1. Are you starting your first business and fear failure? These top business
suggestions, which I've compiled from the counsel of other business
owners and built from my own experience as a small business person
with more than 20 years of "been there and done that," will give your
new venture the best chance of success.
1) Have passion
You don't have to adore what your company does, and you probably
shouldn't either, but you do need to be passionate about it. It's crucial
that you genuinely and intensely appreciate what you do because you'll
be investing a lot of time and energy into beginning a business and
turning it into a successful enterprise, whether it be running fishing
charters, making ceramics, or offering financial advice.
2) Begin While You Are Still Working
How long can the average person survive without money? Very brief.
Additionally, it can take a while before your new company starts turning
a profit. Having a job while starting a business means having money in
your pocket during the start-up phase.
3) Avoid going it alone
When launching a business, you need a support system (and afterward).
It is extremely helpful to have a family member or friend you can bounce
ideas off of and who will be empathetic when you are going through the
current company start-up crisis. Find a mentor or, if you're eligible,
submit an application for a business start-up program like those offered
by Futurpreneur Canada. The finest form of help when beginning a
business is knowledgeable advice.
4) Line up clients or customers
These must be set up as soon as your company is formally launched
because it cannot function without them. Make the connections. Contact
the parties. Offer your goods or services for sale or even free. It's never
too early to start marketing.
5) Create a business plan.
The biggest benefit of creating a business plan before starting a venture
is that it can save you from investing time and resources into a venture
that will fail.
2. 6) Research your topic
Writing a business plan will require extensive study, but that's just the
beginning. If you're not already an expert in your industry, products, and
services, you should become one before beginning a firm. Before you
launch your firm, it's a good idea to join professional or industry-related
groups.
7) Seek expert assistance
On the other hand, beginning a business does not require you to be an
authority in every field. Hire an accountant or bookkeeper if you're not
one (or both). Hire a lawyer to draft your contract if you're not an
attorney. By attempting to complete tasks yourself, you will ultimately
spend more time and perhaps money.
8) Verify that the finances are in order.
If you have to, save money. Approach prospective lenders and investors.
Make a backup plan for your finances. Expecting to launch a firm and
then walk into a bank and seek funding is unrealistic. Traditional lenders
dislike fresh concepts and ventures with a spotty track record.
9) Act Professionally
Everyone should be able to see that you are a professional running a
serious business by the way you conduct yourself and your firm. This
entails getting all the necessary trinkets, including expert business
cards, a business phone, and a business email address, as well as
treating people with decency and professionalism.
10) Correct the legal and tax issues right away.
Afterward, cleaning up a mess is significantly more difficult and
expensive. Does your company require registration? Will you be
required to collect PST or GST? Will you have to pay payroll taxes or
have workers' compensation insurance? What impact will your choice of
business ownership structure have on your tax situation? Before you
launch your company, educate yourself on your legal and tax obligations
and conduct business as necessary.
3. In addition to making the process of beginning your new business easier
and less stressful, doing so will help to ensure that it will endure and
prosper.