10 Tips for StartUps

Today I want to look at some successful tips for anyone thinking of starting up their own business, be it your own home based business, or one involving a store or shop front.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE
if you are going to start a business  and you are going to *live and breathe it* and hopefully have and run it for a long time, it has to be something you love to do! Don’t open a florist if you suffer from hay-fever and don’t open a bait shop if you can’t stand the smell of fish! If you love something you have a passion for it, and sharing that passion, feeling confident, and, having confidence in what you sell is the key. You want your customers/clients to see that and they then will have confidence in you and your business.

START YOUR BUSINESS WHILE YOU ARE ALREADY WORKING
Depending on what business you are thinking of, it takes time and money to not only set up, but maintain. It could be a while before your business becomes a real money spinner, and, in the meantime you need to still have an income. Don’t throw in your job assuming things will happen over-night. Success doesn’t happen quickly – only in the movies! So while you’re waiting for things to start up, you don’t want to be A – living off your savings or B – going broke.

DON’T DO IT ALONE
you will need help and support, even if it’s just from family and friends. Everyone you know should be/will be willing to lend a hand, so don’t be afraid to ask. Handing out brochures, or delivering pamphlets, to just down to word of mouth. Lots of people are quite *happy* to tell their own friends/family/co-workers about your business, maybe do a letter box drop for you, or find another way to help out.

GO OUT AND GET YOUR CUSTOMERS
Don’t be afraid to be bold and get out there! Network with lots of like minded people and build your base. You can never start to market yourself too soon! If you have to sell some items cheap, or even give them away free, don’t hesitate!  Don’t wait for people to come to you, don’t even begin to think they WILL come to you! You have to get out there and grab people’s attention.

DO YOUR RESEARCH
look firstly and work out what you want to do. Where are you going to set up? Are there already some similar businesses in the area??? Don’t set up your new hairdressing saloon in a area where there are already 4 or 5, you can’t compete, these establishments already have their clients, and many won’t bother coming to you unless you have something new or different to offer. Where possible, try and set up where YOUR business is the only one. Same goes for an online business, try for a niche that’s not already filled, sell goods or items no one else has. If not you are going to have to sell at a discount, or have great specials to attract people to your business.

CALL IN A PROFESSIONAL
Always make sure that you call in a professional when you need help. Don’t struggle on, help is available. If you’re not great at book-keeping look for someone you can call in to help out. If your budget doesn’t extend that far, look at buying a software programme that can help make the book-keeping easier.  It’s not a *crime* to call for help, any area you’re not good at – help is at hand. If you need a legal contract call a solicitor. Whatever help or advice you need – ASK!

ALWAYS BE PROFESSIONAL
look and act the part at all times. If you look professional – you are professional and clients/customers will have faith in you. Have the correct well designed business cards, letter-head stationary; always be polite on the phone. Never let your guard down, you have to impress people!

WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN
it’s always a good idea to write down your goals and what it is you want to achieve, and when. Set achievable goals; be aware of the budget, the amount of money you can spend, and, are willing to spend to achieve your goals. Be aware and set your limits, you don’t want to throw thousands into a business that isn’t going to work, or one that will send you broke before you even start. Know your startup costs, running costs, and other expenses before you start and note all this in your business plan.

BE DARING
be prepared and willing to think outside the square and do things that are unexpected. Your business need not be boring, so liven things up, do things your competitors aren’t doing. Stand out from the crowd. Don’t be afraid to take a few risks, or do something new.

TIME MANAGEMENT
Balance your life. In the beginning setting up and starting off is going to take time, a LOT of your time, and you have to be willing to *put in the hard yards*, for a while your social life may suffer, but that won’t be forever. Have a diary and be sure to keep track of and on top of business meetings, schedules etc. Trying to stick to your normal work and your new business will be a juggling act for a while. Don’t let it become ALL you do though, and make time for family and friends, and, to just take some time out for yourself. Your new business IS important, but so is your health – mind and body, so take the time to de-stress and re-work your goals and plans if need be.

I hope you have found some useful tips here to start you on your way to a successful business, work hard, but, enjoy what you do!

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