Would you like to start your own business?
1. A CLEAR VISION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.
Why do you want to do business? What’s your goal? What would you like to achieve? Projects with a clear and meaningful vision don’t lose their way and go in the right direction. And that’s why they achieve something truly big.
2. NEVER ASSUME. ALWAYS VERIFY.
Do you think everybody wants your “innovation”? And there are millions of potential customers on the market waiting for you? Well, before you count on that, do some checking first. In this Internet age it’s often very easy.
3. THERE IS ALWAYS SOME COMPETITION. GET TO KNOW THEM.
Do you really think there are no competitors out there? Well, it only means that you haven’t looked properly. There’s always someone dealing with a problem similar to the one you have. Get to know your competitors, learn from their mistakes, and discover their strengths. That’s the only way to create something better.
4. GET A LOT OF OPINIONS. EACH TALK COUNTS.
Don’t be afraid to talk about your idea with others. Talk to your potential customers. Listen to what various people have to say and then decide what to use. And if you use their idea of an improvement, don’t forget to say thank you.
5. THE FIRST STEP IS THE HARDEST.
It’s always good to do some research of the market and competitors in advance, get enough money, etc. Don’t forget, though, that the most important thing is to actually begin and that your products or services don’t have to be absolutely perfect at the very beginning.
6. THE MOST FREQUENT FORM OF SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSMEN: FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND ENTHUSIASTS.
If someone around you likes your idea, they may even like to support you. Ask those close to you or your friends before attending a meeting in a bank or with an investor because that’s going to be much more difficult.
7. HUGE GOALS, SMALL STEPS.
The journey to perfection is about gradually growing and improving step by step. Lots of companies have failed because they’d spent years tuning every single detail about their products in secret, so somebody else made it to the market before them or eventually they found out that the customers wanted something else.
8. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE PEOPLE YOU CAN RELY ON.
What’s absolutely crucial for your success? A good team. With the right people you’ll handle any mess or crisis. And should your first business plan fail, with a good team you can begin again and better.
9. SUM UP YOUR PLAN IN A SINGLE SENTENCE.
Your friends, customers as well as investors will keep asking you what it is you’re actually doing. Make sure your elevator pitch is perfect. How can you tell you’re doing a good job? It’s when people say: “Well, that’s interesting. Would you tell me more?” Ideally, your grandma should get your idea when you tell her for the very first time.
10. LEARN FROM THE MORE EXPERIENCED.
Listen to the advice of the more experienced people. Don’t be afraid to come to them and ask about what you’re dealing with. JIC, for example, organizes a lot of thought-provoking events and seminars to help you understand certain topics. In JIC you’ll also meet experts on sales, marketing, and soft skills. At www.jic.cz/en you can find an overview of events and projects that will help you in various stages of your business-making.