Let’s face it; whenever people think about starting a new business, the first thing they do is turn to the Internet for research and advice.
Doing a quick Google search will usually return thousands of “how to” guides along with pages of tips for newbie entrepreneurs to follow. While the majority of those online tutorials offer beneficial help, some of them do nothing more than the opposite!
Sometimes, it can feel like you’re all alone in the world when you’re trying to start a business. Of course, you will want to get as much research and help as possible before you start your enterprise. With that in mind, I’d like to give you a helping hand by telling you about the startup “tips” that you most definitely need to avoid! Here are five of the worst suggestions to steer clear of:
1. “You need to work long hours.”
Sure, as a startup you have to devote more time to your business than you’d have done as an employee working for someone else. But, that doesn’t mean you need to work 20-hour days, seven days a week!
You can outsource a variety of business functions so that you can concentrate on what you’re good at. You have to be careful who handles any function of your business though. Choose wisely. Be careful of who you partner with to represent your brand. Remember that you still need a social life. Otherwise, you risk alienating your family and friends.
2. “You don’t have to get insurance.”
While it’s true that insurance for small businesses isn’t mandatory in many cases, it just doesn’t make sense NOT to have it! What happens if a client injures themselves at your home or office? And what would you do if you get sued by a customer because of poor workmanship?
Business insurance is a cost-effective way to cover yourself against all kinds of risks and potential issues that may arise.
3. “You MUST have an office or people won’t take you seriously.”
For some reason, certain people keep telling new startups they have to pay for business premises. But, why should you, especially if you’re running an online concern that will seldom have any visitors at your premises?
You may not know it, but you could just rent a “virtual” mailbox in an exclusive business address. That way, you portray a professional image but can still work from home or your local cafe, if you wish!
4. “You shouldn’t reinvent the wheel.”
How can you be an industry leader if you’re just doing the same thing that everyone else does? Part of the reason many startups experience unprecedented growth is down to their out of the box thinking.
If you’ve got a brilliant idea that solves a problem in a way that nothing else in the industry does, don’t be shy about it. Sell that idea and become a successful entrepreneur!
5. “You don’t need a business bank account.”
In many cases, there is no legal requirement to have a dedicated business bank account. However, it makes life so much easier for you and anyone that manages your accounting! Even if you’re a sole trader, it still makes sense to have a separate account for your banking needs.
6. “If you build it, they will come”
Simply building a product or starting any business doesn’t mean that you’ll actually attract customers. Instead of just building it, focus on solving a real problem and put in the work. There are customers out there who will find your product or service useful. But if you don’t do the research and find a market for your product or service, you very well could be in for a rude awakening.