You want to open a small business and leave your current job behind. It’s on the wish list of many Americans. However, making it a reality is often something that most of these daydreamers never achieve. If you have the skills, drive, and desire, you can become a successful small business owner. Below are a few tips to help get you up and running.
The Need for Capital
To open a small business, even if it’s a home-based operation, you need money. On average, the cost for a small business out of your home can run between $2,000 to $5,000 to get started. If you plan to rent space, the costs will increase to cover rent, utilities, and insurance. To remain afloat for the first couple of years, you should also have at least 6 months of business costs in savings as a safety net.
Hire an Accountant
As a small business owner, you may want to dismiss extra costs you deem unnecessary. However, there are certain business expenses that you need. One such expense is an accountant. As a new business owner, your focus needs to remain on developing the business. Having to do things like file your quarterly taxes can result in lost earnings and problems with your tax return. With an accountant handling this part of the business, you can eliminate this worry and avoid having future difficulties with the IRS. Tax debt is no joke. If you do find yourself owing Uncle Sam more than you can pay, consult a company that provides reputable tax relief services.
Marketing Campaign
As part of your business plan, you need to know how to get the word out to the public. A successful marketing campaign will allow you to acquire customers on the first day. Today, most successful small business owners use a combination of old reliable marketing methods along with new ones. Creating a user-friendly website and having a presence on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook is beneficial. Linkedin is a great forum to ask other business owners about areas of difficulty. Getting the word out before your launch date will allow you to attract potential customers sooner versus later.
Establish Roots in Your Community
Whether your business is brick and mortar, online, or in the service industry, maintaining a positive presence in the community will help you develop name recognition. Once people know you exist, you will gain followers. Sponsoring a local team, setting up a booth at a trade show, and hosting a local event will allow people to connect to the business in a personal way.
Specific Goals
Your business plan should include a timeline of specific goals you want to achieve. This will help to reduce wasteful spending, increase traffic to your website, and achieve positive results. Trying to tackle every aspect of the business at once is a recipe for disaster. With specific goals, you will grow your business at a steady rate and avoid becoming stagnant.
The First Few Years
To become successful as a small business owner, you will need to spend long hours developing your company during the first few years. There’s a lot of trial and error that comes with the territory. You need drive, desire, and commitment. There will be days of frustration. However, in the big picture, it’s well worth your invested time.
Standing Apart from the Competition
Every successful small business owner knows that to sustain yearly growth they need to stand apart from their competitors. Finding a niche or something that customers won’t find elsewhere is critical to maintaining your loyal base. Some businesses use rewards as a way to attract and maintain customers. Others provide informative newsletters for free online.
You can become a successful small business owner if you set achievable short-term goals, maintain a presence online and in your community, and create a niche that sets you apart from the competition.
