No matter the size, starting a business is a difficult road. There are so many things to take into account even before the business is up and running. There will be tons of advice you’ll be hearing. You may make the mistake of downplaying some of this advice. “It’s a given”, you might say, or “but that’s counterintuitive”, you’ll retort. However, it’s imperative that you take all sincere advice seriously.
It’s one thing to be confident, it’s another to be cocky. Small businesses are in the most danger of going under. Small mistakes for big businesses could spell disaster for smaller businesses. This is why taking things seriously, even when they seemingly aren’t a big deal, is crucial in surviving as a business.
Ask Yourself If You’re Happy
This is very underrated but also the most important question to ask yourself. People start a business because they have some goal in mind. That goal should be one that leads to happiness. However, a lot of people end up going through the motions.
People without passion, especially unchecked, often start to hate the work they started. This is why it’s important to take care of your mental health. Happiness is key to growing your small business.
Always Have a Safety Net
So many people tell you to take that dive, no matter how risky. That’s only half true. As you’ll see soon, we do encourage taking leaps of faith. No growth is gained without great risk. However, just because there’s risk doesn’t mean going in without a plan.
A safety net ensures that even when a leap doesn’t pan out, you still have the resources to jump back up again. Safety nets should be your first priority. Examples would be insurance, savings, and a side gig to balance out your business.
Take Leaps of Faith
See, now you’ve got a safety net. Now it’s time to take leaps of faith with almost reckless impunity. Small businesses grow from opportunity. There’s no way to get opportunities when you aren’t actively looking for them. Whether it’s through Facebook ads or networking, raise the chances of opportunities getting to you.
Leaps of faith should be chosen cleverly, of course. You shouldn’t go into every risky venture. High-risk, high-reward is the goal, not high-risk, slightly okay reward. A lot of small businesses stagnate because they get too cautious. It’s better to take risks than to not gain anything at all. Even failures reward experience. Stagnancy only brings more of the same.
Don’t Be Ashamed To Outsource
Outsourcing has developed a bit of an unfair reputation throughout the years. Yes, it’s true, there are companies who use outsourcing for cheap labor. Yes, those businesses often offer mediocre services and products as a result. However, what’s important to remember is that outsourcing is a tool.
A hammer used for a screw will obviously be ineffective. Outsourcing shouldn’t be used as a replacement. It should be a supplement. It should be used to prop up your business while you work on better things. Pick agencies with good reputations and reasonable rates. Never settle for the lowest bidder.
Partner With Former Employers (If Possible)
This is advice that might seem a bit awkward, but depending on your business, it could be a potential game changer. If your business offers something that your former employers want, then it’s a great time to partner up. The obvious advantage here is that you already know your “new partner”.
Your business could provide them with services or products they lack. For example, if you start a web hosting company, you could offer to host their website. You would be working remotely with them in a familiar way. There’s already a foundation of trust. Not to mention, negotiations could go much smoother.
Start With a Small Capital
When you have a huge capital, you get overloaded by all the inventory planning, resources, expansion ideas, and a whole lot of eggs that haven’t hatched yet. Huge capital is a subtly dangerous thing. It tricks you into thinking you’re “safe” when really, you’re on a financial timer.
This is why a small capital, paradoxically, is a much better idea. It puts you in a savings mindset. You’re more aware of how much you’re spending on startup. It also ensures that when you do start making improvements to your business, it’s from profit. Profit means your business is proven. Extra capital just means you’re tying a bow on something that isn’t even going yet.
Take Your Time
Businesses come and go fast these days. It seems like startups fail as soon as they start. While taking one’s time seems counter to the advice given so far, it’s actually synergistic. It simply means pursuing expansion and opportunities at a reasonable pace
Use your profits to build up your safety net and improve your core business. Only when you’ve reached stability do you start expanding. Win or fail, you’re less likely to suffer for it.