Which Departments Should You Include in Your Small Business?

There are 32.5 million small businesses in America, but nearly one in five businesses close within its first year. This is a sobering statistic, but small-business owners can improve their chances of survival by establishing a strong foundation. This means having a clear vision and mission for your business, setting realistic goals, assembling the right team, and creating a system for making decisions. It also means knowing which departments to include in your small business. Every business is different, but there are some essential departments that the majority of businesses should have, regardless of their size or industry.

Administration 

Small businesses typically have several administrative departments that handle different types of tasks. Common positions that are in the administrative department are office managers, receptionists, and customer service representatives. These employees are responsible for handling a wide variety of tasks, such as keeping the office organized, handling customer inquiries, and scheduling appointments. When hiring for these positions, small businesses should look for candidates who have strong communication and customer service skills. Candidates should also be highly organized and able to multitask effectively. To help solicit advanced skills and education within this space, seek out candidates with an MBA degree.

Accounting

Accounting and finance departments play a vital role in small businesses. They are responsible for keeping track of the company’s financial transactions, preparing financial statements, and paying taxes. Additionally, they provide essential information to management, which helps managers make informed decisions about the business. Small business accountants, often known as controllers, should have a solid understanding of accounting principles and financial analysis. They should also be proficient in using accounting software; they benefit from experience in auditing, and financial reporting. Accountants and controllers typically acquire these skills through a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance degree or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. Overall, accounting and finance departments are crucial to the success of small businesses. They provide the necessary cash-flow information and support for stability and growth.

Marketing

Marketing departments are responsible for a wide range of activities, all aimed at promoting and selling a company’s products or services. For small businesses trying to grow their brand, a strong marketing team is essential. They typically handle tasks such as market research, product development, advertising, public relations and sales. To be successful in these roles, marketing professionals must have strong communication and analytical skills. They should also be creative and adaptable, able to think outside the box to develop innovative marketing campaigns. In addition, familiarity with digital marketing analytics, an understanding of social media best practices, and a master’s degree in marketing will give you a leg up in the market.

Sales

When most people think of small businesses, they think of the marketing and sales departments as one and the same. However, while both departments are responsible for generating revenue, they do so in very different ways. The marketing department is responsible for creating awareness of the company and its products or services, while the sales department is responsible for actually closing deals and generating income. This makes the sales department a vital part of any small business. Without sales, it would be difficult to generate revenue and grow the company. The responsibilities of the sales department can vary from company to company, but generally speaking, they are responsible for generating leads, conducting market research and prospecting for new customers. In addition, the sales department is often responsible for developing relationships with potential customers and negotiating contracts. While the marketing department is responsible for creating demand, it is ultimately up to the sales department to convert that demand into actual sales. To be successful in sales, employees must have a strong understanding of the products or services that they are selling, as well as an ability to effectively communicate with potential customers. They must also be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Strong negotiation skills are also a valuable asset in this line of work.

Human Resources

The human resources department is responsible for a wide range of functions within a business, from recruiting and training new employees to benefits administration and employee relations. HR teams play a vital role in ensuring that businesses run smoothly and efficiently, and they are often the first point of contact for employees with questions or concerns. To be successful in this field, HR professionals must have strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of employment law and best practices. In addition, HR teams must be able to effectively manage difficult conversations and conflict resolution. With the ever-changing landscape of the workforce, HR candidates should earn their MBA in Human Resources Management, have a good understanding of HR analytics or better yet, receive their MS in Human Resources Analytics degree to be able to make better decisions with the data.

Customer Service

Customer service plays an important role in the success of small businesses. It is the responsibility of customer service teams to provide outstanding service to customers, resolve complaints, and build long-term relationships. To be successful in this field, candidates for customer service jobs should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of the products or services offered by the company. They should also be patient and calm under pressure, able to handle difficult customer inquiries with tact and grace. In addition, customer service representatives should be proactive, always looking for ways to improve the customer experience. They could also benefit from earning an online business degree from an accredited college. By providing exceptional service, small businesses can create loyal customers who will return again and again.

IT (Information Technology)

In today’s digital world, small businesses must make use of technology to remain competitive. From setting up a website to accepting online payments, several tasks require the expertise of an IT professional. A well-trained IT department can help a small business stay ahead of the curve and avoid potential problems down the road. The most common responsibilities of an IT team include setting up and maintaining computer networks, installing and configuring software, and providing technical support to users. To be successful in these roles, IT professionals must possess a wide range of skills, including troubleshooting, programming, and project management. In addition, they must be able to adapt to new technologies as they emerge. They should also consider earning an MBA in Business Analytics to improve their decision-making skills. By investing in a well-trained IT team, small businesses can ensure that they have the resources they need to stay ahead of the competition.