Starting a business and build a fascinating but difficult adventure. After all, you must try to master a series of difficult and complex concepts. In addition, you should also be careful that you make little or no mistakes. Yet this happens often. People make mistakes. Therefor, here follow the ten pitfalls for new entrepreneurs, but also handles that can be used to prevent people from entering into one of these traps.
Not suitable for self-employment
The government sets in motion a lot of initiatives to promote and develop entrepreneurship. However, too often this ignores the fact that not everyone is suitable for an independant job.It is sometimes said that “working independently” should be in your blood. “You have it or you do not.” As if it were predestined. Still, we can point to a number of features that a good entrepreneur must possess. For example, a good independent must be creative, stress resistant, able to handle risks, be critical and have an eye for opportunities in the market. Also, an extra dose of character and perseverance is indispensable.
A poor preparation
A common mistake is that entrepreneurs start up their own business without preparing adequately for. One of the main reasons for this is the time pressure experienced some start-ups to start up their businesses quickly. It is advisable to do a thorough feasibility study for yourself and your project. This does not have to be a heavy-based study, but a starter should still take the time to ask a number of logical and very important questions. Questions like who are my competitors, which profit margins are applied in my sector, who are my customers, what fixed costs should I consider, should I make heavy investments? For such a study, you need some time. Starting a business takes an average of three to twelve months.
Too little startup capital
Enough startup capital and a good idea of the likely costs and turnover are important prerequisites to succeed as an independent entrepreneur. The financial needs are too often underestimated. That also means that this trap causes about 1/5 of all bankruptcies. The starting entrepreneur will soon suspect that his sales will be able to pay all incurred costs. But what happens if the sale is a little less than expected or if some customers do not pay on time? If a starter than has provided too little startup capital, he will not have a buffer to cope with such problems. Make sure you have sufficient financial resources from the beginning. The golden rule here is that the initial capital consists of own ⅓ resources and 2/3 of borrowed funds. This debt may be a loan from a credit institution, a business angel or another investor. Also, remember that a proper estimate of the expected costs and revenues is essential. Expect different scenarios, like more or less sales, higher costs than anticipated, customers who do not pay or customers who pay very late. It will give you a well-founded picture of the capital you need to start your business.
Shortage of customers
A shortage of customers or an uneven customer portfolio is another reason why many starters get in trouble quickly. When the main customer falls of the wagon, this will mean the end for many companies. Starters are best off to try to make sufficient diversification in their customer base as soon as possible. The basic rule is used for this purpose that a customer should never be responsible for more than 20% of the total sales. If this is the case, you best go in search of new customers so you can build a buffer against the possible loss of that one major customer.
Administrative burdens
Without a sound administration, a business will not last long. This also applies to startups. At the start and development of a company, a lot of paperwork is involved. Companies that neglect this aspect will soon run into problems with unpaid bills, fines, etc.. For administration within your company one rule applies: order! A lot of self-employed workers get into trouble because they totally neglect their administration. Technically, you can be so skilled, but if you make a mess of paperwork, you can still get in trouble.
Lack of guidance
Many starters get little advice. For them an accountant and a bank will suffice to start their business. But that is only a small part of entrepreneurship. Many entrepreneurs have a lack of legal, accounting and tax knowledge. Proper guidance is essential at the start and for expansion of your business. A good accountant will not only bring your books in order, but also assist in the growth of your business. In addition, banks also employ consultants who can assist entrepreneurs.
Lack of social life
Self-employment takes time. Especially start-ups often underestimate the impact of entrepreneurship on their social life. He or she who is self-employed, must take long working days into account. That definitely takes a toll on your social life. As a starter you should therefore be aware that self-employment will infringe on your social life. Given the long working hours you will most likely have to make sacrifices, therefore if applicable, always consult with your partner first.
Excessive Charges
Many startups spend thousands of dollars on company premises or expensive equipment before they have sold a product. This allows the fixed costs to either costs that are not linked to sales volume to increase. In this pitfall, the following rule counts: the lower the fixed costs, the lower the breakeven point. This is the minimum amount that you must achieve to book to not make any losses. Therefore, you better avoid having high recurrent costs such as rent and / or an expensive car.
Too enthusiastic about their own product or service
As a starting entrepreneur, it is important that you are enthusiastic and passionate about your product or service. Yet some sense of reality is also important. Not everyone will share your passion and perhaps not everyone is as enthusiastic about your products or services. Before you start, it is advisable to submit your idea to a neutral person who can give advice. Additionally, you can also attempt to ascertain how your target audience will react.
Operating in a sector or market that is not yours
Many self-employed entrepreneurs have perished on the unpleasant surprises that they encountered in the pursuit of a new market or a large range of products and services.In the management and development of your business there is a next golden rule. Adhere to your core business, your basic activities. What you absolutely must avoid is fragmentation of your activities in different sectors.