfully qualifying for a SBA loan is no different than any loan process, here are a few helpful tips that should simplify your trip to the lender:

Tip #1:  Be Aware
Gather all of your personal and business financial records for the past three years (tax
returns, financial statements, etc.) and make a copy of this package for the lender.  Also, be aware of your credit standing.  If there is any derogatory information on your credit report, prepare a letter explaining what happened and why the problem will not occur again.