Starting an online business is scary! Where do you start? Will I get any customers/clients? Can I even do this?
Here are some helpful tips that will help you to take a deep breath before starting a new online business:
1. Be the Solution
Rather than starting your business with 'what can I sell?', think about 'what can I solve?'. It’s a lot easier to gain a solid customer base when your business is fixing a problem.
What problem do you have that needs a solution? Do you think other people need that solution too? Maybe you have just found your next idea. You're welcome!
2. Keep it Simple
If you’re like many entrepreneurs, you have a business idea and you’re ready to run with it. Be careful not to let your idea snowball into something overcomplicated. If you can't describe your business idea in one sentence, then it is probably too complicated.
As a new business owner, try to start small and narrow your focus. You want to create a simple, good quality product or service. A successful business idea should fulfil promises to customers and exceed expectations.
If you are trying to offer all the 'cool' bonuses that big organisations are offering from the beginning, sooner or later, you won't be able to keep them up and you won't be able to offer the product or service you first intended.
3. Absorb Everything
Want some free advice? Ask your friends, family and experts. When you are starting out and learning, there is no harm in absorbing as much advice as you can get from those people around you.
As you learn, write everything down. Keep notes from all the resources you come across to develop a detailed plan. Once you have gathered all the information, then filter out what is not necessary.
Don’t ignore the power of advice from experts and veteran business owners. These folks know first-hand what does and doesn’t work. Smart entrepreneurs learn from the mistakes other business owners have made.
4. Earn While Your Build
If you want to start a small business, don't quit your day job—yet. Launching a successful startup is a process. Build your business in stages and gradually make that transition from employee to entrepreneur.
As a new business owner, it will take some time to earn a steady income. Keep your nine-to-five and work on the business during off-hours so you can earn during those tough, first stages. Once you feel ready to let go of the nine-five and go out on your own, DO IT! (Let's be honest, you never 'feel ready' but you just have to do it!)
5. Speak Up About Your Business
One challenge many business owners face is that they don’t know how to sell. It can be intimidating to share your business with the world, especially when you’re new.
If you’re worried about what people will think about your business, you need to get over it. Harsh, I know! If you can’t convince consumers to buy from you and support your business, it’s difficult to make money. Not outgoing? Fake it ‘till you make it. If you really want business success, you can’t afford to be shy.
Be ready to speak confidently about your business, even if it makes you uncomfortable. As a new business owner, you will need to get your business name out there so potential clients know who you are.
Signing off,
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