Manage a small-to-medium business

Manage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.

manage SMEs
manage the operation of a small- or medium enterprise
manage a small to medium business
manage an SME
manage small-to-medium businesses
manage a small-to-medium enterprise
manage a small- or medium-sized enterprise

skill/competence

sector-specific

Manage a small-to-medium business is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Beauty salon manager: Beauty salon managers oversee the daily operations and staff management in a beauty salon. They ensure customer satisfaction, budget control and inventory management. Beauty salon managers set up and enforce salon rules and cleanliness guidelines. They are also in charge of promoting the salon to attract new clients.
Aquaculture production manager: Aquaculture production managers plan, direct and coordinate the production of fish, shellfish or other forms of aquatic life such as cash crops, in large-scale aquaculture operations to culture and harvest or for release into fresh, brackish or salt water. 

Manage a small-to-medium business is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Aquaculture hatchery manager: Aquaculture hatchery managers plan, direct, and coordinate the production in large-scale aquaculture operations to breed fish and shellfish, developing aquaculture breeding strategies using various types of spawning techniques. They control the reproduction and the early life cycle stages of cultured species. They supervise incubation, early feeding and rearing techniques of the cultured species.
Specialised veterinarian: Specialised veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity, all aspects of veterinary medicine, in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. In addition they need a recognized qualification and/or experience in a specific species and/or veterinary procedure.

Veterinary specialisms are generally classified according to species and/or procedures, for example:

Species covered may include equine and zoological animals
Procedures covered may include cardiology, orthopaedics

Current lists  of specialisms and details for the specific qualifications and experience required can be found at:
http://www.ebvs.org/
https://www.avma.org/Pages/home.aspx

You are advised to contact the relevant national regulatory body for further information.
Hairdresser: Hairdressers offer beauty services such as cutting, colouring, bleaching, permanent waving and styling clients’ hair. They ask their clients about their hairstyle preferences in order to provide customised services. Hairdressers use clippers, scissors and razors. They provide hair and scalp treatments and shampoo, condition and rinse hair.
Gunsmith: Gunsmiths modify and repair metal fabricated firearms for special costumer specifications. They use machines and hand tools such as planers, grinders and millers to alter and restore guns, and they may also apply engravings, carvings and other decorative finishing touches to the otherwise finished product.
Masseur/masseuse: Masseurs/masseuses perform massages to help their clients relax and de-stress according to their preferences. They use appropriate massages, equipment and oils and also instruct their clients on techniques to improve relaxation.
Watch and clock repairer: Watch and clock repairers maintain and repair wristwatches and clocks. They identify defects, change batteries, fit new straps, oil and replace damaged parts. They may also restore antique clocks.
Sports equipment repair technician: Sports equipment repair technicians maintain and repair recreational sports equipment such as tennis rackets, archery tools and camping equipment. They use specialised hand tools or mechanical tools to restore damaged parts.
Pest management worker: Pest management workers identify, eliminate and repel pests by applying specific chemical solutions, setting traps and other equipment to control pests such as rats, mice and cockroaches. They apply pesticides and clean and remove pests after extermination. Their tasks might include elimination of fungi, moisture or insects. They inform and advise clients, residents and facility owners on after care and preventive methods to keep away pests.
Furniture cleaner: Furniture cleaners maintain furniture items by removing dust, applying furniture polish, cleaning stains and maintaining colouring.
Medium: Mediums claim to act as communicators between the natural world and the spiritual world.  They convey statements or images which they claim have been provided by spirits and that can have significant personal and often private meanings to their client.
 
Equine dental technician: Equine dental technicians provide routine equine dental care, using appropriate equipment in accordance with national legislation.

Bicycle mechanic: Bicycle mechanics maintain and repair a variety of bicycle models and component parts. They may perform customized alterations, according to their client’s preferences.
Body artist: Body artists decorate clients’ skin temporarily or permanently. They use various techniques such as tattooing or piercing. Body artists follow clients’ preferences in terms of tattoo’s or piercing’s design and body surface and apply it safely. They also advise on methods to avoid infection following the procedures on clients’ bodies.
Chimney sweep supervisor: Chimney sweep supervisors oversee and coordinate the activities of chimney sweeps. They do quality checks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Pedicurist: Pedicurists offer cosmetic treatment and care for their clients’ feet and toenails. They cut and shape toenails, give footbaths and exfoliation treatments and apply nail polish.
Barber: Barbers cut, trim, taper and style men’s hair. They also remove facial hair by shaving the specific area. Barbers use tools such as scissors, clippers, razors and combs. They may offer additional services like shampooing, styling, coloring and performing scalp massages.
Pesticides sprayer: Pesticides sprayers mix pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, and other chemical solutions, and apply them via technical equipment such as sprayers on trees, plants and lawns. They clean and maintain operating machinery and ensure the overall safety in designated areas.
Tutor: Tutors provide personalised education to the children of employers or to adults, in addition to the main education system. They help students improve their knowledge and competence of a specific subject, at their own pace. Tutors will teach their students study techniques and strategies in order to ensure their academic development and will assess the student’s progress throughout the tutoring sessions.
Animal groomer: Animal groomers are in charge of grooming a range of animals, using the correct equipment, materials and methods. It includes use of appropriate and safe handling techniques and the promotion of good hygiene, health and welfare of the animal. 

Toymaker: Toymakers create or reproduce hand-made objects for sale and exhibition made of various materials such as plastic, wood and textile. They develop, design and sketch the object, select the materials and cut, shape and process the materials as necessary and apply finishes. In addition, toymakers maintain and repair all types of toys, including mechanical ones. They identify defects in toys, replace damaged parts and restore their functionality.
Guide dog instructor: Guide dog instructors train dogs to be responsible in guiding blind people to travel effectively. They plan the training sessions, match guide dogs with their clients and ensure overall routine care of the training dogs. Guide dog instructors also provide advice to the blind people in the use of techniques that facilitate dog’s travel skills and mobility.
Wedding planner: Wedding planners assist with all logistical details required concerning their client’s wedding ceremony. Based on their client’s requirements, they make arrangements for floral decorations, wedding venue and catering, guest invitations, etc., coordinating activities both before and during the wedding.
Astrologer: Astrologers analyse constellation and motions of celestial objects and specific stellar and planetary alignments. They present this analysis together with their own interpretations about clients’ temperament, predispositions related to their health, love and marriage issues, business and job opportunities and other personal aspects.
 
Hair removal technician: Hair removal technicians provide cosmetic services to their clients by removing unwanted hair on various body parts. They can use different techniques for temporary hair removal, such as epilation and depilation techniques, or permanent hair removal methods, such as electrolysis or intense pulsed light.
Recreational facilities manager: Recreational facilities managers direct the operations of facilities that provide recreational services such as gardens, spas, zoos, gambling and lottery facilities. They plan and organise the daily operations of the related staff and facilities and ensure the organisation follows the latest developments in its field. They coordinate the different departments of the facility and manage the correct use of resources and budgets.

Pet sitter: Pet sitters provide animal-sitting services including dog walking, home-boarding, pet/home sitting, day boarding and animal transportation services.  They maintain records, use appropriate and safe handling techniques and do routine monitoring of the health and welfare of the animal.
Power tool repair technician: Power tool repair technicians identify defects and repair electrically powered tools such as drills, chainsaws, lawn mowers and grinding machines. They disassemble, test and replace defective parts in tools. Power tools repair technicians advise customers on maintenance products and methods for their equipment. They may sell such products.
Window cleaner: Window cleaners use cleaning tools such as sponges and detergents to clean windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces of buildings, both on the interior and exterior. They use specific ladders to clean taller buildings, using safety belts for support.
Massage therapist: Massage therapists provide therapeutic massage treatments to improve the well-being of their clients. They perform a variety of massage types such as shiatsu and swedish massage, according to their client’s needs and preferences.
Fortune teller: Fortune tellers claim to foretell future events about a person’s life and provide clients with their interpretation. They often use various techniques such as card reading, palm reading or tea-leaves reading.
 
Aesthetician: Aestheticians offer skin care treatments. They apply various facial treatments according to their clients’ needs and skin type, such as lotions, scrubs, peels and masks, in order to maintain the skin healthy and attractive. Aestheticians may also give neck massages and body treatments such as wraps. Aestheticians remove unwanted hair on different body parts like eyebrows, upper lip or the bikini area. They perform facial massage and apply make-up for various occasions.
Chimney sweep: Chimney sweeps undertake cleaning activities of chimneys for all types of buildings. They remove ash and soot and perform maintenance on a regular basis, following health and safety regulations. Chimney sweeps may perform safety inspections and minor repairs.
Office equipment repair technician: Office equipment repair technicians provide services to businesses related to installing, maintaining and repairing new or existing equipment such as printers, scanners and modems, on the clients’ premises. They keep records of performed services and return equipment to a repair centre if needed.
Computer hardware repair technician: Computer hardware repair technicians install, examine, test and repair computer hardware and peripheral components. They test computers’ functionality, identify the problems and replace damaged components and parts.
Kennel supervisor: Kennel supervisors monitor the daily operations of the kennel under their supervision. They ensure that the pets kept in kennels are being properly handled and cared for. Kennel supervisors supervise the working staff and maintain contact with the owners of the pets while they drop off or pick up the pets.
Service manager: Service managers are responsible for the supervision and coordination of the provision of different professional and technical services to customers. They ensure a smooth interaction with clients and high levels of satisfaction post-service. This occupation includes the provision of policing, correctional, library, legal and fire services.
Manicurist: Manicurists provide fingernail care. They clean, cut and shape the nails, remove cuticles and apply polish. Manicurists apply artificial fingernails and other decorative items on nails. They advice on nail and hand care and sell specialised products.
Personal stylist: Personal stylists assist their clients in making fashion choices. They advise on the latest fashion trends in clothing, jewellery and accessories and help their clients choose the right outfit, depending on the type of social event, their tastes and body types. Personal stylists teach their clients how to make decisions regarding their overall appearance and image.
Jewellery repairer: Jewellery repairers use specialised hand tools to carry out adjustments and repairs to all types of jewellery pieces. They resize rings or necklaces, reset gems, and repair broken jewellery parts. Jewellery repairers identify the suitable precious metals to be used as replacements, solder and smooth joints. They clean and polish the repaired pieces to be returned to the customer.
Shoe repairer: Shoe repairers repair and renew deteriorated footwear and other items like belts or bags. They use hand tools and specialised machinery to add soles and heels, replace worn-out buckles and clean and polish shoes.
General veterinarian: General veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity, all aspects of veterinary medicine, in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. The generalist veterinarian can work with any species, however they may choose to work with a single species or types such as equine, companion or production animals.
Veterinary receptionist: Veterinary receptionists provide reception and office/administrative support in a veterinary practice, scheduling appointments and receiving clients, sale and advice on animal related products, in accordance with national legislation. 
Mobile phone repair technician: Mobile phone repair technicians run tests to assess the mobile phones’ functionality, install and update phone software, troubleshoot wiring problems, and replace damaged parts and components such as batteries, LCD screens, keypads, buttons. They also advise their clients on warranty issues and recommend products based on their expertise.
Household appliances repair technician: Household appliances repair technicians use electrical equipment to test resistance or voltage and to identify appliances’ malfunctions. They repair small and large electrical or gas home appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners and refrigerators.
Dating service consultant: Dating service consultants provide support to clients in searching and finding a partner and setting up the date. They provide personalised advice to help clients meet their dating objectives. They also work in the virtual environment where they assist the online users in managing personal profiles, sending messages, and making connections.
Consumer electronics repair technician: Consumer electronics repair technicians use electrical equipment to diagnose malfunctions and test functionality of consumer electronics such as TVs, video and audio systems and digital cameras. They read manufacturers’ instructions and conduct the necessary repairs or replacements.
Animal trainer: Animal trainers train animals and/or animal handlers for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.
Life coach: Life coaches help clients set clear objectives for their personal development and help them achieve their goals and personal vision. They provide counselling and guidance and establish progress reports in order to keep track of their clients’ achievements.
Psychic: Psychics claim to have extra-sensory talents to gather information and insight into people’s lives, events or situations. They offer advice to clients about topics of importance to their clients such as health, money and love. Psychics often work with traditional practices such as tarot card reading, palm reading or using astrological charts.
 

References

1. Manage a small-to-medium business – ESCO