What Do Business Owners Really Want?

As a business owner, you have to be aware of what your clients really want. Whether you’re marketing to them or designing your products, you have to know what they need and what they value.

Getting to the heart of what a business owner really wants will help you create something they’ll love and use.

1. They want to be their own boss

Business owners are increasingly pursuing their dream of self-employment. As a result, they’re trading in key work benefits for greater control and autonomy in their career.

While being your own boss can be hard, it can also be a rewarding experience. If you have a purpose that drives you, you’ll find the drive to keep going when times get tough.

2. They want to have control over their finances

One of the most important aspects of running a business is having control over your finances. The best way to do that is to make sure you understand the basics of bookkeeping, tax and legal matters. Having a handle on those basics will help you avoid the dreaded financial meltdown and ensure your business has a solid financial future.

Another thing you can’t forget is a solid savings plan for your small business. A good saving plan will give you a cushion should your business run into any unforeseen hiccups, such as a broken computer or employee illness.

3. They want to be able to work from anywhere

While it might be logical for managers to want what’s best for their teams, many are actually pushing back against the remote work trend. They’re more concerned about furthering their own career ambitions than helping their employees succeed.

It’s also important to consider whether or not your business has the resources it needs for remote working. This includes hardware, software, communication tools and a robust onboarding process.

4. They want to be able to set their own hours

The traditional 9 to 5 work week doesn’t exactly suit everyone. Thankfully, some businesses are getting the memo that a few extra hours here and there can be beneficial for both the business and the employee.

Whether it’s in the form of flexible working hours or flexible office space, a little bit of leeway can go a long way when it comes to productivity and morale. Having a well designed flexitime program in place can be a big win for the whole organization. The most important thing to remember is that employees should be encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.

6. They want to have a support system

Many business owners rely on their family and friends to provide moral support. This can help them manage stress and keep a positive outlook in the face of difficult business environments.

Others turn to professional connections in their industry and to strategic partners who can help them grow their business. Regardless of how you receive support, it’s important to find ways to build a network of people who will offer guidance and motivation on your journey to success. These can be friends, colleagues or even customers who understand what you’re going through.

7. They want to be able to grow their business

When it comes to running a business, it’s important for owners to be proactive. Whether they want to expand their current operations or hire more employees, it’s a good idea for them to think ahead about how their business will grow.

Businesses can be organized in one of three main legal forms, namely sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited-liability companies (or corporations). The first form, a sole proprietorship, is a type of business entity that is run by one person who owns all the company’s property. The second is a partnership, which can include 2 to 50 or more members.