Whether you own a business or are considering starting one, you must pour your heart and soul into it. Whether it’s a Fortune 500 or a local restaurant, there will be a lot of competition and even more that can go wrong along the way. So you will want to stand out and be a cut above the competition, as they say. This means taking good care of your customers, clients, and employees.
It also means taking care of your physical property, building a solid online presence (and protecting it), and being an asset to the community and neighborhood in which you’re located. If you’re looking to be a cut above the rest where your business is concerned, we’ve got you covered with ten expert calls every great business owner makes.
1. Legal Resources
Ensuring that you have the proper legal tools is one of those nonnegotiable expert calls when running a business. You should consult a knowledgeable business lawyer before considering opening your company. You must know all the legal aspects involved in running a business and how to obtain the proper permits, licenses, and insurance. You’ll need to discuss tax obligations, contacts (for employees, clients, and vendors), how to protect your business from logo and trademark infringement, fair hiring practices, and the ever-present and scary liability lawsuit.
Unfortunately, many companies are subject to lawsuits from customers who have injured themselves or suffered some other incident while patronizing your business. Ensure that your business lawyer is experienced in local laws and regulations. Depending on the size of your business and the type, you may want to explore other legal professionals related to what you do.
2. HVAC Contractors
Few things are worse for a business than having customers and employees who are uncomfortable. Air that’s too hot, too cold, or unhealthy will not only chase customers away and make employees less productive, but it will have people talking, and not in a good way. This chatter can negatively impact your business. So one of the experts must-call you make as an owner is to a reputable commercial HVAC company.
You may want to consider signing a contract as this will give you priority service in an emergency. HVAC companies offer heating, and AC repair service can ensure that your ducts and filters are clean to ensure excellent air quality. Regular maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and help save on energy costs. Local commercial HVAC services will also help keep your system up to code and in compliance with building codes.
3. Fire Safety
Protection from potential fire is paramount to a business and should be one of the first expert calls you make when choosing a spot for your company. Often, local fire departments will offer free or low-cost inspections of a property, so businesses get up to code and be well-equipped for fire prevention and emergencies. You’ll need to start by having the right equipment properly installed. This includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, a fire alarm system, beacons, escape ladders, fire extinguishers, and a fire protection sprinkler system installation.
Next, you must create a fire safety plan with escape routes. Be sure to practice these procedures with regular fire drills for your employees. Post escape routes and procedures throughout your business. Help prevent fire by regularly inspecting outlets, cords, and electrical equipment. Ensure that flammable material is stored and disposed of properly. Maintain a no-smoking policy in the building, and if you must have a designated smoking area, be sure that it’s kept clean and that a fire extinguisher is nearby.
4. Business Security
Be sure to add a security company to your list of expert calls when opening a business. A security firm experienced with your specific business type can help you create a plan to keep your customers, employees, physical plant, and digital data safe and secure. A reputable company will start with a thorough inspection of your business and create a checklist, from lock repairs and replacement to alarm systems and lighting.
One way to keep everyone safe is to have an access-controlled system, meaning badges, QR codes, facial recognition, or Touch ID are needed to enter the building. Though corporate businesses more often use this type of precaution, it can also be helpful in other areas. More common (and affordable) security measures include using sensors and alarm systems, cameras, and lighting outside the building.
When considering security, don’t forget about the risks to your computer system. Cyberattacks and hacking have become commonplace and affect businesses of all sizes. Be sure to install good antivirus software and password protection for all devices, and consider hiring an expert in IT to monitor your systems routinely. A cyberattack can affect everything from your business finances to your inventory and payroll.
5. Health Upkeep
Employees are the central element of any good business. If you want to stand out as a company, keeping your employees happy and healthy is vital. More and more companies are realizing that the health of their employees is directly related to productivity, morale, and retention rates. As a result, many businesses are implementing helpful and innovative ways to improve and maintain their worker’s health.
How much a business can invest in this area depends on its size and budget. For example, more giant corporations may offer gym memberships as a perk or even install one on the premises. They could also provide acupuncture, massage, peptide therapy, and meditation. Many companies that have cafes are moving toward offering healthy options like vegetarian, vegan, and high-protein meals.
But you don’t need to spend a fortune to help promote a healthy workplace; there are many things you can do that are low-cost and even free. Encourage everyone to take breaks for some physical activity. This is especially important for people sitting at a desk for hours. Consider going outside for meetings and walking while working.
Offer fresh fruit and other healthy snacks in the break room. Purchase reusable water bottles and a water-filling station to ensure everyone stays hydrated and refreshed. Keep your business clean and reduce the risk of germ exposure by hiring a cleaning crew and supplying cleaning products and hand sanitizer. Don’t forget about mental health and monitor your worker’s stress levels. Maintain an open work environment where employees can discuss any issues they’re experiencing. Offer mental health services and health benefits, and give paid time off, so employees can care for themselves when needed.
6. Pavers
A good paving company can help you create an outdoor space that’s both aesthetically inviting and safe for everyone. They can collaborate with you to ensure the exterior of your business matches the neighborhood ambiance while making your business stand out. Paving companies can lay walkways, paths, and parking lots, but they can also create retaining and border walls that make it possible to plant decorative shrubs and flowers.
Commercial grade pavers come in various practical shapes and styles, typically made from long-lasting materials like slate, asphalt, and stone. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and rough weather in many climates and are easily repaired. Pavers are a great way to make your business stand out.
7. Commercial Contractors
These professionals are one of the first expert calls you’ll need to make when embarking on a new business. Commercial contractors are vital whether you’re building from scratch or purchasing an existing building. A commercial contractor specializes in commercial and business construction, so they’ll know the unique codes, permits, and regulations that must be applied to construction, additions, and upgrades. They typically work with a team of subcontractors like plumbers, electricians, drywall workers, and even spray foam insulation companies and oversee their work.
Contractors will consult with you and other professionals (like architects and interior designers) to ensure that your vision can be made a reality safely and legally. They usually take care of everything building-related, so you can concentrate on other areas. They deal with vendors, gather suitable materials, obtain permits, and ensure you stay within your budget and schedule.
When researching commercial contractors, look for companies that have experience with businesses similar to yours. Ensure they have the proper credentials, including license and insurance. Look at online reviews and request a portfolio and past project references. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the right fit. Your business building is too important to pick just anyone.
8. Family Cost Planning
A healthy work-life balance has become one of employees’ top priorities when seeking a job. They want employers who support the critical choices that must be made where their family is concerned. Things like flexible schedules, ample sick leave, and paid time off are essential things that can be offered to attract good employees. But that’s not all; many potential employees are also looking for health benefits that include assistance and support in family cost planning.
These areas include paid leave for new parents (including adoption), near or onsite childcare or childcare stipends, and flexible work schedules that allow for working from home or hybrid situations. Another essential factor to consider is that as society progresses and changes, parents will likely take alternative approaches to starting families. It’s vital to be inclusive and offer services for all staff members.
This may include covering the cost (or a percentage) of invitro fertilization treatment, egg freezing, and surrogacy costs for some. Not only will this show that you are an inclusive employer that welcomes and respects diverse populations, but it will also help employees feel secure that their choices will not affect their job status. This is a win for everyone; the bottom line is that your business’ productivity will likely flourish.
9. Antitrust Experts
While antitrust laws rarely affect small businesses as offenders, they can help protect them from larger organizations trying to take over an industry. Simply put, antitrust laws and antitrust lawyers help ensure businesses don’t engage in unfair business practices that can negatively affect their competitors or consumers. It keeps companies from being able to form monopolies, price fixing, and bid rigging and allows customers more choices.
For example, at one point, there were not many phone companies available like there are now. One or two large companies monopolized this service and could charge and do whatever they liked. Today, with several companies vying for customers, they offer better deals, perks, and prices in order to compete for customers. Even if your business is small, it’s critical to familiarize yourself with these laws.
10. Mental Health Aid
The truth is that most of us deal with mental health issues at some point in our lives. The most important thing you can do as an employer is to take the lead by ridding the stigma associated with it from your workplace. Acknowledge that it’s not necessary to hide mental health problems and that it’s just as valid to seek treatment for them as it is a broken arm or ear infection.
While empathy and compassion are considerable steps in assisting employees, consider taking them to the next level. The foundations mental health are built upon include several steps and often require intervention by medical professionals. So, mental health services should be included in health benefits. Allow workers time off to access therapy and rehabilitation services.
Speak with workers about how you can help support them; some suggestions could include flexible scheduling, adjusting their workload, and teaming them with an understanding coworker to assist with projects. You can also improve the overall work environment by providing plenty of natural lighting, plants, and maybe a fish tank. Add in some yoga classes and meditation apps that everyone can access to relax and combat anxiety. Consider adding a meditation space and an outdoor patio area where people can go to get some fresh air and read or journal during their break times.
Running a business takes a lot of hard work and commitment. Success often lies in the details, the happiness of your employees, and the loyalty of customers. Taking steps to ensure those aspects are solid can go a long way in paving the road to success.