For many business owners who used to be employees, it can be tempting to become more of a friend to your own workers than act like a boss.

New business owner? Avoid these common pitfalls!

If it's your first time running a business, there will be plenty of pitfalls you need to avoid. Then again, some business owners make these mistakes even if they've been their own boss for years.

Selling custom designed sheds as a Shed Boss franchisee gives you plenty of opportunity to succeed, but it still pays to keep common missteps in mind in an attempt to avoid them.

Fend off tunnel vision

With so many spinning plates to keep track of, business owners can be forgiven for letting some things slip through the cracks. However, there's no excuse for devoting so much time to one aspect of your business that another part suffers.

For instance, say sales are booming at your Shed Boss franchise. This may make you think that you can slack off on things like marketing. However, it may not always be so busy in your establishment, and if you find that you haven't developed any kind of advertising strategy to bring in new business, your feast could turn to famine in the blink of an eye.

Every business is a collection of different moving parts. Always try to stay focused on the big picture, giving proper care and attention to all the different aspects of a successful enterprise.

Become the boss

For many business owners who used to be employees, it can be tempting to become more of a friend to your own workers than act like a boss. After all, you likely know what it was like to work under someone and feel hesitant about being viewed in the same way.

Unfortunately, just as children need a parent instead of a friend, employees need a boss instead of a colleague.

The success of your business depends on everyone doing their jobs, and sometimes that means chasing after people and ensuring they stay in line. Discipline may be necessary, and if you want to succeed, you need to come to terms with the responsibilities being a business owner comes with.

Shed Boss is known for its high standards and uncompromising attitude toward quality, from shed designs to the materials used to build them.

Nothing sells easier than quality

Anyone who sells products or services is constantly on the hunt to enhance their business.

While special deals and reduced prices can certainly provide a temporary boost to sales, the ultimate truth is that nothing is easier to market and sell than quality.

Everyone likes to save money and get a good deal, but they also want what they buy to work and last.

Fortunately for Shed Boss franchisees selling custom designed garages, industrial sheds and other buildings, the premium-quality of Shed Boss is a given.

Shed Boss is known for its high standards and uncompromising attitude toward quality, from shed designs to the materials used to build them.

Meeting expectations

If a prospective client feels like you deliver an inferior product, chances are they'll look elsewhere to do business. Not only can the high-quality offered by Shed Boss meet and exceed customer expectations, it can create a sense of contentment and loyalty that results in repeat business.

Best of all, happy clients are much more likely to spread the good word for your business, hopefully resulting in more customers.

Building reputation

By staying focused on quality products and solid customer service, you can build a reputation that will bring in business.

After all, no one wants to give their hard-earned money to a business that has a reputation for shoddy work or poor customer service.

Selling safety

In addition to beautiful buildings that stand the test of time, it's important for Shed Boss franchisees to realise that safety is an important factor when it comes to constructing sheds and other buildings.

People want to know their projects are built to high standards so they can safely use them for personal and business reasons.

Shed Boss' commitment to quality is part of its foundation, and something franchisees can take advantage of.

While you may not be able to prevent some disasters, you can anticipate them and ensure you're prepared.

Plan for the best, prepare for the worst

It's important to be optimistic when running a small business. Life throws you challenges as a business owner, and your attitude will play a large role in how you handle them.

However, being upbeat is no excuse for not planning ahead. Whether it's cash flow issues or potential employee problems, it's a good idea to have a strategy in place for the curveballs the world can send your way.

One key thing to plan for is the chaos Mother Nature can cause. If you're a Shed Boss franchisee selling custom designed sheds, you know how important it is to build something that can withstand the elements and stand the test of time.

Rain, fire and wind, oh my!

There are plenty of obstacles you may face as a business owner, but some are completely out of your control. Case in point: natural disasters.

Whether it's a devastating storm, a fire or whipping winds, the elements can cause severe damage to your premises and business operations.

While you may not be able to prevent some disasters, you can anticipate them and ensure you're prepared.

Make insurance part of your business plan

Having proper business cover in place is essential if you want to get your business back on track following a natural disaster.

Besides insurance to replace and repair your premises, you might also want to consider business interruption cover that will keep you financially solvent even if your operation has to shut down temporarily.

Think about your records

In the case of a natural disaster, you should be concerned with the safety of you and your employees, not saving business records.

At the same time, these records can be invaluable to your enterprise.

With that in mind, why not plan ahead by getting rid of paper documents and replacing your record-keeping system with cloud storage?

This will not only keep your records safe in the event of a disaster, it will also free up space in your premises. 

3 warning signs running a business isn't for you

Everybody's different, and that carries over into their working lives. While some people may be predisposed to running their own business, for others it might not be the right fit.

The following are three warning signs that selling custom designed sheds as a Shed Boss franchisee may not be the right choice for you.

Building isn't your thing

Shed Boss is not a turnkey franchise. We provide our franchisees with the freedom to operate how they see fit. At the same time, this means the best franchisees already have experience in the building industry.

It's one thing to learn about construction from a book or training course, but having your own builders licence is even better.

Of course, not being a builder yourself doesn't have to be a deal breaker. You could always partner up with someone who has a construction background and focus more on the creative and marketing side of the business. But at the end of the day, having a passion for building should be a primary factor.

You have the zeal but not the strategy

Of course, being passionate about something isn't the same has having a plan in place.

Just because you're excited and willing to work doesn't mean you can jump in with your eyes closed and wish for the best.

A successful business requires forethought and smart strategy. If creating a plan for your business and keeping track of all the details doesn't sound like you, being the boss may not be the right fit.

You give up easily

Running a business can definitely be rewarding, but it's also hard work. This is especially true when first getting a business off the ground.

If you're the type of person who is discouraged easily and ready to give up after the first bump in the road, becoming a small business owner probably isn't the right move.

Becoming a small business owner isn't a get-rich-quick scheme.

Top 3 signs you're ready to be the boss

Becoming a small business owner can certainly be lucrative and fulfilling, but it's not for everybody. Some people are simply happier to be the employee, not the employer.

However, if you notice these three signs, it could mean you're ready to take the reins yourself and explore your options as a Shed Boss franchisee selling commercial sheds and other products.

It's on your mind… all the time

There's a big difference between idly thinking about what it would be like to be the boss and giving it serious thought on a near constant basis.

The latter indicates that running your own business isn't just a pipe dream, but a goal you might be ready to work toward. 

Taking the plunge into the small business world shouldn't be some whim that pops into your head after a tough day at the office, it should be something you've seriously considered for a long time.

You have a support system

Being the boss doesn't mean going it alone. 

In order to succeed, you'll need some type of support system. Whether it be enough savings to weather the bumpy first years that can come with starting a business to the support of your loved ones, you should ensure you have safety nets in place to help you along the way.

Shed Boss prides itself on providing franchisees with the independence they need to run their businesses their way. However, we're also on hand to offer support through things like training and specialised software to make running the business easier.

You're in it for the long haul

Becoming a small business owner isn't a get-rich-quick scheme.

It means putting in the long hours day after day to make your enterprise a success.

While a growing small business can certainly provide you with financial security, you need to go into it with your eyes wide open and a realistic attitude of what it takes to succeed.

Today's business world is less about advertising and more about word-of-mouth.

Let technology do some heavy lifting

Running a small business is hard work, but today's technological advancements have made it easier to organise and operate a business than ever before.

So whether it's your first time acting as the boss or you simply aren't familiar with modern computer technology, it's worth exploring what tools are available to help you out.

Rise to the cloud

Cloud storage allows you to save vital business documents online rather than on your computer or as paperwork. This can help you keep track of important business information while freeing up space in your physical premises as well as on your computer.

There's no shortage of popular cloud storage services, and some of the most basic are absolutely free.

Become part of the conversation

A giant billboard can be effective, but it's also expensive and old-fashioned. Today's business world is less about advertising and more about word-of-mouth. 

By creating a local presence through free social media networks like Facebook and Twitter, you can put your brand out there and have people begin to interact with your business in a more natural way.

This is especially helpful when trying to appeal to a younger generation of customers.

Manage projects easily

As a Shed Boss franchisee, you'll have plenty to keep track of. Each project will require the management of many details, from what type of custom designed shed is being built to which contractors are working on the job.

Instead of trying to stay up to date off the top of your head, you should think about investing in project management software. These products let your create goals, assign tasks and generally give you a bird's eye view of whatever project you're working on.

Technology can never replace good old-fashioned customer service and hard work, but there's no harm in letting your computer help with the heavy lifting.

You deserve to have peace of mind instead of worrying if you can put your faith in someone.

Need workers? Keep an eye out for these traits!

Becoming a Shed Boss franchisee means being your own boss, but that doesn't mean you can do it all on your own. 

You'll need help, especially as your business grows, and this requires you to hire new talent. Unfortunately, picking the right employees can be easier said than done.

With that in mind, here are some characteristics you'll want to be on the lookout for.

Passion

Chances are you became a Shed Boss franchisee because you have a passion for building and a background in construction. While it's not absolutely necessary that all your employees are the same way, it pays to have people working for you who are just as passionate about the building industry and have knowledge that can help when it comes to barns, industrial sheds and the like.

Attitude

While knowledge of building is important, attitude can be even more vital when trying to run a business. You don't just want a smart, experienced employee, you want one who has a positive attitude.

Nothing turns customers off quite like a surly demeanour, and who wants to work with someone who is constantly negative? Ensure your workers make your business an upbeat place – you'll be happy you did.

Trustworthiness

It can be difficult to gauge someone's trustworthiness without first getting to know them, but it's definitely an attribute you'll want to focus on. 

After all, you'll often be trusting your employees with access to your money, products and other sensitive information and items. You deserve to have peace of mind instead of worrying if you can put your faith in someone.

While these are far from the only traits that matter in the business world, they can create the building blocks of a stellar employee – exactly what you need to make your Shed Boss franchise a success.

Records can help you formulate plans and make overcoming potential obstacles easier.

Business success is in the details

All businesses are the sum of many moving parts. And while large companies can compartmentalise different operations in separate departments, as a small business owner, you have to rely on yourself to make sure all the plates keep spinning.

With that in mind, it's important to remember that even the tiniest details can play a major part in the success of your business.

Fortunately, when selling commercial sheds, custom built patios and other products as a Shed Boss franchisee, you'll have the tools you need to keep track of the finer points.

Comprehensive records make it easy to operate

Trying to keep track of all the particulars can seem like a Herculean task. Luckily, there's no law that says you have to remember every little thing off the top of your head.

By investing in detailed records, you can always be up to date on where your business stands financially, as well as what challenges may be on the horizon.

Records can help you formulate plans and make overcoming potential obstacles easier. While working on your records may not be as fun as interacting with customers, it's just as essential to growing your business.

Technology can help

The days of writing everything down with pen and paper are long gone. There are various computer applications that can make keeping track of details more effective and efficient.

The same holds true for the products and services offered by Shed Boss franchises.

Developed exclusively for Shed Boss, the ShedBuilder software application is a user-friendly, all-in-one design and quoting solution that can make keeping track of the details even easier.

Meanwhile, our ShedManager software has been developed specifically with project management in mind.

From recording regular income to quoting prices for customers, business success comes down to making the details part of your business' bigger picture.

Taking out a small loan to have cash on hand or saving up a substantial amount for business expenses before embarking on your journey as a small business owner might be a good idea.

Start strong for a solid business

Starting your own business can feel like an uphill battle, especially in the very beginning. While Shed Boss can provide you with the support of the head office with set up, training and other factors relating to custom designed sheds, becoming a Shed Boss franchisee still requires a lot of hard graft.

With that in mind, focusing on a strong start can help your business get off the ground faster and make a successful business endeavour that much easier to achieve.

Focus on cash flow

Cash flow is always important for a business, but especially so in the very beginning. You may find that your expenses outweigh your income when your business is first starting, so planning ahead for this can make all the difference.

Taking out a small loan to have cash on hand or saving up a substantial amount for business expenses before embarking on your journey as a small business owner might be a good idea.

Don't underestimate expenses

When planning the first months of your business operations, it can be tempting to underestimate how much some things may cost. While you should definitely have an upbeat and optimistic attitude regarding your business endeavours, it's a much smarter strategy to overestimate expenses.

This way, you'll be prepared for high costs when budgeting and pleasantly surprised when you find you spent less than initially thought. After all, wouldn't you whether be leftover money than red ink in your ledger?

Take advantage of help

Shed Boss leaves you in control of your business, offering the independence you crave. At the same time, we also provide franchisees with the support they need to succeed. 

Don't be afraid to take full advantage of the help available to you, from sales training to the innovative ShedBuilder and ShedManager software applications.

A helping hand can be invaluable for a business, especially in the beginning.

Choosing between garages means understanding your overarching needs.

What kind of shed suits your needs?

When it comes to creating a custom designed shed, there are so many options available that it can be difficult to narrow down your choices to an approachable selection. However, when you begin to think about the type of things you'll use your garage for, this could help you make a more precise, final decision. 

For example, will the garage be built at your home for personal use or at a work site for use as a commercial property? This can have a huge impact on your decision, as well as some of the design features chosen. 

Personal Garages

These are often created to store and protect smaller assets like cars or boats from the elements. Due to this, they tend to be smaller than industrial garages. However, these spaces are often large enough to comfortably fit a vehicle or two as well as a workspace for a bench and tools – depending on if you're interested in using your shed for this application. 

Commercial Garages

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more heavy duty, industrial shed for use at your work site, it could be worth looking into the commercial garage options offered by ShedBoss. These have a wide range of applications – everything from workshops and factories through to airport hangers, farm sheds and even sporting facilities. 

Due to the customisable features of these buildings, it could be worth getting in contact with a professional service provider to discuss the intricate details of your project in person. 

The ShedBoss Difference

Working with ShedBoss can make the construction process as streamlined as possible. They can manage all the aspects of your commercial garage project – everything from approvals and electricians through to builders and plumbers will be taken care of without hassle, allowing you to reap the rewards of your shed as soon as possible.