Employees are the backbone of every successful business. At Forte, we understand the importance of finding and supporting the right talent. Our Small Business HR support solutions empower business owners to navigate the complexities of human resources, ensuring their team is cared for, and their business remains compliant and competitive.

1. HR Healthcheck:

Small businesses often lack dedicated HR resources, leaving them vulnerable to gaps in policies and procedures. These gaps can often lead to costly employee turnover and regulatory non-compliance and expose business owners to the risk of litigation. Forte’s HR Healthcheck identifies these gaps and provides tailored recommendations to ensure your employees are happy and that regulatory requirements are met.

2. Hiring & Onboarding:

Finding and onboarding the right talent is crucial for business success. Forte offers comprehensive support, from job posting to candidate selection and onboarding. Our expertise streamlines the hiring process, ensuring a seamless transition for new hires.

3. Company Policies & Benefits:

Clear and effective policies are essential for fostering a positive work environment. Forte assists businesses in developing customized policies and benefits packages that align with their values and meet employee needs. By prioritizing employee well-being, businesses can boost productivity and retention.

4. Employee Relations:

Effective training is a key component of employee satisfaction and performance. With Forte, businesses can effortlessly implement training programs, empowering employees to excel in their roles with confidence and support.

Investing in small business HR support and implementing best practices is essential for building a resilient and successful business. With Forte’s expertise and support, companies can confidently navigate the complexities of human resources, ensuring their workforce remains engaged, productive, and compliant.

A chart of accounts is a list of all the accounts that a small business uses to record and classify its financial transactions. It is a crucial tool for small business owners as it provides a framework for organizing and recording financial information in a way that is meaningful and useful for decision-making. The team at Forte Business Services is dedicated to helping our clients with maintaining organized accounts and can help our clients with their financial bookkeeping.

Measuring Performance

A well-organized chart of accounts is essential for a small business for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps the business owner keep track of their financial performance. By properly categorizing and recording financial transactions, the business owner can see how much money is coming in and going out, as well as where it is coming from and where it is going. This information is crucial for managing cash flow and making informed business decisions.

Tracking Expenses

Tracking expenses is also a key benefit of a well-organized chart of accounts. By assigning specific accounts to specific types of expenses, such as rent, utilities, and salaries, the business owner can see how much they are spending in each area and identify areas where they may be able to cut costs. This can be particularly useful for small businesses that are just starting out and are trying to keep their expenses as low as possible.

Creating Financial Reports

In addition to helping small business owners track their financial performance and expenses, a well-organized chart of accounts is also crucial for preparing financial statements. Financial statements, such as income statements and balance sheets, are used to communicate the financial position of a business to stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, and lenders. By properly organizing and classifying financial information, small business owners can ensure that their financial statements accurately reflect the financial health of their business.

Identifying Trends

Another benefit of having a well-organized chart of accounts is that it can help small business owners identify trends and patterns in their financial data. By tracking financial transactions over time, business owners can see how their business performs compared to previous periods and identify any areas that may cause concern. This can be particularly useful for small businesses looking to grow and expand, as it can help them identify areas where they may need to invest more resources or make changes to their business model.

Complying with Regulations

Finally, a well-organized chart of accounts is essential for small businesses because it can help them comply with regulatory requirements. Many small businesses are required to file tax returns or other financial reports, and having a well-organized chart of accounts makes it easier to prepare these reports and ensure that they are accurate. Additionally, having a well-organized chart of accounts can help small business owners protect their business from potential legal or financial liabilities by ensuring that they are accurately tracking and reporting their financial transactions.

A well-organized chart of accounts is an essential tool for small business owners. It helps them track their financial performance, expenses, and prepare financial statements, and it can also help identify trends and patterns in their financial data. Additionally, it can assist with regulatory compliance and protect the business from potential legal or financial liabilities. 

Maintaining organized finances also gives business owners peace of mind. There is comfort in knowing where your business stands, and keeping organized accounts means they don’t need to spend as much time finding the information they need. Ensuring that the chart of accounts is well-organized and provides actionable financial reporting is crucial for small businesses to run smoothly so you business owners can focus on their forte.

Small businesses are not just challenges; they’re also prime investment prospects for private investors and public incentives. One of the key benefits of small businesses is their ability to adapt and innovate quickly. Small businesses are often able to respond more rapidly to changes in market conditions, making them well-suited to disrupt traditional industries and drive innovation. In addition, small businesses can help to diversify the economy, reducing reliance on a few large corporations and creating a more robust and resilient economic landscape.

• Proven Track Record: By the time a small business needs investment, it has often already proven itself to be able to work at a small scale. It just needs investment to grow to a larger scale. This is a great sign for investors, as they can see that the business has already overcome some of the early obstacles that many businesses fail to overcome.
• Room for Growth: Small businesses often have plenty of room for growth, as they may have only scratched the surface of their potential market. With the right investment and resources, small businesses can grow exponentially, making them an attractive investment opportunity for those seeking high returns.
• Innovation and Agility: Small businesses are often more innovative and agile than their larger counterparts. This is because they are not bound by the bureaucracy and red tape that larger organizations face. As a result, small businesses are often able to pivot quickly in response to changing market conditions, making them more competitive.
• Personalized Customer Experience: Small businesses are often able to provide a more personalized customer experience than larger businesses. This is because they are able to focus more on individual customers, rather than having to cater to a large, faceless customer base. This can lead to greater customer loyalty and repeat business, which is always good for investors.
• Job Creation and Positive Impact on Local Communities: Small businesses are important drivers of job creation, particularly in local communities. Investing in small businesses can help to create new jobs and stimulate local economic development.

In conclusion, small businesses are a vital part of the US economy and face many challenges in their journey to success. However, they also offer some of the best investment opportunities for private investors and public incentives. By investing in small businesses, investors can help these businesses grow and thrive, while also reaping the rewards of high returns and positive social and environmental impact. It is up to investors and cities to prioritize support and investment in small businesses to ensure a strong and vibrant economy for years to come.

Small businesses are the backbone of local economies, yet they often face unique challenges in areas such as production, operations, sales, and marketing. Despite their size, these enterprises are key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and innovation. In this post, we’ll delve into the importance of empowering small businesses, the hurdles they encounter, and why they present promising investment opportunities.

In many midsize cities, the landscape is dominated by a few mega-corporations. However, behind the scenes, countless small businesses are striving to make their mark. Unfortunately, they may lack access to influential networks like local Chambers of Commerce, limiting their influence in the public sector. While America celebrates startup culture and innovation, many small businesses remain unsung heroes, quietly contributing to the local economy without garnering the same attention.

These “in-between” businesses often find themselves neglected. They lack the allure of cutting-edge technology or the potential for unicorn status, and their financial clout doesn’t grant them access to public discourse. This representation gap drives Forte to champion these underrepresented companies, focusing on those with sales ranging from half a million to 5 million dollars.

We recognize the potential for growth within this space. With the right support, a business generating 2 million dollars in sales could smoothly scale to 10 million. Our goal is to provide these businesses with the necessary resources and guidance to establish themselves firmly and unleash their full potential as economic powerhouses within their communities.

Investing in the early stages of small businesses with proven products or services is crucial. By offering tailored support, we empower small business operators to navigate challenges and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Small business owners are often natural entrepreneurs, driven by the thrill of solving challenges and seizing opportunities. But what happens when there are too many opportunities and not enough resources to capitalize on them? This dilemma is a familiar one for many business owners, including Forte Business Services’ Principal, Bill Ganus.

Bill shares, “That entrepreneurial personality never only sees one problem. Sometimes you see lots of different opportunities, even within the business that you’re already building.” This entrepreneurial spirit drives individuals to constantly seek new avenues for growth and innovation.

However, the reality is that businesses, especially small ones, often face limitations in terms of time, capital, and manpower. “Until you have an excess of one of those capacities, you are limited in the scope of what all you can go after at any given time,” explains Bill. This constraint can be frustrating for business owners who want to pursue every opportunity that comes their way. 

So, what can business owners do when faced with a promising opportunity but limited resources? According to Bill, it comes down to making tough decisions and prioritizing effectively.

“There’s always going to be another idea. There’s always going to be a new deal. There’s always going to be a new opportunity,” says Bill. He emphasizes the importance of being selective and recognizing that not every opportunity needs to be pursued immediately. Sometimes, saying no is the best course of action. “I always feel more proud of myself by saying no to something than by figuring out how to push something forward,” shares Bill. This mindset allows business owners to protect their existing commitments and focus on what truly matters.

However, there are instances where saying yes is warranted, even if it requires sacrifices. “If you’re willing to pay the price and go for it, sometimes you’re going to be right and sometimes you’re going to be wrong,” acknowledges Bill. In these situations, thorough analysis, consultation with mentors, and a willingness to take calculated risks are crucial. 

At Forte Business Services, we understand the challenges that small business owners face when navigating multiple opportunities with limited resources. That’s why we offer support and guidance to help business owners make informed decisions and maximize their potential for success.

Whether it’s providing strategic advice, financial planning, or operational support, Forte is here to help small business owners overcome obstacles and thrive in a competitive market. Because when businesses succeed, communities flourish.

Small business leaders should define and communicate the core values that they expect from team members in order to create a shared sense of purpose and direction within the organization. Core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide an organization’s actions and decisions, and they play a critical role in shaping the culture and identity of a company. By defining core values for small businesses, leaders can ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and is aligned with the company’s mission and vision.

Furthermore, communicating core values can also help to attract and retain top talent. People are more likely to want to work for an organization that aligns with their own personal values and beliefs. When employees feel that their values are being respected and supported by the company, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work, which can lead to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

Forte’s Core Values: Forte’s Core Values define how we work with each other and with our clients. At our best, every Forte team member is:

Proactive

We take the initiative to stage future work without being asked, and we take ownership in the solution-finding process.

• Why is it important?: Sometimes clients and coworkers don’t even know what to ask for — just that they need help.
• What does this look like in practice?: In practice, being proactive looks like getting out in front of problems before they happen and coming up with solutions before they’re needed. We find ways to improve before waiting for things to break. Proactive is preventative.

Adaptable We’re collaborative, and we’re willing to adjust based on what we learn.

• Why is it important?: In small businesses (both ours, and our clients’) things change quickly and often. We adapt to keep up!
• What does this look like in practice?: Technology, clients’ needs, and market demands are always changing. Being adaptable means we adjust our work and our expectations as factors shift.

Curious We listen, ask questions, read, and seek out best practices and novel solutions to tough problems.

• Why is it important?: Because we don’t know what we don’t know. Being curious and asking the right questions helps us continue to learn and improve.
• What does this look like in practice?: Being curious in our works means continuing to explore. We look for a good answer, but we also keep asking if there’s a better answer to the problem at hand.

Empathetic We know how hard it is to run a business, so we’re thoughtful in our communication and expectations.

• Why is it important?: Empathy builds trust. It’s hard to help each other if we don’t feel comfortable sharing what is and isn’t working. We put ourselves in each other’s shoes to understand the struggle and help find solutions without judgment.
• What does this look like in practice?: This looks like kindness and non-judgement when we encounter mistakes. It looks like patience and understanding when timelines need to be adjusted.

How business leaders should go about choosing their core values: 

When defining core values for small businesses, owners should consider a few key questions such as:

• What traits are shared by your best employees? This can help to identify the key characteristics and values that are most important to the success of the company. 
• What are the company’s core beliefs? 
• What is the company’s mission?
• And what do you want to be known for?
• What do you want your company to stand for? This question can help to identify the specific values and principles that are most important to the company and its leaders. 
• What do you want your employees to feel when they come to work? 

Once core values have been defined, small business leaders should communicate them effectively to employees. This can be done through various means such as employee handbooks, company newsletters, and regular team meetings. Additionally, core values should be consistently reinforced through the company’s actions and decisions, and should be held as a standard for performance evaluations.

In conclusion, small business leaders should define and communicate the core values that they expect from team members in order to create a shared sense of purpose and direction within the organization. This can lead to greater success in the long run. Additionally, communicating core values can also help to attract and retain top talent and in hiring quality candidates. By considering questions such as what traits are shared by your best employees, what the company’s core beliefs and mission are, and what the company wants to be known for, small business owners can define their company’s core values effectively.

As a small business owner, you know that time is your most valuable resource. Every minute counts when you’re trying to grow your business, and the pressure to do it all can be overwhelming. At Forte, we understand the challenges and importance of effective leadership, which is why we offer Executive Coaching. However, trying to do everything yourself can lead to burnout and stunted business growth. That’s why delegating is an essential investment for small business owners.

Delegating tasks not only frees up your time, but it also allows you to focus on the tasks that are most important for your business’s growth. In addition, it can improve your team’s morale and create a sense of ownership and accountability.

But delegating can be daunting, especially if you’re used to doing everything yourself. You might worry that your employees won’t do the task as well as you would, or that you’ll lose control over the business. However, the cost of not delegating well is far greater than the risk of delegating.

The Cost of Not Delegating Well

When you don’t delegate, you limit your ability to grow your business. You can only do so much on your own, and eventually, you’ll hit a wall. This can lead to burnout, missed opportunities, and a stagnant business.

Not delegating can also harm your team’s morale. Employees who feel like they’re not trusted to do important tasks can become disengaged and disinterested. This can lead to a high turnover rate and a negative company culture.

Finally, not delegating well can lead to poor decision-making. When you’re overwhelmed with tasks, you might make hasty decisions or overlook important details. This can lead to costly mistakes and damage to your reputation.

The Eisenhower Matrix: A Tool for Delegating

One of the biggest challenges of delegating is figuring out which tasks to delegate. The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple tool that can help you decide which tasks are most important and which ones can be delegated.

The matrix is divided into four quadrants:

Urgent and Important: These are tasks that need to be done right away and are critical for your business’s success. These tasks should be done by you or someone you trust.

Important but Not Urgent: These are tasks that are important for your business’s long term success but have unclear deadlines. These tasks can be delegated to someone else on your team or scheduled for you to do at a later time.

Urgent but Not Important: These are tasks that must get done but do not require your specific skillset, and can therefore be delegated.

Not Urgent and Not Important: These are tasks that don’t need to be done at all. They can be eliminated or delegated to someone else on your team.

Using the Eisenhower Matrix can help you prioritize your tasks and delegate effectively. By focusing on the tasks that are most important, you can ensure that your business continues to grow and thrive.

How to Delegate Effectively

Delegating effectively is about more than just assigning tasks to other people. It’s about creating a culture of trust and accountability, and empowering your team to take ownership of their work. Here are some tips for delegating effectively:

1. Communicate clearly: When delegating tasks, be clear about what needs to be done, why it’s important, and how it should be done. Make sure your team members have all the information they need to do the task successfully.
2. Set expectations: Be clear about your expectations for the task, including the timeline and any specific requirements. Make sure your team members know what success looks like.
3. Provide support: Give your team members the resources and support they need to do the task successfully. This might include training, access to tools or technology, or guidance from a mentor.
4. Follow up: Check in regularly with your team members to see how they’re progressing on the task. Offer feedback and support as needed to help them stay on track.
5. Trust your team: When you delegate tasks, trust that your team members can do the work successfully. Don’t micromanage or second-guess their decisions. Instead, offer guidance and support when needed.
6. Recognize success: When your team members complete tasks successfully, recognize their hard work and contributions. This can help boost morale and create a sense of ownership and pride in their work.

In conclusion, delegating is an essential investment for small business owners. By delegating tasks, you can free up your time, focus on the tasks that are most important for your business’s growth, and improve your team’s morale and accountability. The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple tool that can help you decide which tasks to delegate, and by delegating effectively, you can create a culture of trust and accountability within your team. Don’t let the fear of losing control or the belief that you’re the only one who can do it all hold you back. Delegating is a powerful tool that can help you grow your business and achieve your goals. Start delegating today, and watch your business thrive.

Small business owners often wear many hats and are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from marketing and sales to finance and operations. While this can be a rewarding aspect of running a small business, it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming. Small business consultants can help small business owners focus on what they do best by taking on some of the tasks that may be outside of their area of expertise or that are taking up too much of their time.

The Rest Of Your Team:

One of the key ways that small business consultants can help small business owners focus on what they do best is by taking on tasks that are not core to the business. For example, a small business owner who is an expert baker may be spending too much time on tasks such as bookkeeping and social media marketing, rather than focusing on what they are truly passionate about: creating delicious baked goods. Small business consultants can help by handling these tasks, freeing up the small business owner to focus on what they do best.

A Fresh Perspective

Small business consultants can also provide a fresh perspective on the business and help identify areas for improvement. They can assess the current business model and operations, and recommend changes or strategies that may help the business run more efficiently and effectively. This can be especially useful for small business owners who may be too close to the business and may not have the time or resources to step back and take a comprehensive look at the bigger picture.

New Knowledge and Skills

In addition to taking on tasks that are not core to the business, small business consultants can also help small business owners develop new skills and knowledge. This can be particularly useful for small business owners who are looking to expand or diversify their business, but may not have the expertise or resources to do so on their own. Small business consultants can provide guidance and support as the business grows and evolves, helping the small business owner navigate challenges and make informed decisions about the future direction of the business.

Additional Support, Insights and Tools

One of the main benefits of working with small business consultants is that they can provide valuable support and guidance as the business grows and evolves. Small business owners may not have the time or resources to handle all of the tasks and challenges that come with running a business, and small business consultants can help fill in the gaps. They can provide valuable insights and tools that can help small business owners succeed and grow their businesses, and they can be a valuable resource as the business navigates the ups and downs of the entrepreneurial journey.

Goal Setting, Clarity & Focus

Another way that small business consultants can help small business owners focus on what they do best is by providing strategic planning and goal setting support. Small business consultant can work with the small business owner to identify their long-term goals and create a plan to achieve them. This can include setting short-term and long-term goals, as well as identifying the steps that need to be taken to achieve those goals. By working with small business consultants, small business owners can gain clarity and focus, and they can be better equipped to make informed decisions about the future direction of their business.

So You Can #FocusOnYourForte

At Forte, we want to be the rest of your team and a valuable resource for small business owners who are looking to focus on what they do best. By taking on tasks that are not core to the business, providing guidance and support as the business grows and evolves, and helping with strategic planning and goal setting, small business consultants can help small business owners succeed and achieve their goals.

In the dynamic landscape of business, success often hinges on the ability to adapt and innovate. Yet, at the core of every thriving enterprise lies a fundamental truth – a healthy business begins with a strong foundation. Central to this foundation are the robust systems that form the backbone of an organization, providing structure, efficiency, and resilience.

The Blueprint for Success: Establishing Systems from Day One

Imagine a business as a house. To weather storms and stand tall, it needs a solid foundation. Similarly, for a business to endure challenges and foster sustainable growth, it must have well-defined systems in place from the outset. Whether it’s financial processes, operational workflows, or team structures, these systems serve as the blueprint for success.

Efficiency and Consistency: The Power of Operational Systems

Operational systems are the gears that keep a business running smoothly. From supply chain management to customer service protocols, having efficient operational systems ensures consistency in day-to-day activities. This consistency, in turn, fosters reliability and builds trust among clients, customers, and team members.

Navigating Change with Strategic Systems

In the fast-paced business environment, change is inevitable. Robust systems act as navigational tools, guiding businesses through transitions, expansions, or market shifts. A strategic system, for instance, helps align company goals, values, and vision, offering a clear path forward even in the face of uncertainty.

Team Empowerment through Human Resources Systems

The heart of any organization is its people. Human Resources systems play a pivotal role in empowering teams, promoting a positive workplace culture, and enhancing employee engagement. From onboarding processes to performance management, these systems contribute to the overall health and vitality of a business by nurturing its most valuable asset – its workforce.

Financial Fortitude: Systems for Fiscal Health

Financial systems are the lifeline of a business, ensuring fiscal health and sustainability. From budgeting and forecasting to expense management, a well-designed financial system provides insights into the economic heartbeat of the company. This transparency enables informed decision-making and positions the business for long-term success.

Forte’s Approach: Holistic Business Health through Comprehensive Systems

At Forte Business Solutions, we understand that building a healthy business requires more than isolated strategies – it demands a holistic approach. We focus on comprehensive systems, encompassing operational, human resources, and financial aspects, empowers businesses to thrive at every level.

Through our Business Health Framework, we collaborate with clients to discover their unique needs, plan strategically, and implement systems that create a foundation for sustainable growth. By prioritizing the development of robust systems, we aim to fortify businesses, ensuring they stand resilient in the face of challenges and prosper in moments of opportunity.

Forte we are not just consultants, we are the rest of your team, working hand-in-hand to construct a business that not only survives but thrives. Join us in the pursuit of business health, where every system we build is a step towards a more resilient, adaptable, and successful future.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a crucial aspect of any business, small or large. They are measurable values that help businesses track their progress and determine how well they are achieving their goals. Building a dashboard to display these KPIs can be an effective way for small businesses to keep track of their performance and make data-driven decisions.

There are several reasons why tracking KPIs and building a dashboard is important for small businesses:

1. Provides a clear overview of business performance: A dashboard allows small business owners to see all of their important metrics in one place. This makes it easier to get a clear overview of the business’s performance and identify any areas that may need improvement.
2. Helps identify trends and patterns: By tracking KPIs over time, small businesses can identify trends and patterns in their data. This can help them make informed decisions about the direction of their business and where to focus their efforts.
3. Enables data-driven decision making: A dashboard allows small businesses to make data-driven decisions rather than relying on gut instincts or guesswork. By analyzing the data displayed on the dashboard, business owners can make informed decisions that are based on solid evidence.
4. Improves efficiency and productivity: Tracking KPIs can help small businesses identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in their processes. By addressing these issues, small businesses can improve their efficiency and productivity, leading to increased profits and success.
5. Facilitates goal setting and monitoring: A dashboard can help small businesses set and monitor specific goals. For example, a business owner may set a goal to increase their website traffic by 25% over the next quarter. By tracking the relevant KPI (in this case, website traffic), the business owner can monitor their progress towards this goal and make any necessary adjustments to their marketing strategy.
6. Allows for better communication with stakeholders: A dashboard can be a useful tool for communicating the performance of a small business to stakeholders such as investors, employees, and customers. By providing a clear and concise overview of the business’s performance, small business owners can effectively communicate their achievements and plans for the future.

In order to build an effective dashboard, small businesses need to first determine which KPIs are most relevant to their business and its goals. Some common KPIs for small businesses include revenue, profit margin, customer acquisition cost, and customer retention rate. Once the relevant KPIs have been identified, small businesses can choose the best method for tracking and displaying them.

There are several options for building a dashboard, including using a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, or using a specialized dashboard tool such as Tableau or Geckoboard. Whichever method is chosen, it is important to ensure that the dashboard is user-friendly and provides all of the necessary information in a clear and concise manner.

In conclusion, tracking KPIs and building a dashboard is important for small businesses because it allows them to get a clear overview of their performance, identify trends and patterns, make data-driven decisions, improve efficiency and productivity, set and monitor specific goals, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. By taking the time to build an effective dashboard, small businesses can set themselves up for success and achieve their goals.