Workplace Bad Habits You Need to Break (Your Small Biz Will Thank You)

We all have bad habits, at home and at work, but there are some bad habits you should probably break in order to get ahead as a small business owner. Here's some of the most common workplace bad habits and how to get rid of them once and for good.

1. Answering emails as soon as you receive them... Answering emails as soon as you see them pop up interrupts the work you're in the middle of and disrupts your train of thought. Set times for checking your email. For example, check your emails at the top of every hour or, if you think you can manage it, every two hours. Or, simply finish one project or task and check your emails once you're finished.

2. Not taking "breathers." Sitting at your desk in front of a computer for hours on end is not good for your eyes, your body, your brain, or your morale. Unless you're lucky enough to have a job that keeps you on your feet, try to get up and walk around once an hour (if not more often). It will keep your mind fresh.

3. Always saying "yes." We tend to say "yes" because we don't want to let our peers/colleagues down. But, always saying "yes" to additional projects, meetings, etc. can easily overwhelm you and, in turn, make your small business suffer. So, before you say "yes" to something, tell the person you'll "get back to them," assess your schedule, and then give them an honest answer.

4. Putting off big projects. It's usually best to just "bite the bullet" and get the hard stuff done first. If you have a huge project you need to accomplish, set aside two hours a day (or whatever amount of time makes sense) to work only on that project. Knowing that there's end in sight each day means less stress.

These are just a few examples of workplace bad habits we all need to break. So, start with one, and go from there. For the complete list of bad habits and their solutions (and the article that inspired this post), visit Entrepreneur.com.

If one of your bad habits is not exploring ways to grow your small business, break it by visiting SilverRockFunding.com. We can help you access the funds you need to grow your small biz; you could receive up to $500,000 as soon as tomorrow.

Why Small Business Owners Shouldn't Ignore the "Issue" of Cash Flow

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Everyone has heard "fifty five per cent of start-ups fail within the first five years." One of the biggest reasons small business fail is due to issues with cash flow. So, how do small business owners avoid cash flow problems with their fledgling business? We found a great article on Business2Community.com.

"Managing your cash flow should be one of your main priorities. Sounds obvious, right? Then why is it that one in ten businesses are failing to accurately forecast their cash flow, or are neglecting this area of their business altogether?"

Here are three of the most common killers of cash flow you should avoid:

1. Paying everyone at one time. The solution? Come up with a payment schedule that works with your cash flow.
2. Unreliable clients/customers. How do you cope? Devise strict payment instructions. And, don't shy away from the idea of penalties or, one a more positive plane, incentives to pay in a timely manner.
3. "Forgetting that cash is king." What to do? "You must have a cash cushion to call upon in the event of unplanned expenses. This might include hiring more staff during a busy period, buying more stock, repairing equipment or covering costs of a late payment."

Starting a small business is no easy task. So, make sure you set yourself up for success by considering your cash flow and making it a priority.

Now, if you could benefit from an immediate cash flow, you should consider a small business loan. There are some great loans out there for small business owners, so head over to SilverRockFunding.com and apply today. You could receive up to $500,000 for your small biz.

How to Run Your Small Biz From Any Corner of the World

The "Internet Age" has brought us many conveniences - from being able to order something at midnight and have it delivered the next day, to speaking face-to-face with loved ones who live far away. But, one of the best things to come from the Internet Age is being able to easily telecommute. And, there's no reason small business owners can't also telecommute. 

Taking a long vacation? Traveling the world? Or, do you just want to test the waters of a permanent home office? If the idea of working from home (or a hotel in Madrid) appeals to you, check out these tips for running your small business from...anywhere!

• Rely on Cloud storage for all you important documents and purchase a hard drive so you have ample storage.
• Learn to network online - social media will become your best friend!
• Utilize Skype to communicate with employees, clients, and etc.
• Create a professional and comfortable work space/office for yourself (and try not to spend your days living in pajamas.
• Spend money on the proper tools - a Microsoft suite, a newer computer, a good scanner, and etc.

Working from home can really improve your life - whether you have young children or caught a case of the travel bug. Follow these tips and you're well on your way to running a successful small business from your apartment, the coast of France, or wherever! For more great advice, check out the original article that inspired this blog post.

Need some extra funding to get your "at home" small business up and running? Check out SilverRockFunding.com. Apply online and we can help you access the funds you need to reach your business (and personal) goals.