10 Top Business Tips for Starting a Business That Will Succeed

Starting a business for the first time and worried about failure? Give your new enterprise the best chance of success with these top business tips, the best advice I've collated from other entrepreneurs and developed from my own experience of more than 20 years of having "been there and done that" as a small business person.

Top Business Tips

1) Be passionate about what you do.

You don't have to love whatever your business is about (and probably shouldn't), but you do have to be fired up about it.You're going to devote a lot of time and energy to starting a business and building it into a successful enterprise, so it's really important that you truly deeply enjoy what you do, whether it be running fishing charters, creating pottery or providing financial advice. Make sure you're on the right track by asking yourself these three questions before you do anything else.

2) Start your business while you're still employed.

How long can most people live without money? Not long. And it may be a long time before your new business actually makes any profits. Being employed while you're starting a business means money in your pocket while you're going through the start up process. Not employed right now or can't continue in your current job? Read How to Get Your New Small Business to Make Money.

3) Don't do it alone.

You need a support system while you're starting a business (and afterwards). A family member or friend that you can bounce ideas off and who will listen sympathetically to the latest business start up crisis is invaluable.

Even better, find a mentor or, if you qualify, apply for a business start up program such as the ones provided through Futurpreneur Canada. When you're starting a business experienced guidance is the best support system of all.

4) Get clients or customers first.

Don't wait until you've officially started your business to line these up, because your business can't survive without them.Do the networking. Make the contacts. Sell or even give away your products or services. You can't start marketing too soon. (See 10 Affordable Ways to Market Your Small Business and The 7 Best Places to Find Clients for tips.)

5) Write a business plan.

The main reason for doing a business plan first when you're thinking of starting a business is that it can help you avoid sinking your time and money into starting a business that will not succeed. (See Why You Need a Business Plan for other good reasons.)
Remember, you don't have to work through a full scale business plan for each new business idea you come up with; ask these 5 Questions to Discover If Your Business Idea is Worthwhile.

6) Do the research.

You'll do a lot of research writing a business plan, but that's just a start. When you're starting a business, you need to become an expert on your industry, products and services if you're not already. Joining related industry or professional associations before you start your business is a great idea.

7) Get professional help.

On the other hand, just because you're starting a business, doesn't mean you have to be an expert on everything. If you're not an accountant or bookkeeper, hire one (or both).(These Tips for Finding a Good Accountant may be useful.) If you need to write up a contract, and you're not a lawyer, hire one. You will waste more time and possibly money in the long run trying to do things yourself that you are not qualified to do.

8) Get the money lined up.

Save up if you have to. Approach potential investors and lenders. Figure our your financial fall-back plan. Don't expect to start a business and then walk into a bank and get money. Traditional lenders don't like new ideas and don't like businesses without proven track records. Look at 5 Creative Ways to Raise Money for Your Business and alternatives such as crowdfunding.

9) Be professional from the get-go.

Everything about you and the way you do business needs to let people know that you are a professional running a serious business.

That means getting all the accoutrements such as professional business cards, a business phone and a business email address, and treating people in a professional, courteous manner.

10) Get the legal and tax issues right the first time.

It's much more difficult and expensive to unsnarl a mess afterwards. Does your business need to be registered? Will you have to charge GST or PST? Will you have to have Workers' Compensation Insurance or deal with payroll taxes? How will the form of business ownership you choose affect your income tax situation? Learn what your legal and tax responsibilities are before you start your business and operate accordingly.

Make a Smooth Start

Following the business tips above will make starting your new business both a smoother, less stressful process and go a long way towards ensuring the business you start lasts and thrives.