Running a small business is no small feat. From wearing multiple hats to navigating an unpredictable economy, success often boils down to the skills you bring to the table. For small business owners in Lancashire, the stakes are even higher—with a vibrant local economy and plenty of competition, having the right skills can mean the difference between thriving and just surviving.
Here are the top five skills every small business owner needs to succeed.
- Leadership and Team Management
Great businesses are built by great teams, and as a small business owner, you’re at the helm of it all. Effective leadership motivates your workforce and creates a collaborative culture where innovation thrives.
Take Boohoo, the online fashion retailer with roots in Burnley. Their success story includes taking active steps to engage and empower their employees, ensuring they stay committed to the company’s vision.
Actionable Tip: Regular team meetings and open communication platforms can strengthen relationships with your staff. Share your goals and listen to their ideas – it fosters trust and builds a more cohesive team dynamic.
- Financial Management
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, yet research shows that 70% of UK small businesses faced cash flow struggles in 2022. Managing finances effectively means understanding the ins and outs of budgeting, controlling costs and making informed investments.
Careful financial planning helped you scale operations while remaining resilient during economic challenges.
Actionable Tip: Tools like QuickBooks or Xero can automate your budgeting and forecasting, making financial management easier to track. Better yet, consider investing in a finance course for tailored guidance.
- Marketing and Branding
Without customers, there’s no business, which is why effective marketing is vital. Whether it’s social media campaigns or local partnerships, your ability to connect with your audience sets you apart from the competition.
Clever marketing can attract more locals but also visitors from further afield, particularly combined with an engaging social media presence.
Actionable Tip: Focus your efforts on platforms that resonate with your audience, like Instagram for visual storytelling or LinkedIn for professional connections. Invest in SEO for your website and experiment with video marketing for increased engagement.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the best ideas on the block – without the ability to adapt, your business can get left behind. The last few years have shown that businesses need to be resilient and quick on their feet to respond to challenges.
Actionable Tip: Stay informed about changes in your industry, from market trends to regulations. Look for opportunities to diversify your offerings and build flexibility into your business model.
- Ongoing Training and Development
Acquiring these skills isn’t a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing process. Whether it’s honing your leadership abilities or mastering new marketing techniques, continuous professional development is the key to staying ahead. It’s about more than you—it’s about your workforce too. When your team gains knowledge, your business becomes stronger.
That’s where North West Business Training comes in. Offering a range of tailored courses for small business owners and employees, we are experts in helping local businesses grow. Whether you need training in financial planning, leadership or marketing expertise, our accredited programmes are delivered by industry professionals. We’re here to give you and your workforce the competitive edge you need.
Actionable Tip: Invest in yourself and your team. Enrol in a course that aligns with your business goals to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced environment.
Start Building Your Skills Today
Lancashire is thriving and so can your business with the right foundation. By mastering these five essential skills, you’ll position yourself to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and build a legacy.
Talk to us today: [email protected] | 01282 733273
