Continuing with business management basics, here's an outline of two other areas of business management that are most critical to small businesses. Once again, for each business management area, I’ve linked business articles that you can use to learn more about or brush up on that particular business management basics topic.
3) Human Resource Management Basics
Recruiting, retaining and firing employees, employee training, motivating employees, human resources planning – there’s a lot to do in this area of business management. But people are your number one resource.
- 7 Easier Ways to Find Employees
For small businesses that don’t have departments devoted to Human Resources, finding the right employees at the right times can be especially time-consuming and frustrating. Why not try one or more of these strategies for hiring employees the next time you have a position to fill? You may be surprised at how much shorter and more successful your hiring process becomes.
- People Power Your Small Business
About Human Resources Guide Susan M. Heathfield outlines a human resources framework for any business, highlighting solutions to the unique people opportunities and challenges small businesses face, such as hiring for growth and success, and orientation and training.
- The Right People in the Wrong Jobs
The key people on your team like being busy and feeling needed, says F. John Reh, yet they can easily burn out. Others are bored with being underutilized or unhappy being cross-trained. How you can make your people, and yourself, more productive and happier?
- Payroll Taxes
Everything you need to know about Canadian payroll taxes, from how to fill out the ROE to payroll deductions.
4) Resource Management Basics
Business management basics include managing the physical resources your small business needs to operate, such as data, equipment, supplies and inventory.
Data Management
Data is one of your business’s most valuable resources. How to set up filing systems, deal with receipts, email management, file management, document management and records management are all included in this business management topic.
- Protecting Your Business Data
Back it up is the first rule of data management. Learn how to establish a backup routine that will protect your critical business data from disaster.
- The Privacy Act (PIPEDA) and Your Small Business
As of January 1, 2004, all businesses in Canada must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Here's what your small business needs to know about complying with the Privacy Act.
- Mastering Your Filing System
Though setting up a filing system sounds difficult, it is a relatively easy task that can be made easier by a few filing tips and tricks. Learn how to set up a filing system that helps you work swiftly and efficiently with these filing tips from Jill Chongva.
Equipment, Supplies and Inventory Management
Business management of equipment, supplies and inventory involves not only keeping equipment serviced and supplies and inventory at adequate levels, but using best business management practices to balance or decrease costs.
- Office Equipment and Office Machines
Information about the office equipment needed to run a small business, such as computer hardware and PDAs, office machines such as printers, copiers, and digital recorder transcribers and LCD projectors.
- Business Software
Business software including small business accounting software, backup software, business plan software, contact management software and tax software.
- Maximize Your Capital Cost Allowance Claim
Tips for making the most of your capital cost allowance income tax deduction for your depreciable property.
- How to Optimize Your Inventory
Lowering inventory costs is one of the quickest ways to substantially decrease working capital needs. Sam Lampropoulos explains how to improve your firm's inventory efficiency (About Logistics/Supply Chain).
