Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part. Or is it?
Launching a new business is filled with uncertainty and risk. You don’t always know the right questions to ask or if you do have the right questions, you don’t always know who can answer them for you.
So if you’re just getting started with the brainstorming process, if you are just about to launch your new small business, or if you have launched recently, read this – it’s great advice for new small business owners.
I’ve compiled the best advice for new small business owners from 10 successful entrepreneurs.
To put together this advice, I connected with women who have gotten through the rollercoaster of launching their business and are ready to share what they learned on the journey.
Take a look at their feedback and how the business launch process looks from the other side.
Perfect Is Pointless. Change is Inevitable.
Sacha Brant, Brand Scrubbers
Even if you are a one-person business, think like a business from the beginning. Get a business checking and savings account, keep all the business money there and transfer only your ‘paycheck’ over to your personal accounts. Get your LLC straight away so you have a business tax number instead of have to give people your Social Security Number, as well as some liability protections for your family’s personal fianaces.
Nancy Bigelow Reed, Nancy Reed Designs
Always Pay Yourself.
Jenny Moore McCord, Ideal Market & Rodan + Fields
Be Yourself!Â
Resist the tempation to always seek the next big thing. Instead, focus on your passions. Your best work happens when you create something that compels you. Stop making things simply because you think someone will buy it.
Don’t change for an audience. Don’t chase an audience.
VIctoria Moreno Jackson, Subversive Textiles
Over the long haul, slow, strong growth beats fast, flimsy growth. Build roots rather than a racetrack.
Pamela Price, The Texas Wildflower
Get your film in early. Slots fill up quickly and waiting means fewer chances your film will be chosen. Who you know matters. If you know someone connected to the festival, play that card. Do your research. Discover the types of films that traditionally win and target the right festival for your work.
Andrea Shreeman, Prudent Pictures
making genuine connections is key to building a strong client base.
Oxana Romanyuk , Remote Rockstars
When I first started out, I found myself investing so much time and energy into taking advantage of every opportunity that came my way. I’d vend at every event no matter the cost. I’d send free product to anyone with a following who asked. You need products for your subscription box? I’m your girl! Oh, it’s for exposure? No problem. And you know what it got me? Nothing. Research everything, accept that you can say no, and value yourself and your products so much that you do nothing for free. I’ve done it and now you don’t have to.
Shanae Jones, Ivy’s Tea Co.
Get in the arena. It may be messy, but you can't win a game you don't play.
Kay Jones, Moxie Professional Development
Seek mentors who are 10+ years ahead of you AND who are willing to share their successes and failures. Tapping into their knowledge will catalyze your growth. If you’re lucky, they’ll also become a safe place to voice concerns, vent frustration, and ultimately be encouraged to keep going when things get hard.
Laura Kilgore, Beyond Education
Owning a business is hard.
Check out these resources to make it just a little easier.
- Download our free e-book on building an integrated sales & marketing process.
- Talk to us about our email marketing & social media kickstarters, so you can connect with new audiences and start generating leads.
- Join us in The Small Business Collaborative and get actionable advice & support to grow your business.
