2. This journey of entrepreneurship
has been amazing but there are
things I wish I knew before I took
my first client.
Let’s take a look at the top 10.
3. 1. All potential clients may not be the clients you
want/should work with.
Not every client is the right client for your
company. I’ve learned over the last 10 years that
my strategic and planning approach doesn’t
match the way others may do business. During
the vetting process, potential clients will vet you
as the product/service provider but you should
also be vetting them as a client.
4. 2. ALWAYS have a contract.
Business is business; a written agreement is
always needed. It allows both parties to have a
clear understanding of services, costs and
expectations.
6. 4. Create a product or service that solve
problems.
My business coach always says “Those that solve
problems m ake money.” In order to make
money there has to be a need for what you’re
selling. Where there’s a need, there’s a problem.
7. 5. Have a plan and strategy for sustainability
and growth.
After you decide you’re going to start a business
and you’ve identified the product/service you’re
going to offer, you must create a plan for
launching and marketing the business but also
how you plan to sustain it. I can’t stress enough
the importance of creating a plan before you
even take your first client.
8. 6. Find a mentor/coach.
You might be on the right path of starting your
business but you’ll still need help. Find a
mentor/coach that can assist you. Look for
someone that is excelling in what you want to do,
connect with them and learn from what they are
doing. Many will share their mistakes so learn
from them. Remember often times they are
sharing what worked for them, adopt what might
work for you and give it a try!
9. 7. Everyone can't be on your team.
You can’t do everything on your own, even
Solopreneurs need help sometime. You might need
help but make sure it’s the right help. Family and
friends may be willing to help, which is great, but
take the time to make sure they have the skills and
experience you need. Even for those that you hire
that have the skills, make sure they have the
temperament and work ethic that mesh well with
you.
10. 8. It’s always better to over deliver than over
promise.
Be realistic with what you can actually do or
offer. You may think you have the expertise or
ability in an area but be honest with yourself
(See: Know your strengths). Never over
promise on something you think you can do.
Make sure, without question, that you are
confident you can provide the service/product.
11. 9. Define your ideal client.
Take the time to identify who you want to
market your product/services. You will be
more targeted and more successful with
marketing to ideal clients, leading to more
sales.
12. 10. Take full advantage of technology and
outsourcing.
There are hundreds of apps and services that
make life easier for entrepreneurs. For example,
you can hire freelance writers, accountants, or
graphic designers on sites like Upwork and
Fiverr. There is absolutely no shortage of
resources that can help you with the everyday
needs of a growing business.
13. Bonus Tip: Have fun and enjoy the journey!
Nothing can truly prepare you for
entrepreneurship. You’re still going to make
mistakes but don’t dwell on them. But use them
as learning and growing tools.
14. The mistakes I made with the
company helped me to not make
those mistakes when I launched the
Janice M. Haynes brand.
15. Hopefully these tips will help you
avoid some common pitfalls and see
early (and sustaining) success.
If you need help with strategic
planning for your business, we’d
love to assist you.
