It’s not easy to be an entrepreneur. Not only are you getting your business up and running, your operations solidified and your marketing strategy off the ground but you are also trying to make sure you’re managing your business properly and minimizing liability. However, many young professionals are choosing to retreat from traditional jobs and instead are choosing to start their own companies. Deborah Sweeney, CEO of MyCorporation built MyCorporation as an employee and then bought out that same business. In an interview with Start Up Growth Expert.com, Deborah provides the following tips to young entrepreneurs who are just getting started out in business:
1. Incorporate before doing business: For liability reasons, it’s wise to make sure you incorporate or form an LLC before the business takes off. Incorporating or forming an LLC can help protect personal assets by separating the business from your personal affairs. If anything were to go wrong with the business, it’s wise to make sure your house, car and personal assets are properly protected.
2. Consult a tax professional: If the type of business entity you should form is not clear to you, it’s wise to speak with a CPA. CPAs can help you understand tax implications and how the different structures can help you protect your assets as well as save money on taxes.
3. Learn your market: It’s wise to know your market. Understand who your customers are and target them. One of the best ways to do that is to emulate a business in your industry that you believe is doing a good job. Take the items that are successful and combine them with something that makes your business unique. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel entirely. If your business idea is novel, leverage the expertise of other entrepreneurs and business owners within the same genre as your offering. Getting out there and talking with people can be one of your greatest assets early on. Plus, you may generate customers in the process.
4. Be creative: No matter what industry you’re in, don’t be stagnant. Stay ahead of the curve and constantly be on the cutting edge. Communicate with the youth to see what’s up and coming in terms of marketing and social networking. Don’t rest on your laurels, make sure you’re on top of the next steps for your business.
5. Spend your funds wisely: Many small businesses make the mistake of spending too quickly. Either they spend what others have invested in their business, or they spend everything that comes in the door. That can be helpful in the initial growth stages, but it may not be the recipe for long-term success. Make sure to invest more heavily in areas in which you get a higher return and take smart risks otherwise.
6. Enjoy your business. A strong, positive business leader can take the business to new heights. Stay optimistic and focused. Your team is looking to you for answers. Provide them but don’t be so stubborn that you are unwilling to make changes to your plans when necessary. Take time to step back and evaluate where you are and where you could be. Don’t get so caught up in the details that you can’t get perspective. With that said, it can’t just be about making money. You have to be enjoying what you do. With that, the success will come!
Read the entire article and learn more tips and tools to start your small business here