When you’re starting a business, you have to be ready to think big and put yourself out there! It’s about taking the time to know your strengths and weaknesses so you can work smart and turn your business idea into something profitable, purposeful, and impactful. 

Here are my ten tips on how to get the most when starting out a business: 

1. Do Your Competitor Research And Find A Way To Be Different And Unique

   
   Look at companies that have a similar product to what you are thinking about doing, and think about how you can improve it. The best way to do this is to remove something that’s unnecessary and create something new that opens up a blue ocean of opportunity (instead of an ocean full of sharks competing for fish). 

2. Create Your Product Cheaply and Quickly, So You Can Get Feedback ASAP
   
   Don’t waste time taking forever to build your product. It’s important to get the basic MVP (minimal viable product) right and see if it sells. Spend tops a month building your product before your beta launch. See if people like the principle of your product and if they are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
   

3. Be Active On Social Media With Quality Rather Than Quantity

   
   Show the “behind the scenes”, your joy/excitement, and open up on social media so people can get to know you, your team (if you have one), and your company. The more people see you and understand what you’re doing, the more likely you will sell to them. I recommend getting an Instagram account, a LinkedIn, and a Facebook page. Short and sweet posts are perfect.
   

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Talk To People
   
   You are not a mind reader, just as I said earlier that it’s important to get feedback, it is important to know your customer and understand their needs and what they are looking for. Is what you are selling good enough to get repeat business? What did they like? What didn’t they like? Be open to making changes to your product so you can constantly improve your offer. This is why it’s important to create quickly, cheaply, and engage directly with your client whenever possible. 
   

5. Have A Mailing List From Day One!
   
   If you want to have a warm client base that knows you and your product well, it’s important to have a mailing list where you can update your clients and stay friendly. The more people on your list, the better as this gives you more opportunity to sell! You can use ConvertKit, MailChimp, MailerLite, and Active Campaign to list a few companies that provide this service.
   

6. Don’t Burn Out!
   
   Look after your mind, body, and soul. Make sure that you eat healthy, exercise, and recover. Enjoy times with friends and take breaks from work regularly to do things that you love. Practice mindfulness and meditation every day. Do what’s right for you.
   

7. Keep On Track With Finances
   
   Although this can be tough and also deflating, It’s good to have a way of saving money for big events and tracking how much you spend daily/weekly! A really good app for this is Plum.
   

8. Speak To A Coach Who Gets The Type Of Lifestyle and Business You Want
   
   I know I’m a coach, but honestly, the best thing I did was get a coach who understood coaching, how to run a business, and had an adventurous spirit. I felt heard, seen, and inspired. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help! If you’d like to book a call to chat, I’m here :)
   

9. Designing Work And Life Are Equally Important. Invest Your Time in Both.
   
   Life is to be lived, to explore, and to have fun. Spend as much time as you can creating the life that you want, as well as the career that you want. It’s how you will find happiness and contentment. Who do you want in your life? Where do you want to be? What hobbies do you want to get better at? What books do I want to read? Fill up your life with things that make you an interesting, fulfilled person.
   

10. Stop Wishing For More, But Instead Be In The Present Moment
    
    Enjoy each day of your business. Enjoy the journey that you are on. There’s no point wishing for the future so instead, focus on today. Keep learning and keep being grateful for what you have and your health. You are amazing and in the right place. Keep learning and you’ll get there!

So these are my ten tips for starting up a business. If you’d like a chat to discuss anything written or would like to learn more about coaching, click the button below for a chat!