Starting a Small Business - Self Mangement (In-Person)

When starting a small business, it's important to develop employer-awareness skills to successfully navigate the professional world while maintaining a balance between your personal and business life. These skills help you manage both your internal expectations as a business owner and external professional relationships. Here’s how you can build these skills: 1. Understanding Employer Unspoken Behavioral Expectations: Whether you’re working with clients, partners, or employees, it’s crucial to pick up on the unspoken expectations that guide professional interactions. This involves recognizing how people expect you to behave in different situations—like maintaining professionalism in meetings, meeting deadlines, and respecting the workplace culture. Being aware of these expectations helps you create a work environment that fosters respect and productivity. 2. Managing Competing Home vs. Work Demands: As a small business owner, there’s often a blurred line between personal and professional life. Balancing time for your business with home life can be a challenge. By managing your schedule effectively and setting boundaries, you can avoid burnout and ensure both your work and personal lives are given the attention they deserve. 3. Taking Initiative/Pulling Your Weight: In any business, you are the driver of its success. Showing initiative and pulling your weight by staying proactive, taking responsibility for your actions, and contributing to every aspect of your business will earn you credibility and respect. This attitude is especially important when you’re a solo entrepreneur or leading a small team, as your actions set the tone for your business culture. 4. Using Professional Judgment Regarding Personal vs. Professional Boundaries: As an entrepreneur, you need to maintain boundaries to create a professional atmosphere. This includes dressing appropriately for business settings, using professional language, managing relationships respectfully, and knowing when and how to engage in personal conversations, such as texting, during work hours. These boundaries help you stay focused and ensure you are taken seriously in a professional context.

Speaker(s): Cathie Bray

Co-Sponsor(s): The Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce, and Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce

Fee: No Cost