According to Bloomberg, 8 out of 10 businesses fail in the first 18 months of operation. You can be a successful business owner and be in operation well past that nerve-wracking 18-month mark, but you’ll have to do some hard work to get there. Besides having stellar Google local business reviews and a set of excited clientele, you need a few other things to make that happen. Here are some helpful hints to get your venture on the road to success.
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Start with Plenty of Working Capital
This is a big problem for businesses that borrow money from friends, credit unions, and even the SBA. These entities expect to be paid back, and the bad news is that you will be paying them out of the profits-unless you have significant savings. With a full savings account, you make those payments without dipping too deeply into the profits. According to the SBA, it can take up to two years to see a profit in a new business. That means you’ll need an income outside of the new business right from the get-go. Some owners even get home equity loans or use credit cards to fund the business. According to some small business gurus, it is better to save for a while and live on your savings during the first year. That way, if the business isn’t profitable, you have a plan B.
Think Small to Get Big
Thinking small seems counter-intuitive when it comes to small business, doesn’t it? It’s an important lesson to remember. Never rent properties that you can’t afford and don’t hire employees unless you are ready to pay them. Don’t promise too much in the beginning. Think about starting a business in your extra room, the garage, or even in a closet. It’s always good to make rookie mistakes in a “small” way. Start small!
Protect Your Business Image
When word gets out that you have a solid business, not everyone is going to like you. As a matter of fact, some folks will even leave negative Google local business reviews just to bring down the competition. Don’t run from the bad press; take it as an opportunity to answer your critics in a public forum. Be courteous and professional -the world is watching!
Keeping these important points in mind will help you stay on track with your goals and help to ensure a successful business that will grow and prosper. Have a plan and follow through with these helpful ideas to get your business going strong from the beginning.
Promoting and Advertising Your Business
You should also make sure to get the word out however possible. From social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) to traditional marketing such as ads in the paper and commercials, getting the word out about your business is key. One of the most underrated ways of marketing yourself, however, is through online reviews. Online reviews are the cheapest and most effective way to get attention of prospective customers. For more details, visit this website business phrases.
