Blogs
So You've Launched Your Business - Now What? - 10th April 2018
Taking steps to create a good foundation in the early days of your business is essential for a sustainable and profitable future. Here's how.
Keep your eyes on the
numbers
If you're just starting out, you may be
surprised by just how quickly those day to day expenses add up. It's important
to make sure, right from day one, that you consistently track your spending,
file your receipts, and monitor your income and expenses with an easy, reliable
accounting system.
Cloud based accounting software (like Xero or Sage) can help you know exactly where your finances stand in real time - with
secure access to accurate, up to date financial data anywhere, anytime.
In addition to being able to collaborate more efficiently with your bookkeeper
and accountant so you can get advice whenever you need it, you’ll avoid the
stress and hassle come tax time - and be empowered every day to make better,
smarter business decisions.
Don't neglect marketing
All entrepreneurs are incredibly busy, and it
can be a real challenge to find the time to promote your business. The other
challenge for new businesses is money - but every small business needs to invest
in marketing activities that will bring in more sales and keep the cash flow
flowing.
It's wise to be wary of costly large-scale marketing strategies when you're
just starting out. The best use of your time in the early days is to really get
to know your customers and how they tick, so you can design (or hire an expert
to mastermind) highly appealing, cost-effective campaigns.
And don't turn a blind eye to what you're competitors are up to. Monitor how
they attract new customers and think about how you can improve on what they’re
doing - or take a completely different approach to promoting your business that
will help your young brand stand apart.
Touch base with a business advisor
Every successful entrepreneur learns from
experience - not to mention failure, which can be the greatest of all teachers.
While it's true that "you don't know what you don't know", you can shrink your
learning curve by reaching out to experienced mentors for guidance.
Consider working with a small business
consultant who can provide personalized advice to help you make it through the
first year- and an ongoing objective perspective on your business, industry, and
market going forward.
Final thoughts
It's been said many times that a business is
like a baby - and it can be incredibly difficult for entrepreneurs to trust
someone enough to hand over any aspect of it. Many business owners work
themselves to exhaustion because they can't let themselves to take a
weekend off. They neglect their most important relationships and never get to
enjoy their successes because there's always more to do.
The most successful entrepreneurs know they can't do it all - nor should
they - and build in time for rest so they can be more productive at work. Train
someone early on to run the business in your absence so you can take a
rejuvenating vacation, and enjoy the freedom you likely dreamed off when you
first imagined going into business for yourself.
AV Chartered Accountants - Committed to Your Business Success
Two convenient locations: