They say if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere. Whether you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan or elsewhere in the famous state, owning and operating a business is a feat dreamed by many and achieved by few.
Some of the best and brightest minds have come from New York, and it’s one of the rare places that have more female than male entrepreneurs. If you’re looking to make it there, here are some of the best business tips for becoming successful in New York.
Work with the experts
Don’t skimp or take the DIY approach to things that should be outsourced when you’re trying to build a business in New York. There are too many professionals for you to get by without investing serious time and money into your endeavor. Start Your New York LLC off right by working with an agency to ensure everything required to get your business off the ground is filed promptly and correctly.
Like in many states, New York requires that you search for an appropriate business name (it can’t be too vague nor too similar to someone else’s), register paperwork, and assign a Registered Agent. By outsourcing this service, you can focus on creating your business plan and brand strategy so that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Take advantage of coworking spaces
New York was ahead of the curve when shared workspaces became a thing. Rather than whiling away at a coffee shop or investing in overpriced real estate, take time to look at the many available coworking spaces that you can lease for an affordable amount. Depending on your budget and team requirements, you can get anything from a bare-bones space with just the basics or find a coworking space that has a kitchen, gym, and even a cafeteria attached.
Coworking spaces are great alternatives to trying to find a quiet coffee shop to discuss projects or cramming into a small apartment. If you work alone, consider leasing one to improve your productivity and leave the temptations of home life behind.
Make connections
Taking time to network and make connections, particularly with people in your industry, can be the difference between making it and breaking it in business. Make time to attend events and meet people in your industry, especially more established entrepreneurs. The point of networking isn’t only to find people who could give you business; you want to find people from whom you can learn.
You may want to consider shadowing someone or working with a mentor before you start your business, so you can avoid any potential pitfalls and learn from their mistakes. As an entrepreneur, you can never learn too much on the road to success.
Be a “Yes” person
Say yes to the opportunities that come your way, no matter how small. You never know when that small speaking engagement is going to bloom into a significant, business-boosting experience. As you go through the motions, remember to stay humble: you are never too good for a new experience.
The caveat with being a “yes” person is ensuring that you don’t sell yourself short. Don’t agree to do work for free if it won’t be of benefit to you later. Speaking at a small event may not gain you any clientele or income, but it will give you the opportunity to develop your presentation skills. Creating a job for a client for less than your skills are worth may be good experience at the start of your career, but not if you already have experience in your field.
If there’s one final piece of advice you should take with you as you pursue your entrepreneurship goals in New York, it’s this: stay hungry. If you fight for your dream, you can achieve anything.