BBIC Start-up Tips
Starting your own business is one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences you will ever embark on. While there is no way to eliminate all the risks involved, careful planning and research can improve your chances of success. The following 14 tips will give you an overview of what's involved in starting out on your own, and the issues you will need to address.
1. Focus
1. Focus
You are not all things to all people. Decide on your niche - narrow your focus and broaden your appeal.
2. Stand Out
If your competitors are doing it, don't. Find a way to stand out from the crowd.
3. Team Player
Don't hire someone just to fill a position. Employ someone to be part of your team.
4. Quick Reactions
Time a precious commodity. When delivery is expected on Tuesday afternoon, deliver on Monday morning. Return calls and e-mails as quickly as possible.
Time a precious commodity. When delivery is expected on Tuesday afternoon, deliver on Monday morning. Return calls and e-mails as quickly as possible.
5. Find the Right Location
The decision on where you base your business needs to be carefully considered, taking into account costs, competition and accessibility for staff and clients. Also consider the kind of image you wish to convey with your business premises. Do you need to attract passing trade in a busy area or is it more important to have cheaper or larger premises in a less prominent area?
6. Now Say Thank You
The decision on where you base your business needs to be carefully considered, taking into account costs, competition and accessibility for staff and clients. Also consider the kind of image you wish to convey with your business premises. Do you need to attract passing trade in a busy area or is it more important to have cheaper or larger premises in a less prominent area?
6. Now Say Thank You
Say thank you to your customers and employees. When you can, sit down and write them a note – people will really appreciate the gesture.
7. Take Advice
Always seek advice, guidance and support in all aspects of your business - from the initial concept and business planning, to ongoing development and beyond.
8.Know the Law
Make sure you understand the legal intricacies of starting and running a business, accounting, audits, partnership contracts, health and safety, etc.,
9. Same, Same
Always seek advice, guidance and support in all aspects of your business - from the initial concept and business planning, to ongoing development and beyond.
8.Know the Law
Make sure you understand the legal intricacies of starting and running a business, accounting, audits, partnership contracts, health and safety, etc.,
9. Same, Same
Your business has to have a consistent look and feel. A customer must get the same impression/message from everyone within your organisation.
10. Be Happy
People will buy from you because they like you. People buy from those they like dealing with even if they can get it cheaper elsewhere.
11. Keep on Top of Bookkeeping
The paper chase can be incredible when first starting out in business, but it pays to keep on top of it all. Many small business owners end up managing the accounts themselves, especially when first starting out. For this reason it's essential that you find an accountant that you can trust and who can advise you on the financial aspects of running a business.
12. Upbeat
Your glass must always be half full. A positive attitude will always pay dividends in the end.
11. Keep on Top of Bookkeeping
The paper chase can be incredible when first starting out in business, but it pays to keep on top of it all. Many small business owners end up managing the accounts themselves, especially when first starting out. For this reason it's essential that you find an accountant that you can trust and who can advise you on the financial aspects of running a business.
12. Upbeat
Your glass must always be half full. A positive attitude will always pay dividends in the end.
13. Meet Their Needs
Don't hard sell. Solve problems. Satisfy wants. Do what is truly best for your customer.
14. Challenge the Status Quo
Never accept the idea that this is the way you've always done it. Accept that a new idea or technology could work for you and your business.
