The Top Ten Ways To Avoid Failing In Your Business
There are tons of reasons you could be struggling to succeed. You could have had a terrible idea to start with, or you may not have been able to execute on it correctly. Or maybe your timing was off and the market wasn't ready for what you had in mind. But there's one thing that's almost guaranteed to lead to failure: if you don't take steps to avoid it!
So in the hopes of giving you all the information and tools necessary so that this doesn't happen, we've compiled ten pieces of advice for preventing failure when starting a business. The result is a 10-point plan to make sure you don't get smacked on the head.
1. Learn the basics
This one isn't necessarily about business in particular, but it's applicable to just about everything you do in life. Start by understanding how things work, what parts make them up from the simplest to the most complex. You'll find this incredibly helpful and helpful to your growth as a person and entrepreneur. Where do you find more information? Check out websites like www.23andme.com and www.quora.com
2. Do you know how to read and write?
This is one of the most important skills to learn when you're getting started. If someone hired you to design a website, how would they know if what you came up with was good or bad?
How do you know if the people you're trying to serve are happy with your services or not? You can't read their minds, but make no mistake: if they don't have easy access to a phone number, email address or other means of contact, they won't be able to hire you. And on that note…
3. Get your credit card secured and whatever else it is you need for business purposes.
Sure, your friends will bail you out when you get into the early stages, but what happens once one or two of them stop helping? You'll need an address that you can be tracked through and a bank account with an account number. If you don't have these things, you won't be able to do anything other than say "I'm broke".
4. Have a name that represents what your business is all about
This may sound like common sense, but it's easy for something that's unique to be overlooked. It's so much easier to run some bullshit as a front for your real intentions because nobody will be able to track down the truth behind it. This applies to all the parts of your business: your logo, the name itself, and your online presence. The best advice is to not just get a good idea and run with it, but to do the proper research. Look at similar businesses that are successful and see what they've done in their names and logos.
5. Be smart about where you're looking for your first customers
The cheapest way to do this is to go directly to the source: people who have already expressed interest in what you're doing. If you have a product or business idea that appeals specifically to fitness fanatics, then ask around the gym where you work out or post flyers there offering specials if anyone recommends people come see you. You'll reach the people you want to interact with and get to know your target audience.
6. Start networking as soon as possible
In addition to using what you have now (like friends, family, classmates and work associates), you can use online tools like LinkedIn and Facebook for this purpose. There are also offline opportunities at networking events or in association meetings that allow you to meet others who may be interested in what you're doing. In any case, it's better than pestering everyone that crosses your path because not every person has the time or patience for it; actually being a member of these groups is a sign of respect that goes further than just wearing a name tag.7. Think about interpersonal relationships
Of course, you'll want to think about "professional" relationships when it comes to building your network, but that also probably includes friends, family and anyone else you may need help from in the future. You may not see it as an investment now, but take the time to find these people who can help: it's very possible that you'll need them and they won't have any idea who you are.
8. Know how important your physical/mental health is
This one is second in importance only to learning how things work. If you don't know how to get physically fit, then you're not going to be the person who can help anyone else do that either. And if you don't know how to stay mentally healthy, it won't matter what your business is or who your competitors are because the only thing on your mind will be getting drunk and forgetting about them.
9. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
You don't have to be a radical anarchist that shuns all forms of social interaction with people in order to make it as an entrepreneur. In fact, we advocate for quite the opposite: staying as connected as possible and realizing that this means spending time with other humans (in whatever form). The process of starting a business is all about adapting to the situations that are presented to you. You'll learn this as you go through it, but it's important to realize that it's going to be a constant battle against your own instincts about doing things.
10. Remind yourself of what goals you're trying to accomplish
Finally, don't forget why you're doing anything. What do you want out of all this? Do you just want money and respect, or are there other reasons for dedicating your life? By focusing on these things, we're saying that this will help keep the big picture in mind on a daily basis and give it more meaning than just being "a business". If you adjust your mindset before your goals change, then you'll have a better chance of being successful.
There are other things that you can do when starting a business, but this list will help get you started. Remember: there's no substitute for hard work and dedication, but if you want to be successful… then get on with it.
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Photo by Graham Brown via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) Find out more about our service at http://www.hioptimizerservices.
Conclusion
We have summarized a number of significant factors essential to the success of any kind of business. In our conclusion, we highlight the key points that you should remember before you start your business.
Think about your Product or Service Image and Concept An invention is an important asset for any business. However, too many inventors fail to think it through before they present a product to the public. Know your product or service so investors can evaluate them objectively. Establish Your Brand If you are not careful in thought and word, you can ruin even one good thing with another mediocre one.
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