What to do (and not to do) in your first year of business

King bell

VIP Contributor
Starting a business is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. There are so many things to think about and do in those first few months (and years!) and it’s easy to make some mistakes along the way. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get your business off the ground:

Do:

1. Research your industry and target market. You need to have a good understanding of the market you’re entering and who your target customers are. This will help you make better decisions about your product or service and how to reach your target market.

2. Create a business plan. This document will serve as a roadmap for your business and will help you stay on track as you grow.

3. Get organized and set up some basic systems. This will help you keep track of your finances, customers, and other important information.

4. Build a great team. Surround yourself with people who are experts in their field and who share your vision for the business.

5. Focus on your marketing. You need to let people know about your business and what you have to offer. Invest in some good marketing materials and make sure your website is up to par.

6. Keep learning. Things change quickly in business, so you need to be prepared to adapt and learn new things. Stay on top of industry trends and make sure you’re always learning and growing.

Don’t:

1. Don’t try to do everything yourself. You can’t (and shouldn’t!) do everything on your own. Delegate tasks to your team and focus on the things that you’re good at.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s from a mentor, a friend, or a professional, don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

3. Don’t neglect your finances. Keep track of your income and expenses and make sure you have a good handle on your cash flow.

4. Don’t forget about your customers. Your customers are the lifeblood of your business, so make sure you keep them happy. Get feedback regularly and always be looking for ways to improve the customer experience.

5. Don’t get too comfortable. Things can change quickly in business, so don’t get too complacent. Always be looking for ways to improve and grow your business.

Starting a business is a lot of work, but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Just make sure you do your research, plan ahead, and always be learning and growing.
 

Shaf

Verified member
From my personal experience, I would always advocate starting with a properly designed business plan for any business, no matter how small it is. It's surprising how expenses can keep increasing, how a single step that has been overlooked could set you back months.

I think networking is also very important. You can have customers even before you start a business. Working with others in your niche can also help you avoid the mistakes they made.

Outsource things when necessary. I failed at blogging because I wanted to do everything myself, including blog design and optimization which I discovered o absolutely loathed. I did not plan for such and had no budget to outsource it. This is a mistake I intend to never repeat in the future.
 
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