When you’re starting out, the more basics you get right from the beginning, the fewer adjustments you’ll need to make later to fix problems that could have been avoided with proper planning. Taking the time to think strategically early on not only saves resources but also sets a strong foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.
We understand that as a startup, you are going to make errors, and one of the best ways to learn is from them, but by putting the time in beforehand, you can iron out some of the simple errors that a lot of people make. For example, not having a social media plan could be detrimental. Not having a business plan written up is also an error that a lot of people make.
To help put you in the best position for success, we have written a guide on things you can do to lay the groundwork for a thriving company. From getting your website created, to ensuring you have high-quality images and use the right equipment – a contractor may need quality temporary heating, cooling, and drying products, for example. We have put together a list of suggestions. Keep on reading to learn more.
Using Technology to Your Advantage
As you explore technology, you’ll discover a wide range of tools that can enhance and support your offering. A lot of these tools will make your day-to-day operations smoother, as well as get things done quicker. For example, using AI, you can ask it to assist you with your brochure designs. If you run a restaurant, you can now get robots to deliver your food for you (reducing staffing costs), or if you own a product, you could use VR, allowing customers to get a more immersed view of it – this can be at home or in your store.
Ensuring You Have a Good Website
Having a good website should be a priority of yours. In today’s world, there is no excuse for having a bad website, as with new technology, it’s never been easier to have one created. In fact, you can now ask AI to create one for you. Alternatively, if you have the budget, reaching out to an agency to create one for you could be beneficial, or you could use a freelancer on a site like People Per Hour or Fiverr – when using a freelancer, make sure they have the experience to back up what they are offering.
Putting Together a Business Plan
So many people launch a business without having put together a business plan, which is mind-blowing! Business plans are so useful and will help you in many ways. They will make you think about your unique selling points, help you do research into your competitors, consider your finances in more depth and ask you questions which you may have never thought of. When you apply for a bank loan, which you may do in the future, a lot of banks will require you to have filled out a business plan, in order for them to get a better understanding of your offering. If you haven’t done it before, or are not sure where to start, do a quick Google and you’ll find a myriad of business plan templates.
Ensuring You Use High-Quality Images
Having good quality images can make the difference between a sale or not. When your images are good, it brings a certain level of trust to your offering, as well as helps show your offering in more detail. When images are taken on a phone, it gives the impression that you aren’t willing to invest in your offering, and customers can see & feel this. Think of it this way: can you imagine Apple launching a new iPhone but not using high-resolution images as part of the launch campaign? It wouldn’t happen. The best thing to do is to reach out to several photographers and get some quotes. When getting quotes, try to ask for some testimonials as well as look at their portfolio, to check you are happy with their photography style.
Employing the Right People
Depending on the type of business you are launching, you may find yourself in need of some support from launch. Shops, agencies, restaurants, gyms (and many other business types) all need staff to help them run alongside the owner. You may need to go out and recruit people to work for you, and when recruiting, you want to ensure they are the right people, as they will play a major role in the success of your company.
To find the right people, you could use a recruitment agency. You may want to advertise on a site like Indeed, or you could use Facebook and post in some of the job boards. Whichever you choose, it will have its pros and cons. For example, a recruitment agency will cost you more, but they may be able to find higher pedigree workers.
Finding the Right Location to Operate From
Finding the right location to operate from is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success of your business. The ideal location should align with your target market, offer convenient access for customers or clients, and provide the infrastructure you need to run efficiently. Consider factors such as foot traffic, parking availability, proximity to suppliers or partners, and local competition. Before settling on a location, ensure you get various quotes to make sure the place you settle on is competitively priced and that you aren’t overpaying.
Setting Up an Accounts Package
Another big decision that you are going to need to make is what accounts package you are going to use. Using one is very important as it will help you with your invoicing, help with your payroll, as well as other financial areas such as running reports and organizing your expenses. There are a lot of companies out there that offer finance packages, so our best advice would be to spend some time researching them and putting together a pros and cons list of each one. If you are going to use an accountant, they may have software that they would prefer you use, so reaching out to them would also be advised.
A few companies which we know are reputable and you may want to look into include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, and FreshBooks. We may have mentioned it above, but it’s important you read user reviews before signing up and look into the special offers each company offers. Sometimes they may offer you a discount for six months or a trial period so you can get used to using their software.
The more you do at the start of your journey, the easier your launch will hopefully be and the more successful you will be overall. If you have any friends or family members who run a business, try to have a sit-down with them, as their advice will be priceless and could really benefit you. They may be able to share insights on what worked well for them, mistakes to avoid, and practical tips that you won’t find in textbooks
What type of company are you starting up, and what recommendations would you make to fellow startups? Which of the recommendations above do you think is most important and why? Is there anything missing in our guide on laying the groundwork for a thriving company that you think we should be adding to our article? Let us know in the comment box below, we look forward to hearing from you.
