Are you thinking about starting a #smallbusiness? Perhaps you already have. Either way the following advice can help you make your business a success!
What’s your excuse?
Number 1 – remove that mental block. Whatever your reason for NOT starting a small business whether its time or energy etc, forget it. Don’t become just another person who dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur. Write your worries down and address them all with a solution. Nothing should hold you back. If you want it, you can make it happen.
Listen and absorb
So, you have a fantastic idea for a small business – STOP. Don’t get carried away and miss out on market research. Speak about it with family, friend’s or the public. Do your research and get a feel for what people think and how they react to your idea. Always carry a note book and DEVELOP your idea by listening to other people. Has your idea been done before? What did other entrepreneurs do wrong or right? How can you make this idea more successful? How can you make it appeal to your target audience?
Solve don’t sell
You have your product/ service all ready and backed with market research – now what? Whatever you do, do not hard sell. This turns consumers OFF. Take a step back and think ‘Why do you people need this amazing thing that I’m selling?’, by offering your consumers a solution this will motivate them to buy. What part of their life are you making easier/ better?
Don’t quit your day job
Just because you’re starting a small business does not mean you should hand in a letter of resignation. Your day job is your security for now until your small business takes off securely. Always think of a backup plan, if your business should not succeed at first what are you going to do? Keeping a steady income until the right time could make or break your small business.
Over estimate on costs
Don’t be optimistic with business costs. You will experience unexpected costs around every corner. Once you have a figure of how much you need to spend – triple it. Honestly, it will be one of the best things you can do for your small business.
Enter start-up awards
Once you have started-up your business it’s in your interest to enter a start-up award. There are so many benefits that can come from simply being short-listed for an award. The #freemarketing being a massive one! Your small business’ name will be promoted across social media, and people will become more aware of who you are and what solution you’re offering them. Not to mention if you win an award and you can call yourselves an award-winning business!
Business Awards Kent run 3 Award Ceremonies per year across Kent. Coming up are our Ashford Business Awards which cover the following areas; Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Deal, Hythe and Romney Marsh. If you’re a small Business or Start-up and would like to enter before the 31st of October, then get your application form here http://bit.ly/AshfordAwardsForm2018 ’. Good Luck!