Shoshana Technologies Blog

Small Business Trends 2012: takeaways for Home Care Agencies

  

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Photo by Hakan Dahlstrom

Dave Haviland's company Phimation works with small and medium-sized businesses (specifically, Stage 2 companies) to improve their executive leadership. Each year, they produce a Small Business Trends report that presents an overview of their findings in working with many small business owners.

I've just read a preliminary version of their report: Small Business Trends for 2012 (The Top Trends Impacting Second Stage Companies) and thought I'd offer you some impressions. There is also a link here and at the end where you can download the short version of the report yourself. When the full report is available (by the end of the year, Dave says), you can order the full report from their website. Note that the full report will include some recommendations as well as the basic findings.

While not specifically focused on Home Care Agencies, I think the report is useful to any small business owner, including those in Home Care.

Some take-aways:

• "Small businesses are operating in an environment of extreme change."

• Keep costs low but don't skimp on the things that will actually make your business work better and grow. Sounds easy but really requires flexibility and an attitude of nimbleness and being open to new possibilities.

• Leverage web technologies to accomplish process and marketing efficiencies. This includes everything from email and other communications to your agency management software (hey, that's us!).

• Stay light on your feet but don't jump at every trend.

• Implement "traction control systems" to allow you to respond to changes in your business climate without spinning out of control.

• Make use of the knowledge and understanding of your younger workers who often have a better handle on new things than we more experienced (that is, older) owners and managers. Remember, doing things the way you do them won't always be the best choice; let them have some influence over things (as appropriate, of course).

The coming year is bound to be an adventure! I'd love to hear your comments about what you think about the unfolding business climate. Please leave comments and get the conversation started!

Other things you can do:

• Download the short version of the report.
• Visit the Phimation website.
• To order the full report from them, visit this link, fill out the little form at the bottom and submit.