Voice of Experience

By Dan Boudreau

Successfully navigating the first year in business is a major feat and cause for celebration. The following list of encouraging suggestions is from groups of entrepreneurs who have reached the end of their first year in business and are about to launch into year two. Here are some of the nuggets they offer:

1. Develop a “do it now” attitude!

2. Think positive

3. Know your business (get into a type of business you know)

4. Don’t be intimidated

5. Ensure that you have enough financing

6. Delegate where you can

7. Welcome challenges as opportunities

8. Seek one or more mentors

9. Be flexible, focused, open to learning, realistic, persistent, proactive

10. Have positive support

11. Set aside money for when things don’t go well

12. Accept help from others

13. Be prepared to work long hours – more than you think

14. Choose a good location

15. Join business networking groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce

16. Develop and use a business plan

17. Differentiate your business from your competitors

18. Develop and use a marketing plan

19. Develop and use an advertising plan

20. Satisfy your customers

21. Create benefits for your customers

22. Ask questions

23. Provide excellent customer service

24. Listen

25. Check to ensure your customers are satisfied – ask them

26. Get feedback

27. Recognize that your business is separate from yourself

28. Use feedback wisely

As I interact with these groups, hear their wise words, see the passion in their eyes – I realize I am among friends. One of the most impressive characteristics of entrepreneurs is that they simply refuse to surrender to the forces of a poor economy, unemployment or inertia. They are carving a living out of their environment, using their knowledge, their skills and their raw ingenuity. They are a proud, tough group of individuals and I am inspired by their achievements. They are doing it and you can too!

You are welcome to publish this article providing you attach this statement with the link back to the RiskBuster website:

“Dan Boudreau is President and CEO of Macrolink Action Plans Inc. and the RiskBuster Business Plan Oasis at http://www.riskbuster.com Writing your own business plan can be easy, fast and fun! Instantly download a free copy of Dan’s popular fast-track business plan template, The Shell, when you subscribe to the RiskBuster Business Plan Insider at http://www.riskbuster.com”

 

 

The End