How to Run a Small Business Day to Day
Nobody talks about operations. Here's the unglamorous stuff that actually keeps a business running.
- Track everything in a simple spreadsheet from your very first sale.
- Write down your order and shipping process, then automate what you can.
- Know your true cost per unit, and treat customer service as marketing.
Operations isn't glamorous. It's invoicing, shipping, customer service, accounting. But it's what separates real businesses from hobbies.
Track Everything From Day One
Revenue, expenses, inventory, customer info: set up a spreadsheet before your first sale. I didn't do this early enough, and it cost me in lost profit margins.
You don't need expensive software. A simple Google Sheet works perfectly fine when you're starting.
Set Up a System for Orders and Shipping
When an order comes in, you need to know exactly what to do. Who packs it? How long does it take? What's the shipping process? Write it down. Then automate as much as possible.
Customer Service Is Part of Marketing
Every customer interaction is a chance to turn someone into a repeat customer or a brand advocate. Respond quickly, solve problems, go above and beyond when it's reasonable.
Understand Your Unit Economics
Cost per unit + platform fees + shipping + returns = your true cost. Price above that with enough margin to cover marketing, mistakes, and growth.
"Good systems let a small business run without you holding everything in your head."