Advice Every Entrepreneur Should Have Heard Before Starting Their Business

Before starting a business, it is only logical to identify factors that enhance business success. They are enumerated below:

Integrity

Every business thrives on the reputation and goodwill of its customers. A good reputation is built when the business fulfills its promises to customers. In that connection, efforts must be made to provide services or supply goods without fail. The business owner must guard against running out of stock or interrupting services to customers for whatever reason. When a business says it opens by 9. am and closes by 5p.m, that time schedule must be maintained. This practice builds confidence, reputation, and goodwill for the business.

Strategic Planning

It is imperative to create strategic policies and procedures. Every business must have policies concerning credit customers, product lines, pricing, regular advertising and sales promotion, quantity discounts, etc.

Monitoring and Control

Review the results of operations at intervals and watch the economic trends, whether positive or negative. This requires the installation of a reliable accounting information system to enable the business owner to have control of his business and judge its financial health. Any negative trend, especially in cash flow must be addressed immediately before matters get worse.

Ability to Learn and Collaborate

Recognize the fact that you are not an expert in all aspects of business management. Consequently, from time to time, you will have to rely on the experience and advice of lawyers, accountants, bankers, etc. In particular, a small business owner should establish a solid relationship with a bank or lending institution. This is achieved by operating a business bank account domiciled in the bank on a regular basis and in a disciplined manner. Efforts should be made to build trust with the bank by not issuing cheques when the account is not funded and by respecting credit limits and repayment schedules whenever a credit facility is granted.

Mentorship

Every business has its secrets to success and you need to know these secrets from the start of your business. Benchmark 10 (ten) well-known successful persons in your chosen business sector. Study what they did to succeed. If you are prepared to follow in their footsteps by working hard, and being dedicated and honest, your chances of success will be assured. 

Healthy work-life balance

Finally, you must do everything possible to maintain good health by not indulging in reckless lifestyles because health is wealth. The success of any small business rests on the constant presence and attention of the business owner so it is critical to monitor one’s health closely. Stress is a primary problem and must be kept in check. In this connection, pro-active action is necessary. Visiting a qualified medical doctor at regular intervals should be the rule rather than an exception.