Millions of people dream of leaving their mundane day jobs and moving to a situation where they work for themselves as their own boss. For many, the 9-5 routine of answering calls, undertaking routine tasks, and managing their email inboxes can become tedious. Employees may also have experienced corporate meetings that stretch on for hours, with little progress being made or any real purpose for the meeting.
As a small business owner, you would be completely in charge of your company’s future and would be able to make the key decisions that would shape its growth and development. However, it must be understood that the first few years of running any business can be challenging and require dedication, time, and effort to get the business up and running.
This article outlines some top tips that will help you start your small business and help it to become a profitable enterprise.
Research the market
As a first tip, it is of paramount importance that you thoroughly research the market in which you plan to operate. It is estimated that 20% of all small businesses fail in their first year. One of the main reasons for this is that business owners do not have a thorough understanding of their market and the target market of customers or clients that they aim to serve.
Before you commit time and finances to your small business, you must be sure that there is sufficient demand for your product or service in the marketplace. A key way to undertake such market research is by gathering existing marketing intelligence that is produced by market research companies such as Mintel. This will allow you to gain a greater understanding of the demand for certain products and services and will also help you understand who your key competitors will be.
In addition, it is important to use the power of the internet to gain valuable marketing information. Sites such as Google Trends can be ideal to find out what customers are currently searching for and understand the demand for new products.
Seek finance
Unless you plan to run a small company that needs little in the way of startup funds (such as the drop shipping method of e-commerce) you will likely need to raise finance for your business.
Traditional financial institutions such as banks will want to see a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates that your venture has a high potential to generate suitable levels of profit. Put simply, they will not finance your business if they believe the investment is too risky.
In addition to banks, there are a range of private lending companies that may be prepared to finance your venture. Such organizations may be able to release funds more quickly than banks, although they may charge higher levels of interest, especially if the venture is viewed as high-risk. Speak to a range of lenders and find the option that suits your business needs.
Build a professional website
Briefly, in 2024, your business will need a professionally designed website that functions smoothly and encourages repeat visits. A business website is one of the key consumer touchpoints for any modern organization and it can help to build the image of your company brand.
If you are starting a small business from home and are the sole staff member, consider using a web-building service such as Wix or similar sites. These sites allow you to build a professional-looking site in a matter of hours, which can often be created for free with premium features being unlocked as you require them.