The first year in business is always the most challenging stage for an entrepreneur. Managing the business past this first year requires due diligence, patience, and a clear focus on five major areas.
Monitoring The Expenses
During the first year of a business’s operation, expenses are normally quite high. A large portion of the investment capital is channeled to paying various bills. The entrepreneur should focus on managing these expenses to avoid over-investing capital in one area at the expense of others. Failure to manage expenses may throw the business into a deeper debt challenge.
Developing & Realigning The Business Plan
Another important area to focus on is sticking to a well-crafted business plan and realigning it where necessary. The entrepreneur may find it necessary to reframe the mission statement, the business’s goals, as well as the values for which it exists, depending on the first years’ experience within the market. Creating a clear business description enables the business to become a strategic competitor.
Building Networks
New businesses should drive towards acquiring as many new networks as possible. Networking enables the business to find new customers, new potential suppliers, contractors, willing financiers, and even employees. Attending various industry-related workshops may help the entrepreneur to create positive networks.
Building On Credit Ratings
Credit ratings for a new business are an essential area that may help the entrepreneur to gain new favors in the future. The new business may find it quite hard to obtain credit financing from financial institutions because of low credit ratings. These ratings can be gradually built upon by ensuring that all the business expenses and bills are paid on time.
Strengthening The Business Administration
Business administration is always quite a challenge in the first year of operation. Within this year, the entrepreneur should take time to find the most suited workers who will be willing to partner with the business to take its vision forward. Setting a strong business management team will also enable the company to stabilize itself for the long-term benefit.
In conclusion, for a business to thrive beyond their first year in the market, it needs to be well prepared and willing to import some new ideas. The entrepreneur may thus need to change a few factors as regards the business’s internal and external operations.
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