Starting your own small business can be exciting for the budding entrepreneur, but it can also be scary and intimidating. You can have the best business idea in the world and execute poorly and end up killing your business before it ever has a chance. While many businesses fail within the first five years, the highest percentage within the first year doesn’t have to be the same for you and your business.
Growing up, you can likely look back to your successes and failures and realize that the common thread to whether you were successful or failed was preparation. Entrepreneurs can’t just come up with a business idea and jump in the deep end without being prepared to swim. Besides writing a great business plan and lining up financing, here are five keys to business success every entrepreneur needs to know.
Stand Out
Your business could be an innovative idea no one else has come up with; however, it doesn’t need to be the next new thing to be successful. Even if you decide to start a business that is in a saturated market, don’t let that discourage you if it is a business you have a passion for the business you want to start. The key, in this case, is to be unique within the market. Have a product or service in addition to the standards that no one else has and make it your focal point.
This is the time for you to be bold and creative. There are no limitations for the eager and forward-thinking entrepreneur, not afraid to stand out.
Network!
Networking has been in existence since the beginning of time and is nothing new to the business world. While larger businesses have staff dedicated to networking and partnerships, networking is up to you for the small business entrepreneur. You can start by joining every local small business group that makes sense for your business.
You can also use your social media to network with friends and family, and if you use hashtags, you can connect to others outside of your direct connections. Networking with all types of businesses can be rewarding. You can be a source if other business owners need the products and service your business offers, or they may send referral business from their customers that need what you offer through your business that they do not.
Watch the Competition
Every business should be acutely aware of their competition. This awareness is not reserved for direct competition but also indirect competitors. To be the most competitive in your market, you should begin by knowing your closest competitor almost as well as you know yourself. Research them, know their best practices and what works for them, and determine their weaknesses and opportunities for improvement.
Knowing the competition can also lead to other networking possibilities. Competition doesn’t have to equal contention. There can be opportunities to partner to increase revenue and your customer base.
Take Care of Your Business Credit
All credit, whether personal or business, is important. While your personal credit score can prevent you from making large purchases or cost you in high-interest rates or loan denials, if it is negative, your business credit is even more critical to keep positive. Businesses can have downturns, emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances that will require capital that may not be on hand. If you need a small business loan, it could be the difference between survival or total failure if your credit prevents financial assistance.
Always pay your accounts payables on time, early, or better yet, in full. Ensure that all business loans and credit cards are paid quickly and consider your business credit score one of the most important things for you to protect.
Pricing
Many small businesses make one crucial mistake they shouldn’t be making and incorrectly set their prices. There is a fine balance between overpricing and underpricing. Pricing is a lot easier than you might think. Some market and competitor pricing research and calculations on operations costs will ensure that your pricing will not only be competitive but keep your operations running.
Conclusion
Every entrepreneur has a lot to consider and plan for when starting your own business. Focusing on standing out, networking, knowing your competition, taking care of your business credit, and pricing will ensure your business not only succeeds but flourishes.
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