5 Things Most People Don’t Consider When Starting Their First Business

Published on: 12 December 2018 Last Updated on: 14 December 2021

Today, more people than ever are starting their own first business, but not all of them are successful. In fact, only one in ten startups will survive their first year of trading and go on to turn over a profit. If you’re thinking of starting your own company, it’s important to be prepared for all the obstacles and potential setbacks that you are likely going to face. If you want to make sure that your business is the one in ten that succeeds, it’s vital to be ready for the challenge. For many new business owners, overlooking some important aspects of starting a new company can quickly become their downfall. In order to help you avoid future issues, we’ve put together a handy list of common things people don’t consider when starting their own business.

1. Insurance To Look forward while Starting First business:

Starting your first business can be challenging if you do not have enough capital backup. You might assume that liability insurance is unimportant if your business doesn’t deal directly with members of the public. For example, if you’re planning to sell items online, you might not think that insurance is necessary since your customers won’t be visiting your shop in person. However, insurance may be needed depending on the type of products that you are selling, as it will help ensure that you are covered if anything goes wrong. No matter what you’re selling, general liability insurance is essential to protect your company from claims of bodily injury, associated medical costs, or damage to property.

2. SWOT Analysis and Business Plan:

You’re probably ready to get started with your business as quickly as possible but failing to put in the right amount of preparation and planning now can cause many issues for you down the line. Take the time to sit down and come up with a business plan that will help you make sure you are on the right track in the future. To be fully confident in your new venture, it’s essential to know that your business is going to work. Completing a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis will help you position yourself strongly in the market and enable you to plan for the future.

3. Legal Considerations:

Before you begin trading, it’s important to make sure that you’re aware of all the legal implications and potential hurdles you could face as a business owner. As an entrepreneur, no matter what kind of business you’re thinking of starting, your line of work is likely going to be governed by a wide range of rules, regulations, and laws that you will need to adhere to. Whether it’s licensing for operation or professional standards that you must meet, you’ll need to be fully prepared for the legal implications of business ownership. It may be worth consulting with a business lawyer before you begin; they will be able to advise you on the best steps to take.

4. Establishing a Reputation:

Before you make the leap into starting your own business, it’s a wise idea to set yourself up for success by establishing a reputation for yourself and your brand in the industry. Networking is key to building a strong foundation for yourself and your business, making it easier for you to get your brand off the ground. Connect with industry experts, like-minded entrepreneurs, and potential leads both in-person and online. Use social media platforms such as LinkedIn to get in touch with people who could potentially help you build and expand your network, and don’t be afraid to get out there at trade shows, networking conferences, and other relevant business events.

5. Keep on Top of Admin:

Starting as you mean to go on is definitely one of the most important factors when it comes to business admin. Tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll, and inventory management can quickly become unmanageable if you don’t make sure to keep on top of them from the beginning. If possible, you may want to consider outsourcing these tasks – today you can find freelancers or entire companies that you can outsource the work to. This makes it much easier for you to manage since you can rest assured that the work is being handled by professionals with the know-how and experience necessary to support your business success. If outsourcing isn’t possible, there are many alternatives to consider. When it comes to accounting, you can find many free or inexpensive online tools to make the process much easier for you to manage. Take some time to research different software programs that you can use to make managing the admin side of your company easier from the start.

When it comes to starting your own first business, it’s important to make sure that you are fully prepared to propel your new brand to success. These are some of the main factors that people don’t think about when starting a new business; don’t fall into the same trap.

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How To Find the CPQ Platform for Your Brand

The small businesses that thrive are the ones that can meet their customers' needs while keeping their prices affordable. Due to the great advancements in technology, distributors can configure their products to the specific needs of their customers. Delivering customizable products is a great way to grow your business and your customer base, but you have to have the right tools to get the best out of your team and your products. Manufacturers and other distributors that develop complex products utilize CPQ software to configure their products to their customers' specifications. With the right CPQ tool, you can enhance your deliverables and offer fully customized products, but not all CPQ platforms are the same. Continue reading to learn how to find the right CPQ software for your company. Outsource your procurement needs to a specialist: Running a company doesn't afford business owners much time to gain in-depth knowledge about different products and services they need for their company. They may know that they need a particular service or product like CPQ software, but they have too many other things going on to learn about CPQ tools, which ones are for their industry, and which of those are the best. By outsourcing your procurement needs to a specialist, you get the benefit of having people who excel at finding the best products and services for your budget and needs. Your procurement specialist likely won't be an expert in CPQ solutions, but the important thing is they know how to find the best tools on the market and negotiate to get the best optimal price for their clients. A procurement specialist can do much more for you than find the right product configurator for your business, they can help you find all the products and services necessary for your brand to grow and flourish. You simply have to be willing to make the investment. Do some online research of your own: Even though you may not have time to dedicate to learning in-depth about CPQ solutions and can allow a procurement specialist to help coordinate your efforts, you should do some research of your own. You should want to know as much about any product as possible, and the internet is the quickest way to gain a layman's understanding of anything. Configure One CPQ is a product configurator that has a prominent online presence mainly because customers love it and can't stop talking about it. Furthermore, Configure One creates a lot of informational content that will help you learn about CPQ integration and other basic CPQ processes. Configurable products are the wave of the now and the future because once consumers get a taste of a great thing, they only want more. So that means finding the right CPQ solutions is essential to growing your brand. Do some opposition research: Sometimes the best way to learn more about your industry is to learn from your competitors. Doing opposition research allows you to learn what systems and tools your rivals use to deliver configurable products to their customers and see what consumers like. Believe it or not, your competitors might be more willing to divulge information to you than you'd expect. That doesn't mean they're going to hand over their proprietary secrets, but most entrepreneurs are down for a mutual exchange of information and ideas. As long as you're willing to share some trade intel as well, your relationship with your competitor could turn into a friendly rivalry. Finding the right CPQ solutions for your brand greatly increases your chances of growing your market share and profits. By hiring a procurement specialist, doing a little online research, and tapping your competitors for intel, you can attain the tools you need to grow your company. Read Also: 7 Ways To Communicate With Customers In A Better Way! Optimize Your Small Business Revenue by Taking These Steps Why Your Business Needs Call Center Tracking

Financial Planning For Contractors: Ensuring Project Viability

Financial planning is an essential aspect of any business, and for contractors, it's no different. In the construction industry, project viability relies heavily on careful financial management. This article will explore the principles of effective financial planning for contractors and how using a bid bond can demonstrate financial stability and attract clients. The Importance Of Financial Planning For Construction Companies The construction industry is highly competitive, and its dynamics and the economic scenario are changing continuously. Therefore, it is important to have a plan in place when it comes to navigating regulations, compliances, and even finances. This section mainly discusses the importance of financial planning for the construction companies. 1. Navigating The Landscape Of The Construction Industry As mentioned above, the construction industry is rapidly changing. Every now and then, you have new rules, guidelines, compliances, and changes in technology. It is an important aspect of the entire industry. A personalized plan can help you pinpoint these changes and be prepared to face the challenges in the future. 2. Managing The Flow Of Cash Cash flow management is another critical aspect of any business. The construction business is no exception. The irregular scheme of payments and also the out-of-plan expenditure can, indeed, disrupt the flow of cash. A personalized flow of finance in the construction industry can help you maintain quite a healthy cash flow. It helps manage the sudden need for finance and fix issues. 3. Long-Term Sustainability A well-planned financial plan offers a roadmap for the long-term sustainability of the construction companies. They assist companies in setting attainable goals and targets. If you do not have a solid base of finances, you won’t be able to plan ahead in the future. One of the biggest challenges that business organizations face today is the long-term sustainability. As a business, you could only attain it if you have a steady supply of finances. 4. Managing The Risks The construction industry is quite risky. There are financial liabilities, safety, legal and other issues. A personalized financial plan helps create the strategies. They help reduce the chances of financial setbacks and also the circumstances hitherto not experienced. 5. Reducing The Cost Of Borrowing You all know that the construction industry is quite fund-intensive. You need to have a large sum of money. Under the circumstances, borrowing is the biggest way to handle it. But they have their interest associated with it, which is quite hefty at times. They may affect your budget and the prices of the products. Therefore, you must have the planning and a strong pedestal in place. But there is no alternative to a strong planning. 6. Increased Profitability The be-all and end-all of business is earning profits. Managing the expenditure is quite a challenge; therefore, you must be highly prepared with a plan in mind. A well-crafted plan of finances considers the revenue streams of the company assets and the expenses. A business owner uses their plan to make the wisest of choices. They help boost the profits and then cut the costs. 7. Attracting The Investors When you woo the investors for your projects, they look at some of the important things before investing. One of the core elements in good financial planning. If they understand that your finances are well managed and your organization is well in shape, it can drive them to invest in your vision. Therefore, you must invest in professionally prepared finance to ensure steady growth and stability in the long run. The Core Aspects Of Financial Planning For The Contractors In this section, we discuss some of the core aspects of financial planning that can help you stay ahead in this competitive landscape. As a stakeholder in the construction sector, you must have the planning in place. Budgeting The cornerstone of any financial plan is a well-structured budget. It’s essential to account for all expenses, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead costs. By creating a detailed budget, you’ll be better equipped to estimate project costs accurately. Cash Flow Management Cash flow is the lifeblood of your contracting business. Timely invoicing and efficient collection of payments are critical. Moreover, having a cash reserve for unexpected expenses or delays is a wise strategy. Using Bid Bonds To Show Financial Stability One effective way to demonstrate financial stability to potential clients is by using bid bonds. A bid bond is a form of guarantee that you, as a contractor, provide to the project owner. It is a promise that if you're awarded the project, you will enter into a contract and provide performance and payment bonds as required. It assures project owners that you have the financial capacity to complete the project. By including these bonds in your bids, you signal to clients that you are financially stable and capable of fulfilling the contract. This can set you apart from competitors and instill confidence in project owners. Financial Planning For Contractors Emergency Fund As mentioned earlier, cash flow can be unpredictable. Having an emergency fund that covers at least three to six months' worth of expenses can provide a safety net during lean times or unexpected setbacks. Diversify Your Client Base Relying on a single client or type of project can be risky. Diversifying your client base and the types of projects you take on can help stabilize your income and reduce vulnerability to market fluctuations. Regularly Review And Adjust Your Financial Plan Financial planning is not a one-and-done task. It's essential to review and adjust your plan regularly, especially as your business grows and evolves. Insurance Coverage Consider various insurance options to protect your business against unforeseen events. Liability insurance, workers' compensation, and equipment insurance are just a few examples of coverage that can safeguard your financial stability. Invest Wisely Make informed investment choices for any surplus funds you may have. Consult with a financial advisor to develop an investment strategy that aligns with your long-term financial goals. Conclusion In conclusion, financial planning is a critical component of a contractor's success. It ensures project viability, stability, and, ultimately, the growth of your business. Remember to create a comprehensive budget, manage your cash flow efficiently, and explore various financial strategies to secure your financial future as a contractor. By following these principles, you can build a strong foundation for your contracting business and thrive in the competitive construction industry. Read Also: Construction Safety – What You Didn’t Know! All You Must Know About Construction Business Management Software Construction Safeguards: What Are The Top 3 Leading Risks For Machine-Related Amputation?

Business potential of stock broking agencies in India

Over the last few years, quite a few stock brokers have been forced to shut shop due to weak business. This is true not only of broking but also of other businesses where automation has been taking its toll. To survive and thrive in the stock broking business you need to be able to extrapolate the key trends in stock broking and position yourself accordingly. How do you differentiate yourself as a stock broker? That is the only way you can realize the full potential of stock broking. Remember, each year Indian investors are investing more than $25 billion into equities either in direct equities or via equity and ELSS funds. That is a lot of money. How do you grab the most of this potential? There are five things that you need to be aware of. The industry is getting divided into two segments: In the broking industry, you either need to run with the hares or hunt with the hounds. The broking industry as a whole is getting stratified into the zero brokerage discount brokers and the full-service brokers. The room for the in-between brokers is increasingly reducing. If you want to be a discount broker then focus on an efficient offering at a very low cost. Alternatively, if you want to be at the full-service end then you need to be prepared to invest in research and technology. In the past, there was room for the median brokers who were somewhere between the full-service brokers and the discount brokers. With both these categories of brokers pushing their boundaries, the gap in between is getting squeezed. First, be clear on your positioning and your strategy should follow after that. Be clear on the value proposition: This is a logical corollary to the first point. What is your value proposition? Are you offering the lowest brokerage in the market? That is an advantage that is hard to sustain over longer periods of time and the model is always vulnerable to sudden changes in the market undertone. Secondly, are you offering the best advisory services in the business? This called multi-level skills in portfolio design, need understanding, portfolio customization, portfolio review etc. This is quite complicated and any advisory is always open to an opinion about success and failure. In a competitive market, this can work both ways. Lastly, is technology your USP? In the past, technology was just a tool, but that has changed. Today it is possible to look at broking as a software company and offering a robust trading model that is super efficient and intelligent. Automate and employ technology intelligently: If you look at how brokers are adding value to their customers, most of the value addition in the last few years is coming through technology. Thanks to broadband and the use of smartphones, it is possible to trade on the fly using your mobile app. Brokers are also employing artificial intelligence and machine learning to make machines increasingly think and strategize like humans. And then there is the all-powerful call to action. Here the customer is guided seamlessly through research, screening, and execution without really realizing that they are different parts of the trading system. Engage the customer continuously through financial planning: Broking is increasingly commoditized. That is more the case when you try to offer broking as a solution rather than as a service. For an investor, the solution is the creation of wealth in the long term. The solution could also be managing risk. The solution could also entail profiting from short-term trends. Most often brokers tend to confuse between the product and the solution. Focus on the solution in this industry. When you are in the financial services industry you always start with the financial goal in mind. Help the client identify long-term goals and then prepare a plan to reach these goals. As a broker you will find out how easily equity, mutual funds, and even bond sit prettily into this scheme of things. That is the best way to increase your customer engagement and improve your ROI per customer. It is just that in this case, the ROI flows naturally. Provide a delivery platform that simple, elegant and actionable: One of the critical success factors in the broking industry will be the variety and robustness of the delivery platform that you offer. If you offer more platforms like online, offline, mobile, call-n-trade, SMS trading, non-market trades etc, then your chances of engaging the customer meaningfully is much higher. Your delivery platform should also be seamless such that the movement between research ideas; advise, screening and execution should be smooth and with minimum clicks. That is when the clients can actually experience the value proposition. The key issue here is that the opportunity in the broking industry is still huge. It is just that the nature of the opportunity is changing. As a broker, you need to position yourself in the bracket that reflects your core strengths the best. The rest will follow! Read Also: How To Become A Sub-Broker? How Businesses Can Use Stock Trading

5 Things Most People Don’t Consider When Starting Their First Business

1. Insurance To Look forward while Starting First business:

2. SWOT Analysis and Business Plan:

3. Legal Considerations:

4. Establishing a Reputation:

5. Keep on Top of Admin:

A Well-Oiled Trade Show Machine: The Ones Running the Show

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Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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How To Find the CPQ Platform for Your Brand

Financial Planning For Contractors: Ensuring Project Viability

Business potential of stock broking agencies in India

5 Things Most People Don’t Consider When Starting Their First Business

1. Insurance To Look forward while Starting First business:

2. SWOT Analysis and Business Plan:

3. Legal Considerations:

4. Establishing a Reputation:

5. Keep on Top of Admin:

Share this Article

A Well-Oiled Trade Show Machine: The Ones Running the Show

Benefits Of A Strong Governance Culture For Your Business

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related