Business Success Center

Proven programs that grow great businesses for great people who care.

BSC_Logo Bold

  • For Your Success
    • BSC’s 3 Great Business™ Growth Programs
    • PMAT™ Profit Improver™ Programs
    • Why Our Way Works
  • Blogs
    • Business Improvement
    • Business Tools
    • Growth Readiness
    • Networking
    • Small Business Advocacy
  • Your Award-Winning Team
    • Meet the BSC Expert Staff
    • BSC Core Values
    • Client Focus
    • Successes
  • Contact Us/Meeting Request
  • Call us at: 512-933-1983

28+ Business Permission to Operate “If” Clauses

November 6, 2018 By Jan Triplett

Iceberg with a question mark is a good metaphor for rules and regulations for businesses.

There’s a lot below the surface when it comes to Business Permission to Operate

Anthony Palomba didn’t know about the “Business Permission to Operate If Clauses” when he started but he does now. He started Thakgnosis, which means “to know peace” but he hasn’t found time for that as a new business owner.  The business is located in Austin, Texas, but it would have been the same no matter where he was. The Business “If Clause” is everywhere and affects all businesses of every size.

What is this nemesis? Who is this desperado, this spoiler, who steals the joy of business ownership? It’s all the other “stuff” that is required in order to do business besides providing products and services to customers. The biggest culprit: compliance.

The Business Permission to Operate If Clause is translated and understood to mean “you have our permission to do business here if you….” (fill in the blank). It can be costly — as much as $83, 019 in the first year and it doesn’t get better. Older businesses spend 40 hours on average dealing with federal regulations and another 40 on state and local regulations.  Non-compliance is expensive averaging $30, 651 in fines. These figures come from the January 2017 Small Business Regulations Study conducted online by the National Small Business Association. This doesn’t even mention the other certifications, requirements, orders from industry and professional groups who also control permission. It may be correct to be a little skeptical about the figures (only 1000 survey respondents) but whatever they are, they certainly impact the attitude and behavior of business owners like Palomba.

The Business Permission If Clause has been around forever — since commerce began. It is what gives every business owner the permission or right to have a business in a community and serve its people. It goes by over twenty-eight different names and 160 times more when you translate those into the major languages of the world. The two most common names “rules” and “regulations”. (See list below.)

Business Permission If Clause 28+ Terms

•       Regulation

•       Ordinance

•       Order

•       Permit

•       License

•       Rule

•       Certification

•       Code

•       Law

•       Legislation

•       Licensing

•       Restrictions

•       Treaty

•       Evaluation

 

•       Standards

•       Statute

•       Goal/Objective

•       Practices

•       Procedure

•       Provisions

•       Requirements

•       Package

•       Audit

•       Policy

•       Act

•       Contract/Agreement

•       Tradition

•       International Terms for all of the above

 

Over twenty-two different groups plus international groups by country, decide external governance — not just the local, state or federal government control that permission. (See list below.)

Governing Bodies Who Control or Influence the Business Permission to Operate If Clause

•       City

•       County

•       State

•       Region

•       Federal Legislature

•       Licensing Agency

•       Trade Association

•       Professional Association

•       Home Owners Associations

•       Regulators

•       Grant Providers

 

•       Agency/Dept

•       Location owner/developer

•       Audit

•       Chamber

•       Council of Gov (COGs)

•       Insurance Providers

•       Financial Institutions

•       International Agencies

•       UN

•       EU and other groups of countries who  have agreements

•       Individual Countries (not including the US)

 

Big Problem: Keeping Up with Business Permissions

The biggest problem for new owners as well as more experienced owners is keeping up with all those names and all those external governance permissions. It is a moving target but something to add to the MUST DO Task list.

There are some general realities about them that are worth repeating to all businesses:

  • Laws remain on the books after no one follows them or believes them.
  • Conflict in governance exists because there are conflicting rules.
  • Probably two-thirds of proposed rules won’t apply to you — one third will — so you need to read them all to find that one third.
  • Government rules originate from those who gain enough power to make the rule (citizens, Unions, countries, those with a lot to gain) not from those we elect; professional rules originate from leaders of the organization and their goals.
  • You will have to make choices to obey or not based on your own ethics and moral perspective.
  • You will be in violation at some point.
  • You will have to pay the price of your decision to comply or not to comply.
  • External governance is one of the hardest parts of being in business.

It’s easy in an election season to focus on the candidates and forget about what also matters to business — those neglected Propositions. Each one has the potential to become the next Business Permission to Operate If Clause because they affect your business, your workforce, your customers, and your community. Don’t do that. Do your homework. Pay attention to them and encourage others to really think about them before they vote.

Filed Under: Infrastructure, Legal, Planning & Vision, Small Business/Entrepreneur History Tagged With: Business Permission to Operate, External Governance, Permission to Operate, Small Business Governance

Meet BSC Satisfied Clients

  • Ana's Unlimited Foods

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/anas-unlimited.jpg

  • Brytan & Associates, Inc.

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/bryant-truitt-brytan-associates-cert-fraud-examiner.jpg

  • Dr. Angelique Millette, Child Sleep Expert

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/angelique-millette-new-phd-childrens-sleep-expert.png

  • Better Baseball Texas — Rope Bat™

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/image001.png

  • TeamFX Racing

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/teamfx-gary02.jpg

  • No Time for Social

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4389-1.jpg

  • Happy Vegan

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/happy-vegan-charlotte-bothma-2016.png

  • Howie Richey, Author

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/h-with-4-books.jpg

  • Trout Green Technologies, Inc.

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/trout-green-432x250-1.jpg

  • Tweed Scott, Author

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/tweed-scott-author.jpg

  • Patricia's Lunchbox

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/screen-shot-2015-09-28-at-95543-am.png

  • Andrew Eisenberg, Michael Best, IP Attorneys

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4526-1.jpg

  • Paula Pierce, PPierce Law

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/Paula-Pierce.jpg

  • Sri & Usha Boddapu, Esolvit

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/Esolvit-Economic-Engine-award-2017-from-GAACC-received-by-Sri-Rao-Boddapu-and-Usha-Boddapu.jpeg

  • Dawn Weathersby, Marketing Consultant

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4426-e1469830257759.jpg

  • 360 Signs

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/downtown-client-pics-003-432x250.jpg

  • Austin Pro Photo

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC5535-Edit.jpg

  • Cosmo City Media

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/image.png

  • Stage Alliance

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/stage-alliance.jpg

  • Deborah Main Designs

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/deborah-main-picture.jpg

  • Saffire Events

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/saffireevents432x250.jpg

  • Team NFP Software & Solutions

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/justq432x250.jpg

  • Journyx

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/journyx432x250.jpg

  • Mane Street Bakery

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/mane-street-bakery.jpg

  • Innox Digital

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/matiascarrasco432x250.jpg

  • Hayes SW Systems

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/hayesswsystemstrimmed.jpg

  • Business Tutor, LLC

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/karen3.jpg

  • INTUVI

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/intuvi435x250.jpg

  • Gilfus Racing Enterprises

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/gilfus-racing-enterprises.jpg

  • Art + Artisans

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/artartisans.jpg

  • GEO+

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/man02432x250.jpg

  • The Herb Bar

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/herblady432x250.jpg

  • Exploring New Media

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/lindsey-allen-vv.jpg

  • Busivid

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/busivid432x250.jpg

  • Gold Scaffold

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/gold-scaffold.jpg

  • Sumpter and Gonzalez, Attorneys

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/sumpter-and-gonzalez-attorneys-432x250.jpg

  • SOAP

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/soap-jp432x250.jpg

  • TTM Enterprises, Inc

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/BSC2005-Toni-Martin.jpg

  • Sledge Engineering

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/sledge-engineering432x250.jpg

  • Brite Ideas

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/brite-ideas-staff432x250.jpg

  • Gryphon Graphics

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/gryphon-graphics.jpg

  • PRE Management

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/pre-management.jpg

  • DrakeLight Photography

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/drakelight-photography.jpg

  • FalconDay Consulting

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/laurafaulkner432x2502.jpg

  • INSolve, Inc.

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/homeville.jpg

  • Mane Street Bakery

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/mane-street-bakery432x250.jpg

  • Natalie Howe Designs

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/natalie-howe-designs.jpg

  • 6th Street Smiles

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/austin-6th-st-smiles432x250-432x250.jpg

  • PC Doctors

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/pc-doctors.jpg

  • StageSpot

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/stagespot.jpg

  • Morningside Research

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/morningside-research.jpg

  • Paradise Bay

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/paradise-bay.jpg

  • Allscapes Lawncare

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/allscapes-lawncare.jpg

  • Mark Word Design

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/mark-word-design.jpg

  • OMS Global

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/oms-global.jpg

  • Leverage Communications

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/leverage-communications.jpg

  • J B Goodwin

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/jb-goodwin.jpg

  • Independent Brewing Company

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/independent-brewing-company.jpg

  • GlobalTrain

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/globaltrain.jpg

  • Forklift.com

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/com.jpg

  • FireFly LED Lighting

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/firefly-led-lighting.jpg

  • PC+

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/pc.jpg

  • Lara Executive Image

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/BSC2006-Julie-Lara.jpg

  • Trish's Delish

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/trishs-delish.jpg

  • Stone Technologies

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/stone-technologies.jpg

  • Stellar Systems

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/stellar-systems-inc.jpg

  • Savor the Success

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/savor-the-success.jpg

  • RSK International

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/rsk-international.jpg

  • Dr Suzi Du Toit

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/-suzi-du-toit.jpg

  • StockRoller, Inc

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/man03432x250.jpg

  • Innovative Healthcare Solutions

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/BSC2003-Shane-Burt-2.jpg

  • Webber - Studio

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/webber432x250.jpg

  • Wildly Natural

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/wildly-natural432x250.jpg

  • CSI-Texas, Inc

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/csi-texas-inc.jpg

  • CowBob Productions

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/cowbob-productions.jpg

  • CIS Inventory Solutions

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/cis-inventory-solutions.jpg

  • SamePageResults

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/charles-knickerbocker-and-associates.jpg

  • Caudillo Studios / Get the Picture

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/caudillo-studiosget-the-picture.jpg

  • Barebac

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/barebac.jpg

  • Austin Yoga Arts

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/austin-yoga-arts.jpg

  • Austin EnviroSolutions

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/austin-envirosolutions.jpg

  • Art of Jamie Rood

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/art-of-jamie-rood.jpg

  • TexFX

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/texfx.jpg

  • PRE Management

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/man01432x250.jpg

  • Ace on Hold

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/ace-on-hold.jpg

  • Go Local Austin

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/femalemale432x250.jpg

  • CIS Asset Solutions

    http://ownersview.com/wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/BSC2006-Scott-McClain.jpg

Previous Image
Next Image

info heading

info content

News

Be sure to check out our five blogs with posts to help you grow!

• Business Improvement
• Business Tools
• Growth Readiness
• Networking
• Small Business Advocacy

 

ALERT!

• BSC's Weekly Reinventing Business Nationwide Forum , Thursdays, noon-1 CDT. Come learn and share your expertise.

 

• Business Success Center Profit Mover™ advisory team program can provide a unified approach to growing and managing your business to create double profits & increasing your management efficiency. Call 512-933-1983 to set a meeting to see if it's right for you.

Copyright © 2021 Exploring New Media