common_startup_mistake.htm

For most people, starting a business is an exciting time during which they are invigorated by the possibility of success and the fun of tackling new challenges. It is also a time to make lots of mistakes!

Many of the mistakes entrepreneurs make during the start-up phase can be avoided.

One of the best ways to steer clear of foibles is to talk to established business owners about what they learned during the process. Ask your attorney or accountant for referrals to business owners who have relevant experience and attend trade association meetings and talk to people in the industry you are entering.

No matter how much research and preparation you do, you will make mistakes when you start a business, but the common errors listed here may help you avoid a few.

Common mistakes include:

Not researching the market

A frequently overlooked task in starting up a business is determining whether the target market for your product or service will buy from you. The best way to derive the answer to this question is to ask them. Arrange to speak to as many of your potential customers as possible. Questions to ask include: Would you buy my product or service? Where do you currently obtain this product or service? How much would you be willing to pay for it? What do you like/dislike about your current provider? Where would you look for this product or service when you need it?

Wanting to over-use an attorney

Attorneys' hourly fees add up extremely quickly and newly-minted business owners are often shocked by their first few legal bills. The temptation when you start is to involve your attorney in all aspects of your business for counsel and drafting of documents. Many business owners quickly learn that it pays to do your own research, draft your own documents, and call on the expertise of your attorney to refine your work.

Spending too much money on office space and decorations

A nice office and great computer equipment make many entrepreneurs feel as though their dream of entrepreneurialism is coming true. While one of the pleasures of launching a business is setting up an office that you are proud of, expensive trappings have put many businesses out of business before they got off the ground.