The Best Advice for Finding Start Up Success - Eva B
Are you a budding entrepreneur with a great idea for a startup, but you aren’t sure how to get it off the ground? The current business culture is ready for fresh ideas and growth if you know how to lay a proper foundation. Here is how to set up your business, and yourself, for success.
Getting Into the Gig Economy
Are you looking for something a little adventurous that lands on the side of alternative employment? As Harvard Business Review points out, the gig economy is a land of opportunity for those seeking a venture that offers freedom and independence. Think about things you’re passionate about and what existing skills you offer. It’s a chance to do freelance work or become an independent contractor, and you can get into an assortment of interesting occupations, such as freelance writing or dog walking. With dog walking, for example, you can establish your own hours and fees for services, and you can even decide for yourself what types of furry friends you handle. For those who love man’s best friend, it’s a terrific opportunity.
Money Matters
How will you fund your new venture? Some businesses require minimal initial financial outlay, but you still need to be able to cover some initial supplies, such as a computer, smartphone, transportation, and workspace. One idea is to bootstrap if your starting costs are low or you already earmarked a cache for your project. Bootstrapping offers an abundance of flexibility if you can swing it, but of course, it also could limit your progress by how much money you can dedicate to your project. Another suggestion is to reach out to friends and family or do some crowdfunding. By connecting with those close to you, people on social media, and anyone with an interest in the kind of endeavor you're taking on, you can use the outreach to begin building a customer base and drawing associates before you officially put up a shingle.
Prepare a Plan
Making a business plan can mean all the difference in whether you achieve your goals. NerdWallet notes that without a properly prepared business plan, you won’t be able to qualify for any small business loans. On top of that, creating a business plan means framing your objectives in a clear manner so you know how you will get where you want to be. For instance, your plan should include a summary of what you’re doing, how your startup is organized, what you intend to offer, and projections of what income you can expect. You should also create a budget so your finances are organized and on track, right from the beginning.
Growing Your Customer Base
No matter how terrific your idea is, without customers, you won’t be able to thrive. What’s more, it’s in your best interests to continually look for ways to expand your customer base. Expect to divide your time between your current customers and drawing new ones, and always offer terrific customer service so people have great things to say about you. Also, make sure you put some effort into networking with other business owners, members of the community, and connecting at industry-related events, as you never know what sort of opportunities you can find or create that will help your startup to grow.
Smart Marketing Strategies
How you market your startup can greatly influence not only getting your name out there, but also how others see your work, and it doesn’t mean you need to invest in an expensive marketing firm. Reach out and connect with people and followers in a meaningful way. For instance, if you are opening a mobile pet grooming service, you can make uplifting comments on social media about people’s pets, share about shelter animals looking for homes, or post ads for owners looking for their lost pets. It’s a chance to build credibility as well as engagement.
Developing a startup can be the best thing you’ve ever accomplished. Embrace the challenge by thinking things through clearly and doing some smart outreach. Before you know it, your new venture will be successfully up and running!
Getting Into the Gig Economy
Are you looking for something a little adventurous that lands on the side of alternative employment? As Harvard Business Review points out, the gig economy is a land of opportunity for those seeking a venture that offers freedom and independence. Think about things you’re passionate about and what existing skills you offer. It’s a chance to do freelance work or become an independent contractor, and you can get into an assortment of interesting occupations, such as freelance writing or dog walking. With dog walking, for example, you can establish your own hours and fees for services, and you can even decide for yourself what types of furry friends you handle. For those who love man’s best friend, it’s a terrific opportunity.
Money Matters
How will you fund your new venture? Some businesses require minimal initial financial outlay, but you still need to be able to cover some initial supplies, such as a computer, smartphone, transportation, and workspace. One idea is to bootstrap if your starting costs are low or you already earmarked a cache for your project. Bootstrapping offers an abundance of flexibility if you can swing it, but of course, it also could limit your progress by how much money you can dedicate to your project. Another suggestion is to reach out to friends and family or do some crowdfunding. By connecting with those close to you, people on social media, and anyone with an interest in the kind of endeavor you're taking on, you can use the outreach to begin building a customer base and drawing associates before you officially put up a shingle.
Prepare a Plan
Making a business plan can mean all the difference in whether you achieve your goals. NerdWallet notes that without a properly prepared business plan, you won’t be able to qualify for any small business loans. On top of that, creating a business plan means framing your objectives in a clear manner so you know how you will get where you want to be. For instance, your plan should include a summary of what you’re doing, how your startup is organized, what you intend to offer, and projections of what income you can expect. You should also create a budget so your finances are organized and on track, right from the beginning.
Growing Your Customer Base
No matter how terrific your idea is, without customers, you won’t be able to thrive. What’s more, it’s in your best interests to continually look for ways to expand your customer base. Expect to divide your time between your current customers and drawing new ones, and always offer terrific customer service so people have great things to say about you. Also, make sure you put some effort into networking with other business owners, members of the community, and connecting at industry-related events, as you never know what sort of opportunities you can find or create that will help your startup to grow.
Smart Marketing Strategies
How you market your startup can greatly influence not only getting your name out there, but also how others see your work, and it doesn’t mean you need to invest in an expensive marketing firm. Reach out and connect with people and followers in a meaningful way. For instance, if you are opening a mobile pet grooming service, you can make uplifting comments on social media about people’s pets, share about shelter animals looking for homes, or post ads for owners looking for their lost pets. It’s a chance to build credibility as well as engagement.
Developing a startup can be the best thing you’ve ever accomplished. Embrace the challenge by thinking things through clearly and doing some smart outreach. Before you know it, your new venture will be successfully up and running!
