Are you planning to quit your job, and start a new business? If that is the case, then you really deserve the thumbs-up to make headway with such an idea. This is because the world has been experiencing a massive economic meltdown since 2007. Consequently, the phrase “layoffs” has become a trope in the corporate world. In case, you too have been feeling some inklings of facing similar situation in the near future, then it’s high time you started thinking of some other alternative to keep yourself get going!
Starting business is an excellent idea for those who wish to harness their enterprising skills. It should, however, be noted here that setting up a business is not an easy task. It could be an exhilarating, as well as exacting experience at the same time. One needs to do a lot of planning beforehand so as to avoid any kind of setback in his or her venture.
Here are a few things for you to ascertain before starting a business:
- Do proper research: Do your ground work before hitting upon an idea! You might be having certain grand plans to kick start a venture, but others too could be having similar ideas. So, you need to a great deal of shovelling before hitting upon a plan, which would be unique. Ultimately, you need to have an edge over your competitors so as to gain a stranglehold of the market. In such cases, the best way out for you would be to offer your goods, or services at cheaper rates than what is being offered by your business rivals. This work outs perfectly well for those who are beginners, and want to sustain their presence in the market.
- Try out before quitting your job: Set up a small scale business venture while you still exist on the payrolls of your company. Observe the market trends for some time, and build up a strong client base till you are confident enough to run your own show. So, in case, you don’t have congenial work environment in your organization, there is something else for you to fall back on!
- Question yourself: Everyone needs to formulate certain business goals, and you too need to do the same. Keep questioning your plans, and why you wish to execute them. There are instances when things go haywire, and being an entrepreneur you need to question your objectives. This constant exercise is imperative to ensure a steady path of growth, and ward off the factors, which could stall the process.
- Learn from others: Expand your contacts in the market, and make new connections. Make it a point to constantly meet your veterans, and learn from their prior experiences. Communicate with people on the social networking sites, and join a few groups. Interact with people on social platforms, and enlighten yourself.
- Seek legal advice: Take advice from a legal expert before starting a business. Many people think that they would need legal counsels only if they get into dire straits. The wise have always stated that prevention is better than cure. So, take advice from a lawyer before starting a business. Do not hesitate in seeking legal counsel before it gets too late. Or else, things go out of hand.
- Survey the market: Keep close watch over the market trends. Take into consideration what the consumer wants. It’s not necessary that people would buy whatever you wish to sell. Ultimately, consumer demands determine the supply factors.
- Make your brand: Be innovative, and try to create your brand image. This involves a great deal of experimenting. Take advice from experts, and do something different from your counterparts. In this way, you would definitely outshine the rest.
- Improve your credit score: Ensure that you have a clear credit history so as to attract investments for your business. It is possible that you would fall into a debt trap in due course. Keep enough savings as backups. If your credit score isn’t good, then you would end up borrowing less money at high interest rates. To start a business, you need a real good credit score so that, you could borrow as much as you want.
- Be clear about your tax payments: You need to pay all the taxes on time, in order to avoid unnecessary legal suits. There could be a number of taxes which you need to pay from time to time. Hire an accountant to organize your finances, and put everything on paper in a systematic manner.
- Be prepared for slack periods: Every business is bound to experience tides and troughs. There would be lean times when money flows in at a slow pace. You need to have enough savings to stave off unsavoury situations, in case a client turns out to be a defaulter in payments.
- Stick to a proper schedule: Fix your working hours, and make it a point to adhere to your schedule. People who are flexible about hours tend to fail in their endeavors.
- Work out your exit strategy: Make your plans in advance to safely quit your business, in case things don’t work out in your favor. Keep observing how the market is trending. It is advisable to sell your inventory, and make up for losses on time before it gets too late. Find a potential buyer, sell your business, and reinvest your money elsewhere.
Content Writer & Editor at WriteforValue Solutions
Chandra Rani Choudhury is an avid writer / editor with more than 5 years of invaluable experience in writing articles, blogs, reviews, press releases and digital marketing. For more details, contact chandra_choudhury@writeforvalue.com
