So you've started your own Tri-Cities business, cheers to you, but now you're kinda wondering if it was really the right thing for you to do. Don't. You trusted in yourself enough to take the plunge in the first place and that self-belief can never be wrong. No it won't always be easy, but if you keep at it long enough, you'll soon start seeing the fruits of your labor begin to bud. We came across this list of helpful tips for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs compiled by Cynthia Schmae of 4entrepreneur.net.
1. Don't work for less than you can afford to, but do offer a discount to customers or clients who sign contracts with you.
2. Find people who will refer jobs to you.
3. Surround yourself with supportive people and don't be discouraged by anyone.
4. Be flexible in your thinking. Prepare to shift your products, services and the way you work in order to meet the demands of your customers.
5. Don't enter a business or a venture that you know nothing about.
6. Develop a good relationship with your bank manager and creditors. Show a genuine interest in solving problems and pay as much as you can afford to everyone to whom you own money.
7. Get trained! You'll be spending a lot of time doing things that have nothing to do with your area of expertise: bookkeeping, marketing, IT support, ect.
8. Avoid isolation, develop your own network of entrepreneurs that you see regularly. Ideally they'll allow you to vent frustrations and share your successes.
9. Separate your work and personal life. Set you working hours and stick to a strict timetable.
10. Plan some 'thinking time' into everyday.
12. Write a business plan so you're clear about what you're doing and be sure to update it at least once a year.
13. Develop an excellent telephone manner and react quickly to any complaints or problems.
14. Confirm orders personally and immediately, especially those you receive via email.
15. Never lose sight of the big picture.
16. When you find someone more clever than you, employ them!
17. Solicit advice from people who are other successful entrepreneurs and reputable small business advisers.
18. Admit your mistakes, correct them and carry on.
19. Build an loyal customer base starting locally if you do not already have one.
20. Be aware that yo will get through any initial investment quickly, so ensure that you are covered financially until at least the end of the second year.
21. Focus on a specific goal and work at it until it's achieved.
22. Never worry about how to get things done when you are first developing your idea. Money and resources will come together once you have set your goals and begun to work at them.
23. Make quality in every aspect of your business your primary focus and aim. This is essential.
24. Use the internet. Use email, build a website, send out email newsletters, and register your site with all the major search engines.
25. Delegate. You may have to hire a good PA, lawyer and/or marketing professional to ensure you'll be profitable in the future.