Crucial questions for small business start ups

Big question New small business start ups require plenty of planning. Here are five questions that all aspiring small business owner’s need to consider.

1. Have I done the right amount of research?

The excitement of a small business start up can cause new small business owners to be too hasty. Often driven by the mistaken belief that some imaginary boat will be missed if the business isn't started NOW, this haste can result in the cutting of corners, particularly in the area of research.

You need to research potential markets, the activities of competitors, the mechanics of the business, financial projections and methods of marketing.

However, too much research can signal and fuel procrastination. Many prospective business owners remain just that - prospective - rendered motionless under the weight and anxieties caused by research excess.

Do your best to strike a happy medium between these extremes.

2. Have I been realistic about the pitfalls?

If you’re a new small business start up, you’ll know there are risks involved. It’s really important, though, you draw the distinction between risk and irresponsibility. In a nutshell, risk is not usually terminal. Sure the business itself might fail, but the possibility of loss will have been foreseen and personal disaster will generally have been avoided. Irresponsibility on the other hand generally indicates that pitfalls have been blatantly ignored.

When risks takers don't pull it off, it's onto the next. When the irresponsible fail, it's lose everything and head back to employment.

3. Am I cut out to working on my own?

Working for yourself sounds like bliss and to many it is. To others, however, it's lonely, isolating and downright destructive.

Before starting out on your own, take a good look at your strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself these questions as a starter:

In what way may my behaviours sabotage my business?

Am I a good problem solver?

Will I interact with enough people during the week?

Can I strike the balance between freedom and discipline?

The answers will help reveal your readiness to go it alone.

4. Can I handle administrative tasks AND develop my business?

'How did I get here?' is a far too common complaint of the small business owner. Just a few months into the business and the optimism of the pre-launch period has been replaced with mountains of paperwork and endless action lists. At this point, days can go by when nothing gets done.

This can be due to insufficient thought being given to the mechanics of the business, i.e. a lack of procedures. Formulate procedures beforehand and you’ll find it easier to keep control of your business once you’re up and running.

5. Do I have sufficient financial reserves?

Commonly, small business start ups are under funded with insufficient reserves to survive the development period. Here we see the new business owner opting for the "she'll be right" seat of the pants approach to business - not a sensible strategy.

Of course occasionally we hear of an under-capitalised business that launches and succeeds effortlessly. But ever wondered why it's so newsworthy?

Imagine trying to promote, market and network your business when you're anxious about whether you'll meet the next rent payment. Not only is it very personally draining, it becomes very apparent to others that you're in difficulty.

It's a harsh reality, but few want to give custom to a business that appears to be failing. Make sure you have the funds to ride out the storm.

In conclusion, much is spoken of the high percentage of new small business start ups that fail. Don't let yours become a statistic. Do your preparation and get ready for the best journey of your life!

Robert Gerrish is Flying Solo’s managing director and founder and works as a business coach, professional speaker, business commentator and consultant. He’s the co-author of Flying Solo – How to go it alone in business.

3 comments | Add your own

Is there a rule of thumb about $ reserves? i.e 3 months worth of expenses up your sleeve. having pots of cash sitting around is good but there is always better places for it. Jason from Brisbane
Hi Jason - I am unaware of a rule of thumb as it varies depending on your business and how rapidly the income starts flowing. What I would say is that the vast majority of start-ups grossly underestimate what is required and are over-optimistic when it comes to projecting income. In my experience, it is not usual for the lean times to last two or three times longer than anticipated. The last thing anyone needs is money stress at the outset of a new venture.
I suggest: Do you worse case scenario and then double or treble the period...have enough resources to cover this. Robert Gerrish from Flying Solo | Read my articles
Robert, following this direction in life is something that my wife and I have considered and dreamed of for a while. You've summed up some points here quite concisely that are close to my own fears, and I thankyou for providing an external source of clarity that may just cause me to slow down a little more and assess not only my personal qualities but of course our financial situation as well.
Thankyou. Luke Howie from Jamisontown, NSW

3 comments | Add your own

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