by Marang Marekimane, founder of Business Process Mechanics
There is a standing call-to-action for all small business owners to “create employment opportunities for the unemployed”. This call is supported by various policies and incentive programs to assist people to either start a business, therefore removing themselves out of the unemployment line or for people to grow their business, in the hopes they’ll employ those left in the queue.
Being an employer is not for the faint hearted though. A lot of the programs to assist people to start a business do not include lessons on how to be an employer or structuring the business operations for growth. As a result, many business owners are winging it. Often operating without employment contracts. Barely affording salaries, much less offering employee benefits other than leave. That’s for those brave enough to employ.
Some businesses will stay owner managed and run because the fear of being an employer comes from not knowing where to start.
Like every other aspect of business, it helps to do the research and plan. Here’s how to go about it:
Review the business model;
Map the business processes - using Customer/Team/Investor Journey maps makes it easier to identify where to leverage technology or hire people to improve efficiency;
Speak to a consultant about the implications of employing and offering benefits, from a tax and legal perspective. This will influence employment contracts, company policies and the culture of the company;
Formulate the growth strategy – this forms part of the operational plan in your funding proposals.
Build your team.
Contributed by Marang Marekimane who facilitates access for small business owners. She is the founder of Business Process Mechanics and Managing Partner at Entreprenerdy, which is currently running an Employer Support Program.
Marang Marekimane is the Founder and Chief Executive Office of Business In Theory, a South African company that assists entrepreneurs to formulate growth strategies and improve business processes. Marang also hosts workshops for entrepreneurs to define or review their business model and on how to implement and improve business processes. After spending more than a decade in the corporate sector working for major corporations such as Liberty, First National Bank (FNB) and Standard Bank, Marang now uses her knowledge and experience to articulate her insight of business development into turnkey solutions that improve the sustainability of small and medium enterprises.
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