If you are thinking about starting up a new business or even if you already run one then this is a good guide for you to learn the 5 most important things that every modern business needs. This guide can either serve as an indicator for you to know what you need to have in place as a new company or you can compare your existing business and see if you’re falling behind in any department. With these 5 simple things in place you won’t go far wrong.

Office Equipment

You may be thinking that an office is more important to have in place before you think about the equipment you’ll be using but the reality is that many modern businesses don’t have an official office. With the age of the internet it has become possible for businesses to be run online with employees being able to work from home. If that applies to you then all you need to do is provide them with the best computers, printers, copiers etc. that they will need for the job.

Cleaners

If you do have a physical office then a vital yet often overlooked necessity is to have a cleaning staff or service on board so that it remains as clean as possible and that it meets the necessary standards for your staff to work in. You’ll need your office cleaned on a daily or at least weekly basis to ensure that the appropriate standards are met. When planning the more exciting aspects of a new business it can be easy to forget everyday tasks like keeping the office, toilets, kitchen etc. clean.

Website

Every modern business should have a website. You can no longer get away with being a dinosaur in the modern world where the internet rules. If you don’t have a website then you a putting yourself at a great disadvantage and handing the initiative to your competitors who will have new markets to target. A new business is hard enough without putting yourself at a disadvantage so even if you know nothing about websites make sure you get in touch with someone who does and once it’s made you need to promote it through SEO, PPC, social media and make sure that the right people visit it.

Reliable Staff

Of course, probably the most important aspect of any business is finding the right staff. Without them you simply won’t get any work done so it’s important that you find staff who you can trust and who are up to the task. Be vigilant in your recruitment process and make sure you interview at least 4 candidates for each position, no matter how menial you think the role is. Having the right type of people in every position is important as you want staff who will work hard and will get on with their work unsupervised. Remember that one disruptive member of staff could be detrimental to the entire business.

A Good Owner

So here’s the bit where you take a look at yourself. For your business to succeed you need to be the best owner possible and that means carrying out all of the other tasks we’ve looked at and making sure that your working environment is productive as possible. You will need to look out for the wellbeing of your staff. Make sure you find a good management team who you can trust to run the business if you’re not there and try to find people who are expertise in their particular field to come and work for you. Being a good boss is about letting people know that they are appreciated and that you have noticed their contribution to the business.

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Graham Hamilton recently started a new IT business, he thought he had everything in place until he realised that he didn’t have a cleaning service for his IT room. Fortunately he found ECS, a cleaning service who specialise in electronic equipment.