Starting your own business from the ground up is an intimidating yet exciting journey, but as a beginner with no experience, it is important to be acquainted with the industry of business. It is quite easy to make mistakes as a new owner. Sure, some may be ones that we all make, but others can potentially be detrimental to your new and fragile company. It is important to be knowledgeable and educated before and after you start your business to keep it afloat and prevent any mishaps from taking place.

What are some mistakes you should avoid with a start-up?

Not Having a Business Plan

One of the main reasons why a business will fail is due to not having a business plan. This is one of the most crucial things you can potentially have for your company. A business plan is essentially a blueprint of your business. It helps guide you on what decisions to make, where your business will head towards, make future predictions of your business status, etc. Starting a business without a plan is basically going on a road trip with no navigation, you will end up lost and far without a guide. A plan helps you prevent making decisions that are not helpful for your company, and instead, steer you in the right direction.

Not Marketing 

A major set back as a new business owner is underestimating the power of marketing. Through marketing, you put your business on a pedestal and show to consumers why they should choose you instead of your competitors. This, by far, is the most efficient way to communicate with your clients about your business. You present them with your services and show what makes you unique from the other businesses in the same field. Look at it as a tool to build recognition and reputation, which is structured through active and effective marketing.

This is not just a “one stop and go” plan. Through marketing, you form a foundation which helps maintain a stable and permanent relationship with your target audience. It ensures growth which is a key essential for your business if you want it to expand and develop for the future. Since marketing is not short-term, it helps sustain your business in the competitive industry.

Not Being Active On Social Media 

We are living in an era where everything is computerized. We teach, advertise, sell, entertain all on the internet. It has become a platform for us to we communicate and present ourselves. Due to the larger user base, it is easier to reach hundreds, even thousands of people. The more audience you gather, the more potential clientele you can have.

If you do not engage with social media, it will be quite challenging for your business gain any views. Even if you advertise through other venues – chances of it getting the same amount of exposure as it does on social media is slim to none. The following is not nearly as much on TV as it is on social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Studies have shown that 64% of Twitter users are more likely to buy products from brands they follow online. This type of following creates a mass promotion for any business/company. When you do not participate, you are voluntarily choosing for your business to not gain notoriety. 

Staying Away From Networking

Without networking, you wouldn’t have the ability to confide with top tier businesspeople amongst other individuals. influencers, and entrepreneurs. The ability to build a presence in a business community is a crucial essential. It helps you maintain an active reputation for your company. Choosing now to network as a business owner doesn’t allow for your organization to flourish. It will be confined in a tight bubble with the knowledge of a few people here and there, having no presence whatsoever.

Essentially, your main goal is to build a firm foundation, and structure a successful business on top of it. No Fortune 500 company got to where they are at without marketing. It is seen as a community even – a place where future investors go to see if there are any organizations they are interested in working/partnering with. So, by not networking, you really are putting a boulder on your company’s future by preventing it from advancing and developing.

Not Hiring Help

For some business owners who launch their start-up, they may have the vision of knowing everything and having full control. But for the majority, that is not the case. As spread as the business industry is, it still requires a certain amount of skillsets to operate. Lack of knowledge and understanding are one of the main reasons why start-up businesses fail in their first few years. There is no basis to support. Stepping into a position where you have to take care of everything at once can result even in serious legal issues.

One of the greatest investments you can make is hiring professionals who specialize in certain parts of business. This not only ensures efficiency, but it also lessens the strain and burden set on you as a business owner because it is quite easy to lose traction when you are handling all the deed by yourself. You have to identify your strengths. What are you good at? Are there any special skillsets you have? What do you bring to the table as a business owner? While evaluating the answers, it is just as important to know your weaknesses. You have to have an idea of which areas in your business need help. It may be marketing, or advertisement, or even financing. When you categorize what you have and what you need, it is easy to identify what type of employee your need to hire. You do not need to have a team of 100 employees for a start-up company. Getting the help you need is more than enough for your business to succeed.

We specialize in business plans for all types and entities, whether it’s a non-profit organization or a personal family business. Call us for a free consultation regarding the future of your company!