Published: December 20th, 2016
If you’ve entered the New Year with a resolution to start your own business and become your own boss, small business expert and author Emma Jones offers 5 steps that will help you firm up on the idea, make sales, write a plan, and get known!
1. What’s the idea?
Come up with an idea for a business by asking yourself three questions; have I spotted a gap in the market, what is my passion/hobby/skill and can this be turned into a way of making a living, and is there something I’ve seen that I think I can deliver better myself? The answer to these questions will deliver an idea for your start-up.
As the business grows, refine the idea and finesse your niche. The best businesses are niche businesses and by this, I mean, try to deliver a specific product or service to a clearly identifiable audience. That way, you keep marketing costs low, and customer loyalty high.
2. Have a plan
At the start of your business journey, set a plan that will act as your routemap. It doesn’t have to be a long document and it’s easy to remember what to include as it spells I’M OFF:
I – What’s the Idea for your business?
M – Which Market are you going to serve?
O – What Operations do you need to get off the ground?
F – Are the Finances in order? Do a simple cashflow forecast and work out if you need a small loan to start
F – Who are the Friends to offer support along the way; the mentors, experts and professionals in your network?
With this plan in hand, you’re ready for the entrepreneurial journey ahead!
3. Make a sale
Start out by making sales to friends and family. Grow from there by selling via powerful marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy and the main social media platforms of Facebook and Instagram. Create your own home on the web with template site builders such as Squarespace and consider meeting customers face to face through doing a popup shop or market. Always carry flyers, product or business cards so you have the potential of a sale with every person you meet!
4. Make some noise
Turn to social media again to become known across the web and reach out to the journalists and bloggers who influence your customers. Grab their attention with news, survey stats, crowdfunding campaigns, product launches or new client wins. Attach professional imagery to increase the chances of being covered online and off.
5. Keep repeating
Go through the above steps again to build momentum. Keep developing the product, making sales and getting known. Throughout, stay on top of the books to ensure there’s more money coming in than heading out. Taking these steps will soon see you as the successful owner of your very own enterprise!
On 14th January Enterprise Nation hosts StartUp 2017; the UK’s biggest StartUp show of the New Year. The event will be hosted in London, Birmingham and Bristol, connecting thousands of start-ups with successful entrepreneurs and practical experts. Attend to meet advisers, form a company, apply for a loan, pick up tips and be inspired www.enterprisenation.com/startup2017