Starting a new business is exciting, frightening, thrilling and stressful all at the same time. This roller coaster of emotions happens in every industry, no matter how big or small it may be. With the right preparation though, you can take control of the ride and enjoy the positive side of business ownership. Follow these do’s and don’ts of starting a business, courtesy of Window Academy.
There is a big difference between running a business and providing a service. Before you transition from worker to entrepreneur, make sure you understand the logistical side of the business. What are the marketing expenses? How much money will you need for taxes? What kind of prices should you set to cover your costs? Can you afford to hire employees, or are you better off working by yourself?
Window Academy offers a comprehensive guide for starting a window cleaning business. We outline every step in plain English so you understand everything there is to know about your business development. The more familiar you are with basic business principles, the easier it will be for you to operate your company successfully.
Many first-time business owners have a hard time narrowing their focus. They want to provide every service possible in order to reach a wide customer base. This is not good for brand development though. You want people to recognize your business in direct association with a service or product, to the point that you become an authority for that industry in your community. You can expand your services after that, but it’s best to start small and work your way up.
In the window cleaning industry specifically, you may choose to only offer residential window washing services. Once you have a few neighborhoods with consistent work, you might contact businesses in the area to branch into commercial window cleaning. You can maintain concise, manageable routes and have nearby references of your work for potential customers to view. The growth will continue from there.
Competitor research is essential for business development. Regardless of what you sell or do, you need to know who your rivals are. If their businesses are not doing well, figure out why. If they’re successful, see what you can do to mimic their achievements and surpass them. Their customers could become your customers with the right motivation. In many cases, all it takes is great customer service to convince someone to work with you.
Be careful not to copy what your competitors are doing. That’s not the goal here. You want to set yourself apart from other businesses in the area – show people that what you’re doing is better, more affordable, more consistent, etc. If you take the right steps, your competitors will soon be keeping a close eye on you.
Talk to the owners of your favorite businesses, places you visit regularly. Even if they are not in the same industry as you, they can give you pointers for your business development. More importantly, these people can tell you about their mistakes so you can avoid them as much as possible. They understand the local audience, and they may have already attempted some marketing strategies you have in mind. The more information you can gather from them, the faster you can make your business profitable.