5 Things Your Small Business Should Do This Summer
Summer is almost here! While a vacation is definitely recommended, don't spend the whole summer relaxing.
Here are five things your small business should definitely do this summer:
1. Get a Mobile Website
Look around when you're walking down the street. Almost every person is attached to a smartphone. About 40 percent of consumers prefer to use their phone to search for businesses and services on the internet. Is your website mobile-optimized? If not, why not? Make it easier for potential customers to find you. Mobile-optimize your website.
2. Review Your Marketing Plan
When was the last time you looked at your marketing plan? Last month? Last season? Three years ago when you first started the business?
Maybe you could consider buying a commercial or publishing an ad. Whatever you decide to do, make sure your marketing tactics are legal.
3. Expand Your Business
Has your business grown from last year? Are you ready to hire an employee or an independent contractor?
Just make sure you know all the responsibilities and requirements involved in hiring an employee, such as minimum wage or health insurance requirements.
For example, Seattle's passed a law increasing its minimum wage to $15. However, for small businesses with less than 500 employees, the minimum wage doesn't increase to $15 until 2021.
4. Review Your Harassment and Discrimination Policies
Your business' harassment and discrimination policy should be up to date.
If you have one but haven't looked at it in years, review it now and make updates as necessary. If your employees haven't seen the policy in a while either, plan some trainings to remind them what should or should not happen in the work place.
If you haven't written one, go do it now.
5. Plan for the Future
Not to be morbid, but life can change on a dime. What will happen to your business if something were to happen to you? Will your family be saddled with the business' debts and liabilities? Will your long lost brother fight with your spouse for control of the business? If you don't have one, consult with an attorney, and write your will. If you already have a will, but it doesn't mention your business, get it updated this summer.
Are you unsure about the law and how it applies to your business? Consult with an experienced business attorney for help.
Related Resources:
- Browse Business & Commercial Lawyers by Location (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
- How to Incorporate Your Business (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Tax Lawyer (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- 5 Things a Small Business Lawyer Can Do (That You Probably Can't) (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)