by For debating the essentials for small business success, but looking at the commonalities of successful businesses can help bring focus. While some businesses can achieve success on the strength of a product, lack of competition or cheap labour or materials, in most instances, a successful business requires a solid foundation built on a good product idea, sound business plan, adequate capital, good management and proper accounting.
- Setting Objectives:
The setting up of business objectives is the first thing to be done by the management. One must know as to what is to be done. Only after deciding the objective, the ways and the means will be determined to achieve the objectives. If it is a producing business, the nature of product to be produced, whether to produce the whole product or part of it should be decided. In case of service business the nature and type of service to be provided should be decided. It is not only the management which should be conversant with the business objectives but every person in the concern should know the aims and goals of the business.
- Planning:
After determining, the objectives, the work should be planned in all its perspectives. Planning involves forecasting and laying down the course of action. It involves planning for both present and future. What is to be achieved and how it is to be achieved is of primary significance for the present. Future is always uncertain and the estimation of future happenings is very difficult. In planning for the future, an effort is made to estimate the future uncertainties and determine the possible course of action for the coming period. Thus, planning also helps the management to prepare itself for facing the uncertainties of tomorrow.
- Dynamic Organisation:
Organisation is an arrangement by which tasks are assigned to employees so that their individual efforts contribute effectively to the achievement of clearly defined purposes. The duties and responsibilities of all person’s arc defined and they should know what they arc to do.
An effective organisation system is essential for the success of a business. Firstly, a decision should be taken about the form of ownership, i.e., sole trade, partnership, Joint Stock Company. Then a suitable internal organisation should be developed. No work should be left unassigned. The supervisors and subordinates should know their roles in the business.
- Financial Planning:
The requirements of finance and its possible sources should be decided at the time of starting the enterprise. The purpose of financial planning is to make sure that adequate funds are raised at the minimum of cost. The required capital should be made available at all times, otherwise, it will hamper the work. The scarcity of capital and too much of it both will be bad for the concern.
The availability of excess capital may tempt the management to spend more money on inventory and on fixed assets. A proper plan is necessary for providing funds for the present needs and future developmental plans.
A financial plan will determine:
(a) The needs of capital
(b) Sources for collecting funds
(c) Administration of capital structure
- Location and Layout of Plant:
One of the important decisions to be made by the management at the time of starting a concern is regarding the location of the plant. The plant should be located at a place where all factors of production arc available at lowest costs. The aim of reaching an optimum point will be achieved only if the place of location of the businesses is suitable. Raw materials, labour, power and markets for the finished products should be available near the place of location.
After deciding about location, a decision is made about layout of the plant. The setting up of the machinery and equipment should be systematic so that the flow of production should be smooth and uninterrupted. The office building and warehouse etc., should be located near the factory. Proper layout will enable the economical use of available space. Proper location and layout of the business are necessary for the success of a business.
- Marketing Environment:
The marketing aspects of a business are more important than even production. There is no use of producing a thing if it cannot be sold. Marketing management is essential for earning profits. Management should decide about the channels of distribution. Whether to sell directly to consumers or to sell through wholesalers? It should be decided after taking into consideration various aspects of goods.
- Research Team:
In the changing technological world, it is essential to use latest devices for production and marketing of goods. Change is the essence of business. Every day, new production methods are found. Consumers’ needs and preferences should be taken into consideration in devising production and marketing policies. Research and development should be given due place in the business.
One can compete with changing business world only through research programmes. If attention is not given to research work then it will become difficult to stay in business for a large period. So, research activities are necessary for the success of an enterprise.
- Dynamic leadership:
The success of an enterprise will depend upon the efficiency of its management. The task of management is to plan, organize, co-ordinate and direct various activities for achieving business objectives. This will be possible only if the leadership is dynamic. The operation managing the concern should have foresight, initiative, courage and aptitude for a change. These qualities are necessary in the leadership to take the concern on the road of progress.
