Managing a business properly can mean the difference between thriving and surviving. Many businesses do not fail because of rough economic times, but rather because of the failure to adapt in a changing market. Apart from a businesses that becomes obsolete with the introduction of more technology, all businesses can survive. They need good management practices and stern individuals overseeing these practices. To make sure of your business’ success, advertise, develop, or work with good business management strategies, and hire competent employees. There are many ways to manage a business to become a successful one; here are six simple steps that are bound to work.

1. Advertise – Advertising a business lets customers know what the business does and where to find that particular service. There are many creative ways to get customers through the doors via advertising. Promotions or catchy print, radio and television ads often do the trick. Try to determine whether or not it suits the business to hire a public relations firm for a marketing campaign or to do a cheaper promotional campaign. This will depend on the size and market of the business.
2. Have a steady cash flow – The importance of a steady cash flow is at the forefront of any businesses survival. Having the money to handle unforeseen expenses is important in a competitive environment because this money works for the business. Cash flow comes from the inventory sold or services provided and not from investments and securities. Make the distinction and keep these two forms of money separate.
3. Develop or work with good business strategies – Knowing how to evaluate a businesses performance is an invaluable asset. The evaluation sometimes needs external sources in the form of people and programs. This will ensure that the evaluation is true and the findings can work to improve the businesses performance.
   A very effective independent business strategy evaluation model is six sigma. Six sigma is a program that with the help of independent consultants carries out an evaluation of your business. It uses many methods to do this but one of the more popular is the dmaic method. This method evaluates every employee’s business etiquette and gives them a grade. The dmaic method also evaluates the business as a whole and also gives it a grade. Based on these grades, the consultants make recommendations to maximize profits and increase the businesses success.
4. Hire competent staff – The competence of the staff often lies in their qualifications. Competence is not enough, they must also match it with willingness. Employees work best in happy and respectful environments. Create an environment where employees feel they can grow and gain relevant knowledge while still enjoying respect and happiness.
5. Provide excellent services – The service should match the advertisement. Always live up to the customers expectations it will ensure the longevity of any business.
6. Integrity – Do not take dishonest short cuts. Short cuts are not a bad thing, but operating a business in a dishonest way in the first sign of poor management. Most businesses face the same challenges but operating with integrity is the best way to guarantee success.

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