Posts

If You Want To Grow Your Business, You Have Got To Be Careful

StrategyDriven Entrepreneurship Article |Grow Your Business|If You Want To Grow Your Business, You Have Got To Be CarefulIf you want to grow your business, you have got to be careful. There are a number of things that have to work together properly in order for an expansion to ever be successful, and if you are not willing to work for this to happen, then the expansion is going to fail. Do you even know how to start expanding your business? It’s a good thing that you have found this article either way, because down below we’re going to be looking at some of the important pieces of information that you need to know and consider if you want to expand your business. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

It’s Expensive

The first thing that you need to know is that growing your business is extremely expensive in some cases. You are going to need to hire new people, you may need to hire a company like Modular Genius in order to get some new office spaces built, and you are going to have to spend more money on advertising. It’s an expensive feat to take on, but if your business is ready for it then it’s going to pay off.

You need to be sure that your business is ready though, otherwise this is just going to be a super expensive lesson that you will learn. Set aside some money for the expansion, but don’t go over budget if you can avoid it as this will start impacting other areas of your business if you do.

Is The Demand There?

Do you actually have the demand to warrant growing your business? If the answer is no then there is no need to do this and you should stop your plans right now. If the answer is yes, then you need to do your research first into who is buying from you the most, where are most of the sales coming from and so on. You need this information to be able to expand your business properly as this will tell you where the target areas are, and where you should be focusing. We promise that if you take the time to understand the demand and cater to it, the expansion is going to go a lot smoother than if you don’t.

What Do You Need?

Finally, you have got to think about what you need as a business in order to expand. Coming up with a plan is really the only way to do this in an organized fashion. Once you have this plan in place of the things you need and how to achieve them, you can start getting things going.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you are going to need to think about if you are going to be growing your business. We know that this is important for all business owners at some point down the line, but it is better to slow down and let things work naturally rather than trying to force something that is not needed. We wish you the very best of luck.

What You Need to Start a Business from Home

StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Start a business from home|What You Need to Start a Business from HomeIn the modern world, more and more people are taking the option to launch a business from the comfort of their home. However, before you really get started, you need to make sure that you are set up for success. There are several crucial elements that can make all the difference here, and we will be focusing on some of them in a checklist to help you get started. Of course, all businesses are slightly different and are going to need different things, but we are going to speak in relatively general terms in the following blog post.

The Right Office

Your office will act as the nerve center of your business, so you need to do everything that you can to make sure that it is properly set up. Ideally, you will have an office with a closing door, but if this is simply not possible, you should try to find a quiet corner of the house where you are really and truly able to concentrate. You will need the right lighting, as well as soundproofing as much as possible. If you have other people living at home, you should try to set up a system of setting up some office hours to ensure that you are able to concentrate as much as possible. You also need to think about the office from a decorative point of view. For example, the color scheme and the little trinkets that you set up around the place can make a big difference in helping to boost your productivity levels.

The Best Equipment

There is plenty of equipment that is going to help you to run your business in the best way possible. To begin with, this means the basic things such as a desk and chair. However, you should also think about the technical aspects of your company that will make all the difference, including a good quality laptop, a residential internet service provider, headphones, a keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. You certainly do not want the equipment to be holding you back, but this also does mean that you necessarily have to spend a fortune, to begin with. Over time, you always have the option of investing more into your company as and when this is required.

A Strong Business Plan

If you do not have a clear plan in place for your business, it is a bit like you are scrabbling around in the dark without a clear sense of direction. For this reason, it is highly important that you get your business plan sorted out. As well as the general sense that you want your company to have, you should also go into further detail about the individual aspects of your business that are going to make all the difference, such as ensuring that you have some clear financial projections, as well as having done sufficient market research to work out exactly where you are going to pitch yourself in a potentially competitive marketplace.

A Winning Mentality

The next crucial aspect of significantly increasing your chances of success is ensuring that you have a winning mentality. If you fail to do this, it is all too easy to find yourself in a situation in which you are already defeated before you have even gotten properly started. To begin with, this means having a clear sense of discipline in working out when you are going to be working and how much time you expect to dedicate to what you are trying to achieve. Surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference in ensuring that you are able to continue picking yourself up when you are down. After all, the best businesses are not truly able to achieve success without experiencing some bumps in the road.

A Clear Sense of Routine

The next aspect of your business that can make all the difference is having a clear sense of routine. This means setting out exactly what you would like to achieve in the day that you have in front of you. Setting out regular to-do lists can certainly help in this regard. You should also clearly try to set some office hours during which you are able to work. If you do not make your company a clear priority, you can easily end up in a situation in which it starts to slip further and further down your priority list, and you are not able to give it the time and attention that it deserves.

All of these different elements can really make a big difference when it comes to starting a company from home. First of all, there is the office itself, which you need to set up in the right way. You may need to take a bit of time and experimentation before you get it properly right. Beyond this, there is also all the equipment that you will need for the successful running of your company. Think about the essentials to begin with, and you can always start to build up from here. Remember, there may well be times in which your company needs some reinvestment.

So far, we have only talked about the physical elements of the office environment that can make all the difference in the success or failure of your venture. However, beyond this, you are certainly going to need some things which are altogether more abstract. For example, you need to a business plan that you can follow. This does not have to remain fixed all the time. In fact, you may want to give it some updates and refreshes along the way. You also need to have the right mentality that is going to help you stand out from all of the competition that you have out there. Finally, you need to establish a clear routine that you are able to follow that will certainly help out when it comes to achieving everything that you would like to from your business, which could be a little or a lot.

How to Open a Food Truck in 5 Steps

StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Open a food truck|How to Open a Food Truck in 6 StepsHave you ever dreamed of serving up street food right out of your very own food truck?

If you’ve been following trends in the food industry, you probably already know that the initial outlay of opening a food truck is much, much lower than opening a restaurant.

And there’s even more good news: people love the concept. In fact, the food truck trend is sweeping across the globe… and it’s not going away any time soon.

If you’re giving this business model some serious consideration, there are six steps you’ll need to follow to make your dream a success.

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

Before you do anything, you’ll need to conduct some market research. If there is a demand for food trucks in your area, you’ll need to do some research by looking at your competitors, what they are offering, and see how you can differentiate yourself with your concept.

Look into how you can incorporate your theme and concept into your packaging, too – you’ll need to customize it with your logo. To save on costs, you should buy disposable containers and cups wholesale.

You’ll also need to determine what demographic you’ll be serving, where you’ll be able to park to sell your food, and when the busiest times for business will be.

Step 2: Decide on a Concept

To be successful in the food industry, you’ll need to find the perfect balance between cooking within a concept you are passionate about and catering to the tastes of your demographic.

Once you’ve come up with a concept for your food truck, choose a name and logo for your company – and make sure they are unique, memorable, and reflect your brand accurately.

An exciting concept paired with an attention-grabbing logo and name can make all the difference when it comes to attracting customers, so give these a lot of thought.

Step 3: Create a Business Plan

When you have decided on a concept, you’ll need to create a business plan. Writing a business plan is an essential step and will help you plan and iron out any wrinkles in your business model.

In your business plan, you should go into as much detail as you can because it is also an important document for attracting investors.

If you’re not sure how to write a business plan, there are many online resources and templates available to help you out.

Step 4: Get Licenses and Permits

Before you go ahead and launch your business, you’ll need to check your state laws to find out what permits and licenses you’ll need to operate. These laws vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your local jurisdiction.

You’ll also need to check zoning and parking permits for your food truck, and don’t forget to register your truck with your local DMV.

Step 5: Purchase a Food Truck

Now that you’ve dealt with most of the logistics, it’s time for the most exciting part: buying or renting your food truck.
Your food truck is where most of your startup capital will go, and you have two options – you can purchase a new or used truck, or you can lease one. Just be sure to choose a reputable truck dealer.

Most food trucks will come fully equipped, but you’ll still need to purchase supplies and containers so that you can serve your customers.

You’ll also need to customize your food truck with your branding and buy insurance to protect yourself from liability, damages, or loss.

6 Reasons Your Startup Is Doomed

StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Startup|6 Reasons Your Startup Is DoomedEntrepreneurs are risk-takers. They calculate possibilities with high accuracy and take every step after thinking thrice. A single mistake in the initial phases can cause severe losses in the later stages.

A lot of amateur entrepreneurs make the mistake of not being thorough during the first stages. Since defining a solid business model takes up a lot of time, entrepreneurs must be patient and understanding to see through the process for fruitful business outcomes.

If you’re starting a venture or facing unfortunate results from your first venture, then we’d like to suggest some tips that’ll not only help you stand firm in the business landscape but also help to identify the places where you’re lacking.

1. Inefficient IT Professionals

IT is the core of all the success or failure businesses face. We know that initially, businesses need a lot of funding, so hiring an experienced IT professional can be expensive.

Most new ventures want great employees for minimum wage. Still, in today’s world, where living costs exceed an average man’s salary, it is almost impossible to find someone with the experience you need.

It is a primary reason startups hire inexperienced or amateurs as their employees and suffer because of it.
But, it doesn’t have to end badly for budding entrepreneurs struggling with capital. An even better idea would be to outsource IT professionals rather than hiring a dedicated team. A company like Synergy-UK is an excellent solution for all your IT-related needs.

With Synergy, you can worry less about your IT department and focus more on using your capital in other areas, ensuring company growth through mindful investment decisions.

2. Choosing The Wrong Market

You have to be wise when choosing a market for your innovations. The market is where all the targetted audiences are. It would be best not to select areas that are already over-served because then your competition would be very high, and customers will always prefer those ventures that started before you because they have gained their trust.

This would lead to a massive loss. When selecting a market, mark the severity levels (low, medium, or high) of these five warnings; the threat of suppliers, threat of buyers, threat of new entrants, bargaining power of customers, and the threat of already present competitors.

If you see threats as severe, it is recommended to choose a different market.

3. A Not So Thoughtful Business Model

It is a well-known fact that eight out of ten startups fail within the first eighteen months of their venture. There is a good reason for it. During the initial phases of the startup, entrepreneurs are optimistic about their venture turning out great with easy efforts.

They tend to disregard the prime factor leading to their downfall – the business model. A business model defines how a company will make money from its products in a type of market.

When developing your startup’s business model, you need to focus on two critical points; number one: see if there is a practical way to acquire customers, and number two: identify ways to earn revenue from your customers.

4. A Below Par Management Team

How the management team works define the success rate of your startup. Hiring an inefficient group of people only working to get paid won’t do your company any wonders since they’re not motivated enough.

Therefore, it is necessary to hire people who show interest in their field and have good communication skills since a team’s strength is defined by how well they interact and understand one another.

If the startup faces issues, the management team should resolve them instead of blaming and losing talented employees.

5. Miscalculations

Starting a business requires a lot of cash. Entrepreneurs have their ways of acquiring money. The number one method is saving up – which usually takes up a lot of time and effort.

Other ways include; asking from friends and family, external funding, or finding an angel investor. We’re trying to highlight that gathering enough money to start a venture is no child’s play.

Whatever the case may be, when you put everyone’s hard-earned resources on the line, you can’t afford problems or miscalculations.

It is always advised to let a professional financial analyst handle the finances and assets and generate a detailed report that illustrates the use of funds and highlights all the expenses made for the startup to enter the development stage.

6. Problems In Products Or Services

The product design is the key to success when starting up. This is what attracts customers and promotes better marketing. Faulty products or services will stop your brand from making progress and be a cause of ruining your venture’s reputation.

Most of the time, the products that the companies bring to the market aren’t exactly what the market needs. As stated before, you need to find the correct audience, preferably an underserved one, so you could have a high chance of succeeding.

Since startups (especially first-timers) can find it difficult to earn good marketing because of competitors, they can make themselves famous and attract more customers by introducing something that is needed rather than what is wanted.

To know the current trends, we would suggest taking surveys. Go around and ask likely customers if they would like to see your product in town; is it a must-have or just a want-to-have?

Ask them what price are they willing to pay once they see your product around. Surveys like these can give you a broader idea of what should be done to get business booming.

Final Thoughts

Only the bravest have the guts to become Entrepreneurs. Most of us tend to do things the traditional way and avoid any risks, so congratulations to you for believing in yourself and being courageous enough to make your path to success!
Now to be victorious out there, follow the tips mentioned in this article and face problems head-on. Good luck!

How To Start A Coffee Shop Business

StrategyDriven Starting Your Business Article |Start a Coffee Shop|How To Start A Coffee Shop BusinessMany people try and fail to make a new cafe work. It takes time and patience and above all quality and location. It is a shame that so many fail. There are many reasons for this: a lack of technical and business knowledge, the jungle of authorities disregarded, the café does not generate enough profit quickly enough, and much more. So let’s take a deeper look into how you can potentially make this work as a business idea.

Tip 1: Have Support From Your Family and Partner

A successful start-up is not possible without family and friends. That doesn’t mean that everyone has to stand in the shop or bake cakes on Sundays. But moral support and protection are very important.

  • What is your partner saying? Is he/she behind your plan or not?
  • Does your family understand and support you?
  • Are your friends enthusiastic about your idea too?

It is important that your immediate environment supports your decision. Because in the first three years you will have little time for your loved ones. They have to endure a lot! Your worries, your stress and even your failure. However they also will revel in your success.

Tip 2: Get a Grip on the Jungle of Authorities

A specialty in the food sector is the care with which – despite all the passion – you absolutely have to proceed. There are many requirements, permits and regulations that you have to comply with. The time required for all of these prerequisites should not be underestimated.

Certain hygiene and catering training can last upto three years. It is possible to shorten it under certain conditions. However, it can be a high investment of time and money but will certainly serve you well. Do things by the book and get legal proceedings in order.

Tip 3: Start Researching and Planning in Good Time

Create a timeline – what are the first steps? Who does what with whom? Opening a café or restaurant is complex – a real monster project. There is a lot to consider, especially if you are not alone in the shop later. So structure your thoughts early on with the timeline. The period includes the four to six months before the opening, the opening day and, depending on the concept, several months after the opening.

  • Writing down the countdown: what will be important when?
  • Planning is good. Verification is better. Now it is important to compare the plan with reality in order to minimize errors.
  • Best practices: Talk to 3-5 restaurateurs who have already had an opening behind them. Here you will get a lot of valuable tips for improvement.
  • What will you serve? What will you offer?
  • Will you sell other items. Coffee granules in packets, cakes to take home?

Tip 4: Create a Workable Concept With a Business Plan

The business plan depicts your concept in text and numbers. To get to your concept and figures, you can ask about “best practices” from founders with a similar gastro concept.
You can ask, for example:

  • What was the decisive factor for your success?
  • If you founded a company again today, what would you do differently today?
  • What are your three tips for founders in this area?
  • And then you build your learnings into your business.

Your business plan must include a little bit of everything. Including your hopes and dreams for the business. Will you branch out and sell other things, as previously mentioned? Coffee shops are forever evolving and so is the market. You should look at coffee packaging trends for example.

Tip 5: Be Brave, Confident and Stick With It

Have a lot of courage! Believe in yourself and your idea, because you need that. Many will say without being asked: The concept does not work anyway, your idea is not sustainable etc. Everyone has these doubts, and you are not alone. Business is a scary concept, yet achievable if marketed right and believed in. Treat it with passion and TLC.
Here are a few encouraging tips:

  • Look for supporters in your private environment who think you and your idea are great. They carry you through difficult times too.
  • Internalize your business idea. This is how you shine and ignite your passion in others too
  • Find a mentor
  • Hold on to your business dream

Stay tuned and dare to go through with it instead of listening too much to all the people who know everything better and better and say: It will never work. People don’t always know best and many may be trying to put you down. Eliminate those people from your business journey, because negativity is never good. In business, you have to be smart, positive and realistic, but also passionate.

Tip 6: Have Enough Cash When You Start

Your financing is in place. You order your coffee machine and the kitchen equipment. The electricians are coming in to fit all the wiring and lighting. And then your account is empty. The loan approved by the bank has not yet been paid out. If you do not have equity as cash you will be in trouble, you will not be able to keep to the schedule, etc. That will be really expensive and you must have the cash to be able to keep the business flowing over day to day. If the final financing has already been secured, short-term bridging finance can be the solution. This can be in the following ways:

  • Borrow in a private environment – family, friends & fools
  • Taking out personal loans via online platforms
  • Borrow via your bank or a business loan

A choice of location crucial for your success

An ideal location is an easily accessible place, which is in the roaming area of ??customers, especially in the morning. Before committing to signing a lease, spend time on site and look at who passes by and when. This will help you determine whether there are enough potential customers. And also whether the establishment is visible and how the competition is performing.

Use of Facebook and other social networks to market

Facebook is the dominant social network in the world. Opening a “fans” page for your business (or the site itself), can be a great move to attract potential Facebook surfers, and make them follow any content posted on this fan channel – unique promotions for page fans, announcements about new products, service added or discontinued and the like.

This is actually an online “customer club” , which allows you to keep in touch with the customer at any time. In the news items that appear on the Facebook page, it is possible and desirable to include links to your website. When surfers click on a status, they will be taken to the site to continue reading it. In this way you will also gain visits to the site itself, and at the same time the surfers will also be more accessible to purchase what you offer. Beyond that, Facebook – like Google – also allows you to advertise for a fee in a variety of forms: regular sponsored ads, sponsored stories (influenced by what happens on Facebook pages for businesses) and more. The pay per click is lower than in Google AdWords, making Facebook the second largest advertising platform after Google. Inanimate moves can also be made through Google’s social network (Google Plus) and even via Twitter, as organic marketing channels. Get to know all the subtleties that result from the abundance of channels available for use, and combine it all into one big marketing framework that takes into account your needs and those of the business.