Q: If you could give an aspiring business owner any advice, what would you want to say?
A: If I could narrow it down, I’d call these my top tips:
1. Always have a plan A, B, and C instead of just a plan A. You need a back-up plan, and need to stay flexible in terms of how you think about your business.
2. You will have to work harder than you imagined, especially that first year. When
you are the business owner, you alone are responsible for keeping your business moving forward. This will mean working beyond “9 to 5.”
3. Networking is the most important aspect of a small business. Your network will be the way you get those first clients and referrals. It will also be the place where you can seek advice if you need a sounding board, and can be a source of new introductions. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel all by yourself, even though it’s your business. If you are a Veteran or a military spouse (or both!), look out for resources that are available to you.
4. Get out of your comfort zone. Be open to new ideas and technology, they could end up saving you time and money in the long run.
5. When you focus on your business, don’t forget the larger industry that you’re working within. Become knowledgeable about business startup in your industry, evaluate what your particular field requires, and continue to educate yourself as your business grows.
6. Never hesitate to hire and delegate essential services to other professionals that can help you grow successfully. Know where you need to prioritize your time and money, and proceed accordingly.
7. Don’t get distracted by what other people think, say, or do. You should only measure success by the goals that you want to achieve. Period.
Are you a Veteran or military spouse small business owner? Connect with us on Facebook and share your story! Do you want to own your own business, but you need more information to get your ideas off the ground? Let us know which topics would be helpful for you to see in the MSEJ.
Time works differently when you're a small business owner. There are many hours before (and after) "9 to 5."