It’s the era of business. Everyone has something to sell and
services to render. You are looking at starting up something, you know exactly
what your business is about and you have the funds. Having access to funds is
what kills most business ideas , but some people also have access to funds and
the business still crumbles, WHY?
Having the funds is not just enough to sustain your business;
you must take steps to ensure it does succeed.
1.
Have a
business plan: this is a detailed analysis of what your mission and purpose
are, the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the venture, your competitors
and how you can have an edge. You should look out for what you can uniquely offer,
budget is also mandatory. How you plan to raise money, cutting your overhead costs,
marketing and sales. It is a comprehensive document.
2.
Be
objective: this simply is taking a critical look inwards, set asides emotions
and sentiments. What can you offer the business? You have a great product idea,
you have the necessary skill set, but you suck at marketing. If you try to go that route alone, you might
end up with goods that are stuck in the warehouse. It’s an investment; you must
nurture it to grow.
3.
Carefully
consider your overhead: overhead costs can include rent of office space,
employees, taxes, utilities etc. Now, you do not want to kill the business
before takeoff, too much expenses will do that.
There must be a pruning to what’s absolutely necessary. Is location a
must or can you sell from your home? I would start with my home. How many
staffs are ideal in a day to day operation? As your business grows you will
expand.
4.
Leverage
on your contacts: you have a great business going, make sure everyone who
knows you is aware of the business, you can offer commissions on sales. A
friend is great at getting people to buy stuffs and you are sure of your
product, you can leverage on her marketing skills. Always ask for referrals
from your closed deals and sales. In this day and age, social media as a tool
is absolutely necessary in promoting your business, if you cannot do it, get
someone who can.
5.
Develop a
great business personality: having a good product is cool but you must have
great interpersonal skills, do not allow yourself get cut up in the heat of the
moment and loose future deals because you simply cannot let things go. There
will be clients that will irk you, but you can turn things around with your
professionalism. Also do not let the euphoria of being a CEO get in the way,
your staff is an employee not your servant. Maintain decorum, respect your
employees, communicate with them and reward their efforts adequately. Most
customers love being recognized in their favorite office, it makes them warm
and willing to deal. If there’s a new staff every other day, there’s a higher
chance of losing business.
6.
Stay on
top of your game: keep a look out for ideas or innovations that will better
position your business. Keep in mind your competitors, the industry are there
new ideas out there? Invest in yourself; ensure you are physically and mentally
balanced. Do the right things at the right time, set a periodical timetable for
review of your business. Monitor your account books.
In summary, create a great plan and work towards your dream.
Remember to keep observing safety protocols as regards Covid 19.
Tia
No comments:
Post a Comment