No business can succeed if it isn’t founded on firm footing, and that means the preparations you put in before you even begin to operate are critical to its long-term viability.
Here are a few things you can do during this preliminary stage to shore up your chances of success and build a business that stands the test of time:
Studying for an MBA
Attaining an MBA degree is arguably the optimal way to enter the world of entrepreneurship with the right set of skills and knowledge needed to thrive.
With the right course, you can gain a deep understanding of the principles and processes behind managing and running businesses. An MBA will also equip you with the technical expertise needed in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, economics and more.
You’ll learn how to make sound financial decisions that support sustainable success, as well as develop important skills, like problem-solving techniques, that are essential when dealing with challenging situations in any business environment.
Finally, earning an MBA shows potential investors or partners that you have what it takes to create something special. And studying for one doesn’t have to cost the earth, as you can take advantage of MBA loans available now to cover some or all of the costs.
Crafting a comprehensive business plan
A good business plan should include details such as the mission, objectives and goals of your company, along with financial projections, and prospective marketing strategies. It must also cover operational details, such as your intended organizational structure, and any resources needed to carry out the activities involved.
It’s important to do extensive market research so you can accurately forecast potential sales figures, identify target customers and get to know competitors. As part of this process, you also need to understand industry trends and read up on regulations that might affect operations in the future.
Taking time to create a detailed plan will help you stay organized throughout the startup process, as well as provide investors or partners with insight into how prepared you are for success.
Networking with the right people
Creating connections within your industry can open up opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and potential partnerships that could help support growth.
It’s also important to develop relationships with investors or lenders who can provide financial guidance, as well as serve as mentors during the startup process.
Business-focused networking events are great places to start building these types of relationships, so use them to learn more about what it takes to flourish in business, and form lasting connections with influential members of the corporate world.
Securing financing options that fit your needs and goals
Knowing which sources of capital are available to you can help inform the direction you take when creating your financial plan.
A good option might be seeking venture capital or angel investors, both of whom typically provide larger amounts of funding without expecting immediate repayment with interest.
Other potential sources include private equity firms, crowdfunding platforms, bank loans and more. It’s up to you to evaluate each choice carefully so you make the best decision for your company.
Whichever route you pick, remember that certain forms of funding will require you to hand over a portion of your new business to third parties. You need to balance the benefits of getting access to much-needed capital, against your desire to retain ownership and give your all to your fledgling firm.
The bottom line
These tenets of starting a successful business might sound straightforward, but it’s how you apply them that matters. Stick with it, listen to those with experience in the game, and you’ll go far.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
