Stretched SME owners "multi-tasking to the extreme"

SME business owners juggle too many tasks, and it affects their focus on strategy and success, according to new research by Pitney Bowes. The research studied the marketing habits of over 500 UK small businesses, and it found that the traditional enemies of SMEs – time (21%) and money (36%) – are holding back marketing aspirations. On average, business owners juggle an average of seven roles on a daily basis, and many are prioritising low-level tasks over more strategic activities. The survey found that 35% of respondents said they buy the stationery, compared to 32% that do marketing and 25% who tackle top-level business strategy. The results also show that one in five small business owners help with office repairs and 16% get involved in cleaning. And while 77% of respondents said they viewed marketing as important, one in five did not have a marketing plan and 35% carried out marketing activities on an ad hoc basis. Even so, 20% of respondents said they wanted to ramp up their marketing activity over the next year. The survey shows that businesses are using both print advertising and online marketing channels to promote their business. Mobile is also moving up the agenda – while just 8% have a mobile-optimised website, 49% say mobile is a part of their marketing activity. Ryan Higginson, vice president digital channel Europe at Pitney Bowes, said: "Starting and running a small business requires a huge investment of time and money, while the owner of the business is often found approaching disciplines that he or she has little expertise in such as mobile marketing. However, there are easy-to-use, time efficient tools available at a low cost that help small business effectively embrace newer digital marketing channels as well as support the traditional ones." First published 8/3/13 by Rachel Miller, Marketing Donut

i agree,

sweeping trailers , filling fuel, posting letters, emptying trailers, cleaning cars is something anyone can do?

but they are not 'hard' and its not worth paying people to do simple tasks.
as time goes on, bigger/more jobs maybe its something others can do , but if you drive and do all the office admin at home is there any choice?

I am trying to get employee to do basic tasks, have items deliverd here or on site, ask suppliers to add up the prices and tell me what i need.

Work smart, not hard is a good idea if possible.

I seem only to get paid to do my job (after costs) so why should i do everything else??

Im the boss - not the worker. although workers say they are self-employed...!!

Juggling i think is our main job and being aware of the macro business.

i.e getting the marketing/sales as you say.

Tough job being self-employed, it really is. no holiday pay,sick pay,pensions , bank-holidays, fuel allowances or free stamps /use of vehicles or favours :( Would you have it any other way ? :)

Replies

Steve London Stone March 8, 2013 at 11:05pm

Is this not called an apprenticeship? I have done every job in my company from driving, picking orders, quality checking, cutting stone, sourcing, finance, marketing, clean the toilets. The list goes on and on. Its taken me 6 years to reach the point where I am not involved in day to day operations and now I can focus on marketing which is where I can hopefully make a decent impact. Doing all these jobs has given me an insight into every single aspect of my business and helps me to make informed decisions. Not many people start a business with a massive pile of cash which means the majority off us must multi task to take our business forward. The fact that I ahve done evry job in the company means nobody can pull the wool over my eyes, which must make for a stronger business
David Cox March 9, 2013 at 12:11am

Agreed.

It also helps as you can offer genuine help, support and meaningful training to staff more effectively if they struggle in their roles.

Steve London Stone said:

Is this not called an apprenticeship? I have done every job in my company from driving, picking orders, quality checking, cutting stone, sourcing, finance, marketing, clean the toilets. The list goes on and on. Its taken me 6 years to reach the point where I am not involved in day to day operations and now I can focus on marketing which is where I can hopefully make a decent impact. Doing all these jobs has given me an insight into every single aspect of my business and helps me to make informed decisions. Not many people start a business with a massive pile of cash which means the majority off us must multi task to take our business forward. The fact that I ahve done evry job in the company means nobody can pull the wool over my eyes, which must make for a stronger business
Richard Boyd March 10, 2013 at 5:33pm

Well said Steve

More bosses should walk the floor and be hands on. We are very lucky and rarely take part in projects that we are not proud of but on the odd occasion that things are less than satisfactory it is due to a client contractor disconnect and that usually happens with the very large clients. Having money and the clicking of the fingers does not ensure a great end product.

John said:

Ryan Higginson, vice president digital channel Europe at Pitney Bowes, said: "Starting and running a small business requires a huge investment of time and money, while the owner of the business is often found approaching disciplines that he or she has little expertise in such as mobile marketing. However, there are easy-to-use, time efficient tools available at a low cost that help small business effectively embrace newer digital marketing channels as well as support the traditional ones."

And these easy-to use, time efficient tools available at a low cost - are called what ?
Ben Lannoy March 10, 2013 at 11:03pm

You have to be somewhat of a control freak to make sure your vision is being met, at least at first. Once you have strategies in place, that's when I believe you can either outsource or prioritise..or both!
Lawncare-4u.co.uk March 15, 2013 at 5:46pm

i agree,

sweeping trailers , filling fuel, posting letters, emptying trailers, cleaning cars is something anyone can do?

but they are not 'hard' and its not worth paying people to do simple tasks.
as time goes on, bigger/more jobs maybe its something others can do , but if you drive and do all the office admin at home is there any choice?

I am trying to get employee to do basic tasks, have items deliverd here or on site, ask suppliers to add up the prices and tell me what i need.

Work smart, not hard is a good idea if possible.

I seem only to get paid to do my job (after costs) so why should i do everything else??

Im the boss - not the worker. although workers say they are self-employed...!!

Juggling i think is our main job and being aware of the macro business.

i.e getting the marketing/sales as you say.

Tough job being self-employed, it really is. no holiday pay,sick pay,pensions , bank-holidays, fuel allowances or free stamps /use of vehicles or favours :( Would you have it any other way ? :)