Peter J Farmer shares his Top 10 Tips for starting a new business following the publication of his new creative start-up planner, the Newforms Business Path Journal.
Peter J Farmer
Buy a copy of the Newforms Business Path Journal. If you’re thinking of starting your own business this will really help you think through all the things you need to consider and plan.
Take some time out. Make some time to STOP and think, in whatever way works best for you – clear the diary and your mind, switch off your phone so you really focus on your business dream.
Know yourself. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, your influences, your motivations. Ask trusted friends for their reflections too and try to build an honest picture to move forward from.
Picture your future business. What’s the dream? You will need to be clear and focused about the vision. Be open to ideas and feedback from people you trust but don't be pulled off course. It will help if you can communicate your business idea with confidence, clarity and passion.
Map your potential customers. Think about the profile of the kind of people your product or service is going to appeal to, and consider how your product is going to work for them.
Hit the target with your message. Make sure your marketing approach is going to reach the right people in the right places. Consider where to place adverts and other creative ways of raising awareness.
Turn problems into profit and create value. Don't ignore the challenges you face. Consider ways to overcome weaknesses and the reasons people might not want to choose your product or service.
Find key clients. Be persistent, in searching out the right clients. Think about where you might find groups of the right kind of people. Find the appropriate contacts if pitching to other businesses.
Provide an outstanding and memorable customer experience. Do everything to the best of your ability, and invest time in training all your staff to do things as you would yourself.
Spread the love. Network and build contacts which may be useful. Buy someone else a copy of the Newforms Business Path Journal to help them bring their business dream to fruition too! You can compare notes with each other and share tips.
You can find out more about Newforms business training and events here: www.newformsbusiness.com. The Newforms Business Path Journal is available from Amazon and www.bookguikd.co.uk