Many startup companies struggle with their business simply because they get overwhelmed with the tasks that need to be accomplished on a daily basis. Most of them are also not 100% aware of how challenging it is to run their own company.
The thing is, being an entrepreneur doesn’t give you assurance that your business will thrive. But you don’t have to go into this blind. If you know the things you need to accomplish and avoid, then you\’re on your way to success.
The Startup Company To-Do List
There are no shortcuts to success, and often times you will be faced with problems before you actually see progress in your business. But these do’s and don’ts might help you gain an upper hand.
Inspire, not just sell
Being new in the business, successful companies might focus on gaining profit immediately. They want to earn as early as possible and grow their business. However, this is not how it works. One essential thing you need to do is to earn the trust and loyalty of your customers. You want them to come back to you and think of you as their number one choice.
How do you do this? You have to make them feel that they are special and that they are important to you. Do not let them think that all you need from them is their money so you can earn for your business. Get to know their wants, needs, and dislikes. Ask them what makes them happy or what satisfies them. Remember that sales are closed because there is a solid relationship. You don’t just walk around asking people to purchase from you because the tendency is that they won’t. Rather, earn their trust and the rest will follow.
DO: Communicate with your customers and listen to what they want to say.
DON\’T: Push your products and services so much that it looks like you\’re just after their money.
Be unique or leave
Startup companies are everywhere, literally. In this day and age where business ideas are being forced down your throat, the tendency is that anyone who wishes to be a CEO will just immediately build his own empire. The problem here is that you have a lot of competitors out there. Now, the question is, what sets you apart from the rest? What do you have that others don’t? If you don’t know the answer to this, expect that you won’t last long in the industry.
What you need to do is to identify what is special in your products or services. You can also think of something different for your branding or marketing. In short, know and stick to your Unique Selling Proposition (USP).
DO: Channel your creativity and be unique!
DON\’T: Follow the trend of other startups.
Skilled rather than overqualified people
Your employees are the key people that will make sure you provide the best products and services to your customers. From customer support, accounting, human resources, management, and other tasks, your employees should be skilled enough to handle their jobs well. However, startup companies should hire knowledgeable and trainable people rather than those who are overqualified.
If you choose the latter, the tendency is that they want to be a part of something big already. Considering that your business is just starting, it may not last long. Meanwhile, if you work with people who have the basic skills, passion, dedication, and commitment to what they do, they will most likely stick with you. At the end of the day, skills can be taught but attitude cannot.
DO: Consider the personality of the employee.
DON\’T: Hire based ONLY on experience.
Be visible
Would people believe that you and your business exist if they cannot see you? Not being visible is one of the main reasons why startup companies lose in the game. If you are not seen and heard, you are not in any way gonna get customers, earn a profit, and succeed. You don’t even have to utilize extensive measures through billboards, TV ads, magazine features, and whatnot. What you need is to get your name out there in the channels most suited for your target audience.
In the advent of social media, being visible means having a running and active Facebook page. Maybe even Instagram or Twitter if your business is suited for those platforms. Utilize websites or shopping sites such as Amazon. Do not just wait in your office and expect that people will come knocking at your door. Since you are just starting, you don’t have to go the extra mile in advertising or marketing. Just find the right strategy and plan in the most cost-effective way.
DO: Make sure people know you exist.
DON\’T: Wait at the corner of the room doing nothing.
Be passionate
Cliche as this may sound but your customers know when you actually love what you are doing or if you are just after their money. Running a business is not an overnight success, it’s gonna take you more failures before you see the light at the end of the tunnel. That’s okay. Failure is part of the process, remember? But if you are not passionate about what you do, one mistake or problem, then you will automatically quit.
Going to work every day and not being happy about it means something is wrong. You want to manage your own startup company and feel excited whenever you enter your office. This also applies to your employees. Make sure that they are not just working forcefully but they do enjoy their tasks.
DO: Love what you are doing.
DON\’T: Putting up a business without a deep reason.
Growth of Startup Companies
Startup companies can be lost oftentimes as they make their way to the top. However, this does not mean that they should give up. Rather, with more effort, and through these tips, you may reach greater heights soon enough.