Monthly Archives: September 2018

The Realities of Running Your Own Business

If you have always wanted to become an entrepreneur, you probably have hopes of developing a new product that will revolutionize the industry and earn millions. However, a business is built on more than dreams. It takes commitment, fortitude, and hard work to start your own company and keep it running. Here are some of the most important challenges you will face.

Plan a Feasible Operating Budget

By looking at other business models and consulting with local peers or a mentor, create a reasonable budget that will balance income with expenses. The realities of running a small business underscore the importance of responsible budgeting. A small company cannot expect to be approved for a business loan until enough time has elapsed and opportunities have presented to help the business grow to the point of meeting small business loan requirements to become a secure financial risk for lenders. Many entrepreneurs build up savings or cash in on investments to start a business; some request loans from family members. Just be sure you have adequate funding to start your company, or you could lose it all.

Hire the Right Employees

Thoroughly check every applicant that you want to hire. A background check and contacting references are two ways to minimize the risk of hiring problematic employees. Provide training if needed to ensure new hires can handle the job duties assigned to them. Cast a wide recruiting net to promote diversity in the workplace and give all qualified applicants a fair shot at the job.

Develop a Research-Based Product or Service

Research your product market and target customers to ensure there is a need or demand for the product or service you plan to sell. Without a market survey or some type of relevant data, you won’t know if your product will be in demand until it hits the market. Low sales could be devastating to your startup.

Specialize in Customer Service

Many consumers believe that customer service, in general, is at an all-time low. Do everything possible to give your customers a positive experience during business transactions. Listen when they offer suggestions or bring a complaint. Treat your customers well, and they will provide repeat business along with telling others who also may become new customers. One negative customer experience translates into about twenty criticisms to their friends, family members, and coworkers, which may inhibit those people from doing business with your company. In turn, they may tell others, creating a worrisome ripple effect.

Utilize Social Media to Promote Your Company

Virtually most companies today use various social media to advertise their business. They may do it implicitly through publishing a blog at Linkedin or a friendly newsletter-type bulletin at Instagram. Or it might be more of a hard sell through their company’s Twitter account, with fast-paced and frequent updates about sale events, product developments, and positive customer feedback.

Although most if not all business owners face a number of trials and challenges, the majority can be met or avoided by following the above suggestions. Expect certain difficulties to manifest, be prepared when they do, and keep your eyes on the stars with your feet on the ground to make your dreams come true. In-depth planning supported by adequate preparations and occasional adjustments when hard times hit can mean the difference between success and failure.