Starting a business from scratch is a daunting but thrilling experience. The possibility of growth is certainly tantalizing, but any startup requires an early cash injection and an astute, long term business plan. Here are some tips to help you get on the road to success.
1 Have multiple plans
Most entrepreneurs will start with a long term plan for their business. They have an idea of what they want their ideas to grow into, but a single plan isn’t enough. Every startup should have short term, medium- and long-term plans. The short-term plan details how you’ll set up, including hiring, establishing an office space and funding your first steps. The medium plan is about development and growth, while the long-term plan pushes towards your end goals. Combining these plans forms the perfect roadmap.
2 Keep initial costs low
Initial costs for startups can be huge. From setting up an office space to buying equipment and paying your first employees, there’s a lot to think about and a lot to spend on. Compare prices and cut costs wherever possible. Opting for used equipment is one way to keep your budget intact. You can do this with smaller purchases like office furniture and supplies, but it’s even more important if your company uses expensive machinery like balers. Buying this equipment used from a retailer like recyclingbalers.com cuts costs dramatically, allowing you to spend money elsewhere.
3 Research funding
Budgeting is important, but external funding can make a massive difference to your business’s future. Depending on your operational sector, there might be a lot of funding available. Green businesses, for example, often receive financial incentives from governments to develop new tech. Healthcare and biochemistry industries are also frequent beneficiaries. Any business can benefit, though, so research your sector to find out what’s available.
4 Network early
Networking is everything in the business world, and the earlier you start the better. Contact businesses and suppliers in your sector to see whether you can work together for mutual benefit. Build your customer list early and don’t neglect social media. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are the lifeblood of a growing business. Not only will social media put you in touch with potential customers, but it helps to build long term connections. These turn into repeat customers and more word-of-mouth sales, helping you to grow.
5 Maintain the work/life balance
Last but not least, your work life balance is important. When you start a business it’s easy to get lost in the process. The business consumes your free time, leaving little separation between personal and business life. This has a counterproductive effect. You’re more likely to suffer from stress, burnout and more serious mental health problems like anxiety. In the long term, of course, this is damaging both on a personal and professional level. You’ll suffer, and so will your business. Maintaining a separation and giving yourself some time to decompress at the end of the day is vitally important.
Alicia Parker 
Michelle 
Meghan