These are uncertain times for the financial markets, teetering as they are between the paths of economic recovery and further turmoil.
Indeed, when you think of your precious startup being put in jeopardy by a bunch of suited stockbrokers shouting “Sell! Sell! Sell!” at a screen, your whole business venture can seem hopelessly uncertain.
But that’s no reason to throw your hat in the ring before you’ve even begun. The truth is that the world of business is always a gamble, with every spin of the wheel placing you no more than a hair’s breadth away from success or failure.
However, the best businesses know that there are a few things that really matter when you’re just starting. Here are just a few of them.
Location
Location can mean everything in the world of business, doubling up as a place to work and be the presentable (hopefully) face of your business.
Just think of the differences between a manky warehouse twinned with the ghetto in Boyz ‘n’ the Hood and a central office in a leafy, central area. For your business to talk the talk and walk the walk, you’d choose the latter every time.
But even on a modest budget you can make your startup premises look the part. First off, contact a washroom services company to make your that toilet and sink look slick and hygienic. This will create a trickledown effect of cleaner employees and a workplace free of germs.
Then, get in touch with a painter-decorator to give the place a fresh lick of paint. That way, you’ll be able to look the part without your wallet feeling too much lighter.
Niche
The truly great inventions were created because there was a real need for them. Whoever invented the vacuum cleaner, for instance, clearly saw the flaws in the good old fashioned broom and pan combination.
That’s what your company needs. No matter what industry you’re in, you don’t just want to be another brand peddling the same old fluff – you want to solve a problem that other products can’t.
So, before you’ve even kicked off your product, figure out what your niche is and centre it as your unique selling point.
Quality
Have you ever bought a product that seemed like great value at the time, only to find out later that it was a hunk of junk? Chances are, unless you’re some sort of masochist, you won’t purchase It again.
If you’re a startup trying to push a product, you want a large amount of repeat customers. And the best way to do that is to keep your standards high. Not only will customers grow more loyal towards your brand, it’ll leave competitors with inferior products coughing up your dust as you race ahead of them.
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