In this edition of Wash Wisdom, we discuss ways to operate a family business the right way, mobile optimizing your business and what to know about workers’ compensation.
Advice on successful family business relations
The carwash industry features many different types of ownership setups, including family ownership and management structures. While it’s key to separate family affairs from business affairs, many family businesses seem to struggle with doing so. A recent article posted by The Huffington Post Australia, “Starting A Family Business? Take Advice From These Entrepreneurs,” discusses the importance of giving all family business members a defined role within the business among some other best practices of making the family business work for your carwash.
- A case of sibling non-rivalry. Competitive sibling rivalries often develop in families. However, in family business ventures, sibling rivalries at work can be distracting and detrimental. Get to know your family business members’ individual strengths and make sure to match their interests with job functions.
- Family trials and errors. Successful family business companies work at being effective. Working with family members, you may be surprised at what you might learn. Keep an open mind when tasking family members with work and don’t be afraid to do a little trial and error in the beginning to learn how your family members can excel in the business.
- We can work it out. In a family business, issues can often arise and quickly escalate. It may prove beneficial to have a non-family member, impartial advisor on staff to help mediate and resolve any issues.
- Embrace creativity. There is a greater level of comfort to bring forth new ideas and ways to generate profits at the family business. Regardless of the idea and its potential, family business members must rally around all family members’ ideas and work together as a team.
Read more expert advice on how to operate a family business here.
10 ways to enhance your mobile strategy
Author Nash Riggins offers “10 Clever Ways to Improve Your Small Business Mobile Strategy,” on Small Business Trends, an award-winning online publication for small business owners, entrepreneurs and the people who interact with them.
- Mobile-friendly websites. Your customers rely on mobile devices for quick information. As Riggins writes, “there’s no point spending time and effort marketing your company to people if they aren’t able to get the most out of your website.”
- Responsive design. Responsive design is considered user friendly today and the good news is that you don’t have to be technologically advanced to master responsive websites.
- Texting. According to Riggins, SMS marketing has been increasing in popularity over the past couple of years. Maintain an updated customer contacts list and you can find some success in this form of marketing.
- Social media. By engaging users on social media, you are unlocking a new level of brand potential, writes Riggins.
- Optimize emails. In addition to a mobile friendly website, make sure all of your emails and newsletters are formatted for mobile devices as well.
- Abbreviated URLs. Be short, sweet and to the point.
- QR codes. QR codes can be a great way to turn a shopper into a buyer. They are simple to use and convenient for customers that want more information.
- Google AdWords. According to Riggins, this is a “brilliant tool that helps you to capitalize on searches from would-be customers. You can actually now segment mobile searches and manage mobile ads separately.”
- Mobile ads. Mobile ads can get your company the online exposure of the top SEO optimized businesses. Additionally, you can target your audience based upon demographics or their geographical area.
- Mobile-friendly content. As Riggins reminds us, “if the content on your site puts people off, all your hard work will have been for nothing.”
Read more about these 10 tips here.
5 ways to deal with workers’ compensation
In the article, “Workers’ Compensation and Your Small Business: What to Do When an Employee Is Injured,” posted on business.com, author Dan Steiner offers critical safety advice for businesses such as carwashes.
- Get treated. Since the employee’s health is a top priority, soon after an injury occurs, it is advised to take quick action. Call 911 or arrange for transportation to a hospital.
- Contact insurance company. An HR team member or anyone qualified should get in touch with its workers’ compensation insurer as soon as an injury occurs and help is contacted.
- Don’t be scammed. Unfortunately, some employees will want to take advantage of the system. Be on the lookout for scams and avoid them as best as possible.
- Reinstatement requirements. “If the employee uses the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to take extended leave during recovery, your business will be required to hold that person’s job or one that is identical in pay and responsibilities,” writes Steiner. It is important to get to know the rules and laws.
- Welcome back employees. When an employee returns from an injury, it’s important to issue a warm welcome and let that person return to normal duties, writes Steiner.
Read more about what you should know about workers’ compensation here.
