|
Author: Rachael Bermingham Article source: http://www.e-syndicate.net/. Used with author's permission.
In my career, I have had a total of 3 businesses myself and a few others where I am in partnerships. Each time you start a business the basics are pretty well the same. Here are 10 things I believe are really important for anyone starting up a business....
1. Don't waste your dollars on things you don't need. This alone is one of the biggest reasons people go under. You simply won't need expensive office equipment, computers, phone systems etc when starting out. You'll be surprised at how well a computer of 2 years will perform in caparison to one that's brand new for triple the price! Be real with your $$$$. The basic here is that if it's not going to make money for you, build or protect your business then simply AND quickly look/walk away so you're not tempted to buy it - extravagance has no place when your starting a business on a budget. If you've got hundreds of thousands to splurge though, forget all of the above and go to point 2!
2. Develop a plan of where you wish for you AND your business to be this time next year. You will need to think about such things as a basic marketing plan to so you know what marketing you need to do to achieve that outcome. Starting and building a business is like building a house without the framework it's bound to crumble. Think of your business plan as your roadmap - without it you don't know where you're headed or how to get there. So take a couple of hours and give it some consideration, if you're serious about developing a successful business then I'm sure you can get serious enough to schedule some time in to do it.
3. Ask and get advise - this is huge! This one factor if not done or acted upon can send you under in a quick way! Ask professionals for help and guidance, they will steer you clear of known traps that you just won't know about starting out (I've learnt this one the hard way!). You don't need to be a hero and do everything, and think of everything, yourself. Hate to tell you this but, when you start out you DON'T know everything ok - so don't embarrass yourself by thinking you do, as the only one you'll fool will be yourself(indeed years down the track I'm still learning something everyday)
4. Make sure your business look is congruent. Have a business name that explains what you do so you're customers are buying or dealing from you rather than trying to figure out what you do. BEFORE you register the name, check that you can also get the website domain for it too. It's a real inconvenience and creates dramas for your customer AND you having to explain it to everyone! Colours, style etc need to be the same throughout your website, stationary, business cards etc
5. Hire right - if you are in the retail sector than hire a people person with personality plus over someone with the skills - you can teach practical skills such as taking money etc - but you can't teach people skills. If you need someone for accounts or admin where they aren't dealing with your customers then obviously the skills are more important.
6. Base your business on how you can add value to your customers. You'd be surprised how your business it will grow by suiting the needs of your 'ideal' client AND looking after them each and every time.
7. Know, understand and keep in contact with clients you WANT to deal with - it will not only make business more pleasurable for you and the clients will love dealing with you as you're always happy etc too - happy clients, more business, more referrals, less money spent on advertising and marketing!
8. Get organised - for goodness sake, NO ONE enjoys being stuffed around by someone always giving excuses for their mess, un-organisation, forgetting to follow through, not implementing, lack of communication, being late etc etc etc - get yourself some solid an effective systems to back you up in business so you can do it right EVERY time.
9. Work WITHIN your budget - never above it. It is disastrous to think "Oh we'll get more money in, it'll be right, or oh such as such is expected to pay this month" etc - it won't be - be conservative in your spend otherwise you will go under before you can blink! Don't sign leases or contracts on anything based on a projected income - you're playing with fire and you'll be busy enough without the stress and pressure of this to add to your lot.
10. Outsource what you're not good at or don't like. I'll admit it I do not enjoy any form of admin - yet I'm a perfectionist and need everything to be systemised so it frees me up to be creative. So instead of learning how to do accounts in MYOB and instead of procrastinating for days on filing etc (after I gave both a go time and again) it was easier, quicker and more productive for me and my business to outsource it to someone who WAS passionate about doing it. Not only do they do it in a fraction of the time - but they do it well because they love doing it!
Of course I could easily keep going on - there's always something you learn in business - however I'm sure these 10 will give you a great place to start...
And one more thing ENJOY what you're doing - if you're not, you're definitely in the wrong game and now is a good time to change careers!
Abundant Success To You!
Rachael Bermingham
http://www.marketingtosuccess.com
http://globalsuccesscommunity.com
This article may be printed in full with author contacts and details - please send your details to info@marketingtosuccess.com if you wish to use for our records. This article was written by Rachael Bermingham, Australian business woman, international marketing strategist and entrepreneur.
Incredibly Bad Articles Will Kill Your Credibility
I've noticed a disturbing trend recently of articles suggesting that people write articles to send traffic to their websites, and enhance their credibility. In ...
Independent Auto Detail Shop VS Biz Op or Franchise
Owning a detail shop can be an exciting and rewarding business indeed. Many times an owner of an independent Detailing Shop will wish to add those items he/she ...
The Secret of Getting Free
Cell phones. Email. Video conferencing. The World Wide Web.
Creative Thinking - A Different Way To Think
Creative thinking is the opposite of critical thinking. We learned the latter only in school and college though both ways of thinking are crucial for a successf...
Wacky Test Marketing: Part 3
Once again I used my wacky test marketing strategy to announce a new project and once again it worked.
I Already Have an MLS Listing, Why Do I Need an Internet Ad?
In today's real estate market, astute buyers are also looking to realize savings by dealing directly with the seller.
Managing E-Mails - 7 Tips for Effective Communication
The sending and receiving of e-mails can eat up lots of your time if you let it. Keep on top of it with these easy tips.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) Deconstructed
Learn about the Hero's Journey by analysing the deconstruction of Raiders of the Lost Ark....
What Can Go Into A Plot?
Creative Writing Tips - We all tackle plotting differently. How you plot will be individual to you, as it is with every writer. Below is an outline of what can ...
Kids Birthdays - How to Throw an Unforgettable Kids Birthday Party
Creative ideas for planning a fun and inexpensive kids' birthday party. Includes ideas for themes, party decorations, party food and more.
Build your Social Support Network
Social support can improve the functioning of your immune system, protecting you from disease, and it can increase your vitality, decrease your stress and impro...
Get Angry And Then Get Results
Many leadership situations are emotionally-charged, with leaders often being the targets of people's anger. As a leader, you must deal with that anger in ways t...
The Liquid Vitamin Mineral Approach
The liquid vitamin mineral dietary supplement is a must have for maximum vitality and health. In today's fast food environment most of us do not get the proper ...
Executive Coaching: What Makes Us Want to be Coached?
Executive coaching will give executives the skills to fulfill their coaching responsibilities and assist.
Lesser of Two Evils: Splenda or Equal?
Whether it's an act of hypocrisy or pure jealousy, Equal has slapped Splenda with a lawsuit claiming they have misled consumers into believing Splenda is a "nat...
Editorial Freelancing: 5 Must-Know Tips to Getting Your Foot in the Door
So, you want to freelance as an editor, writer, copy editor, copywriter, graphic designer, proofreader, etc.? But, how do you go about it? My mother was fond of...
Small Touches That Will Make Your Cleaning Company Stand Out
Your cleaning company can have a big impact on its clients by paying attention to small details that other cleaning services miss. Following are few simple guid...
Insulting Spirit or Exposing the Me
A brief exploration of the differences between 'belief based' spirituality and 'authentic' spirituality, the article starts by making bold claims which may offe...
How to Choose a Debt Settlement Company
As consumer debt continues to spiral out of control, debt relief is fast becoming a major concern for many American's. In 1999, American's made $1.1 Trillion wo...
Preliminary Survival Steps for Adwords Success
I'm going to give you two options here, you can either watch your free video or you can read through this article about setting up a profitable and targeted adw...
Automobile Credit Report
Get a grip on a new car with your credit report
The Emmaus Journal ~ Quietness
The Emmaus Journal presents 'Quietness'
Do You Have Diabetes? Symptoms Of Diabetes And How To Address Them
Diabetes usually runs in the family, so it's best to know early on if you have it. The common symptoms experienced by someone who has diabetes include...
How to Boost Your Web Traffic and PR for Free
The true winners are the people that are able to get their web site listed in the top spots on the main search engines. Here is a tip for success.
|
Print this page