A significant percentage of businesses that are created these days are start-ups. These small businesses often stem from brilliant ideas and proceed to develop rapidly.
Launching a start-up requires a lot of fore-thought and preparation. Yet, it is not uncommon for young entrepreneurs to find themselves facing problems that they could have avoided.
Here are some mistakes to avoid when creating a start-up.
- Not creating a business plan
Most people become impatient when they think they have found “the right idea”. While understandable, it is recommended that you take the time to plan your project and an accompanying budget.
Creating a business plan is an essential step in ensuring the sustainability of your project. Some start-ups need substantial funds to grow, which makes it very important to keep track of all monetary transactions.
- Not adapting to changes
It is very common for things to not go as planned. This is especially the case when launching a business; even more so when doing it for the first time.
The mistake an entrepreneur might make in this case is to stick to the original plan. Changing your strategy can be a matter of survival for your business.
- Not taking the first step to launch the product
Striving for perfection, while not a bad thing per se, can be greatly hamper the progression of your business. In other words, wanting your product to be fully developed before it is launched can have serious consequences.
To avoid this mistake, you should favour communication and launch your project. Rather than keeping your innovative idea hidden as you perfect it, it is better to launch a basic version. You will have time to tweak the details later.
- Not seeking assistance
Few start-ups are supported by a single person. Often, several skills are needed: research & development, fundraising, communication, marketing, etc…
Working with a team will keep you motivated, even in difficult times. Also, it will be easier to gain financial support as concerned organisations usually prefer teams to solo projects.
- Not asking for advice
Sometimes, just your opinion and your expertise with regards to your project are not enough.
Be it for the design of your project or for the legal aspects related to your activity, seek expert advice. Lawyers, experienced entrepreneurs and even strangers will tell you the weak points of your business and how to overcome them.
- Not making involved people sign a non-disclosure agreement
This is not about trust, it is about common sense.
Many projects meet their end because their competitors get wind of certain crucial elements. Product innovation, marketing approach, partnerships and many other parts of your business should be confidential.
Ask each member of your start-up, and each participant in your project, to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
- Not protecting your personal assets
Finally, it is advisable to separate your personal assets from your business assets.
Pay special attention when choosing your company’s status. In case of financial problems, you and your family will be safe.
As long as you go about launching your business in a careful and smart way, you will not experience problems. In case of uncertainty, you should not hesitate to seek advice and support from your family, friends and professionals.
