10 Business Tips to Give Your Start-up a Boost
Before you jump into entrepreneurship, there are certain things you’ll want to know in order to succeed. Here is just a summary of some of those important things you must consider before embarking on the brave journey of entrepreneurship.
Granted, you’ll need to have more details than what is provided below, but the list is a start so you’ll think about what you need to be focusing on.
- Fill a need
People will pay for things they value, so whatever you choose, make sure it is filling a need for the people you wish to target. Keep in mind that it is important that you provide what your customer wants; not just what you think they want. You can use Survey Monkey, a free online survey service, to assist you in conducting a poll to make sure you are on the right track.
- Do your research
Study the upsides and downsides of being in the type of business you want to go into. Check for the legal, zoning and licensing requirements. Also, talk to people who are in a similar business as yours. Check with the Small Business Association (SBA) and the Small Business Development Center in your area. The Census Bureau also has a wealth of information when starting up a business.
- It will not be easy
Success takes time and a constant effort. So, have the patience and tenacity to continue when the going gets tough… because it will. Understand that growing your business will be a process. Be honest with yourself about how much time, effort and money you are willing to invest.
- Know your competition
One trick is to find out the ways in which they are underserving customers and use that information as an advantage to gain more clients for yourself. Do not do yourself a disservice by thinking that you do NOT have to be one step ahead of your competitors.
- Write a business plan
You’ll literally be lost without this plan, so make sure you have one properly written before you make any move on your business idea. A business plan gives you direction. And if soliciting funds from a bank, this business plan can be the deciding factor in whether your request is declined or granted.
- Avoid debts
No matter how small your business is you still will need money to grow it. It takes money to make money and you are going to have to make some commitment as to how you are going to spend your finances. How you manage your personal money may not be much different than how you handle your finances.
- Customers come first
Your customers are your business. You can’t have a business without customers. You have to be good at identifying who they are, what they want and how to keep them as a customer. Also, note that everyone is not your customer. You are not going to please everyone, so know when to let a customer go.
- Don’t quit your day job…yet
You still need money, so before you tick off your boss and return your employee ID badge, make sure your own business has crossed the trial stage and is bringing in equal to or more than your salary. You’ll be in a deep financial disorder if you quit your job without a solid business on the ground.
- Choose a unique name
Make sure your business name is unique and related to the goods and services you offer. Also, check to see if your company’s name is available for an internet domain name and company trademark. Things could get messy if you use someone else’s name or trademark, so take all the necessary steps to avoid that mistake. Check with the United States Patent and Trademark office.
- Self-care Matters in Business
Don’t get so caught up in preparing to do what you love that you fail to make self-care a part of your business strategy. Always remember that your health is your wealth and you need to keep self-care as a part of your lifestyle. At some point, you may not have a business, but you will have a life that needs to be happy, healthy, and hopefully, financially sound.
