It's a commonly quoted statistic: 80% of all small businesses will fail within the first five years of running. In fact, in Internet marketing, this figure can be as high as 95%. Yes, it's a commonly quoted statistic but for some reason, people are not very good at saying exactly why this happens. And it happens to what seems like nearly all newborn businesses.
It may be simply due to the usual factors i.e. inadequate time and energy investment in advertising, poor dedication, lack of perseverance, no focus, ambitiously low goal setting and so on.
But the sadder news is that even with full and enthusiastic application of none of the above, many entrepreneurs may be headed slowly and steadily towards what can only be described as business suicide.
The number one reason why several businesses fail is lack of good quality, regular, astounding and highly relevant advice. It's that simple.
Running a business successfully is all about making decisions on a daily basis. The decisions that we make depend on a number of things including:
1. Past experiences and
2. Factual knowledge.
A new business owner may have relatively little or no experience.
No one individual can know all the facts.
The solution then becomes this: Create a skilled team. Put a skilled team together and not only would you have a combined increase in experience, but also your level of factual knowledge as an individual becomes somewhat less relevant.
To identify who should be in your team, you need to break-down decision making into specific areas. Try doing it like this:
If it is a legal problem, don't try to solve it yourself. Seek advice from your lawyer/solicitor first.
If it is a complex tax issue, speak to your local tax office. Contact the IRS or Inland Revenue as appropriate.
If you're getting severe accounting headaches, don't cut corners. Contact your accountant.
If you are having problems with finance, don't make the decision to borrow form lender X. Seek advice first. Would your bank manager have any good ideas or suggestions?
When faced with challenges, what you want is NOT to make decisions straightaway. What you want is advice. Good advice and lots of it. Then and only then can you decide before committing yourself to a specific plan of action.
Next, and probably the most overlooked, is this: Do you know someone who is experienced in the same or similar line of business as you? Are they active? Are they successful? If you can answer yes to all of these questions about this person, then make them your best friend immediately. Put them somewhere near the top of your Christmas card list (If you send such cards).
Try not to think of them as a business rival or competitor but think of them more as a mentor. Of course, it helps if they are approachable and keen to share their knowledge, tips and experience with keen and enthusiastic fellow business people.
In summary, remember this fact: No one ever became extremely successful all on his or her own. They got help and advice from lots of other people. Usually from people who are experts in their own respective fields.
Ugo works and trains as an Orthopaedic Surgeon. He also set up and runs several successful Internet Businesses including http://www.businessomatic.com a resource and guide for any aspiring Entrepreneur.
Copyright Ugo Okonkwo http://www.businessomatic.com Please reprint or reproduce exactly as is together with resource box.
house refresh service Lincolnshire ..Once you've decided to incorporate your small business the next... Read More
Starting your own e-commerce business can be quite the adventure.... Read More
What is a Family Business? A family business is basically... Read More
We all know that competition is an ugly word but... Read More
I have to admit, I was curious. When I saw... Read More
Would you rather have one good client paying you five... Read More
It is not surprising that some people may perceive Six... Read More
One of the hidden perks of raising six children is... Read More
How far away is the person you need to meet?We... Read More
Over regulation of small business is so intense it is... Read More
Now that winter has passed, the annual ritual of spring... Read More
What are the best methods for keeping a good business... Read More
It is estimated that 78% of all small business start-ups... Read More
There's no question that hard work and a little luck... Read More
Remember those drawings from science class of how a lever... Read More
There is a Batting Cages Business for those people who... Read More
As a specialist in getting restaurants open, it is surprising... Read More
You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle,... Read More
Rule 15C211Under SEC Rule 15C211, a U.S. securities broker or... Read More
What is a Virtual Assistant?A Virtual Assistant is a person... Read More
If you are a small business and qualify to participate... Read More
Nothing can drive a business down faster than customers who... Read More
1. Know Where You're Going ? Coach Herb Brooks had... Read More
The day care industry is expanding. There are now more... Read More
Whether you are an Entrepreneur or Business Professional there are... Read More
licensed cleaning services Lake Forest ..Why does consistency in the message have an effect on... Read More
It's just like a marriageTo expect a bank manager or... Read More
Is your business making money? Would you know?Figuring out whether... Read More
Whether your target audience is in your neighborhood or across... Read More
When is advice free and when should you charge for... Read More
Habit: A consistent behavior you perform so frequently that it... Read More
When is it a good thing to say no to... Read More
Cleaning concrete is tough and there is an easy way... Read More
In my 18 years of consulting I have heard it... Read More
Time. As a small business owner, it's the commodity you... Read More
Car wash businesses are unique to other businesses. In fact... Read More
When starting a business, you have to determine the method... Read More
If you're starting your own business or currently work for... Read More
Nothing can drive a business down faster than customers who... Read More
When is the Chamber ideal for your business?Joining a Chamber... Read More
Here are some sound debt collection techniques that can be... Read More
It has been said that the only constant is change.... Read More
What is the best time to expand a mobile car... Read More
Q: After years of dreaming about starting my own business,... Read More
That sizzling sound you're hearing may be a symptom of... Read More
Car Wash Crime in the Hood. Apparently not everyone is... Read More
Q: I have outgrown my home office and need to... Read More
What kinds of things effect mobile service businesses P and... Read More
One of the simplest ways to expand your marketing efforts... Read More
Don't let your customer satisfaction research initiative collect dust on... Read More
Small Business |