If you want to grow your micro-business (defined as a
business with fewer than five employees), you might
consider some of the findings of a survey by Statistics
Canada.
1. The Findings
According to "Growth Determinants of Micro-Businesses in
Canada" (Evangelia Papadaki and Bassima Chami, Small
Business Policy Branch, Industry Canada), the survey by
Statistics Canada revealed the following:
Micro-businesses get much of their advice from family,
friends, customers and suppliers. Accountants are more
commonly consulted for business advice than lawyers and
bankers.
Completion of high school was cited as a factor for growth
in the micro-business. Perhaps surprisingly, college or
university education was discounted as a factor for success.
Age or sex of business owners did not affect business
growth. Nor was being an immigrant a significant factor.
For growth, being willing to delegate, assume risk, and
share ownership all seemed to be factors for success.
Expansion of the local market was more important for
growth than the export market for the micro-business.
Growth micro-businesses innovate and engage in e-commerce
activities.
2. The Opportunities
This is encouraging news for entrepreneurs. You don't
necessarily need a lot of money for professional advisors
to grow your micro-business. Higher education is not a
prerequisite for success. Age, sex or country of origin
are not relevant factors for growing your micro-business.
If growth of your micro-business is your goal, you can't
do everything yourself. You must be willing to delegate
(or perhaps even share ownership of your business with
others). Innovation, a willingness to take risks, and
use of the Internet are also important to your growth.
Are you willing to delegate, take risks, and partner
with others? Are you innovative? Do you employ
e-commerce in your business? Are you using the Internet
to expand your local business?
RESOURCE BOX:
J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc., has been
helping clients to earn maximum business profits for over
twenty-five years. For valuable Work at Home Small Business
Ideas, visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/