Is there a handbook for starting your own company – then seeing it become a huge success without any obstacles getting in your way? We wish. In fact, along the journey, there are lots of trials and errors to consider.
According to FSB, there were 5.64 million small businesses at the start of 2025, and, compared with the previous year, the total business population increased by 191,000 (3.5%). That’s a lot of competition. So when you’re starting a company for the first time, you’ll be confronted with real-world issues you’ve never encountered before. Here are some of the things you should know.
Invest in yourself
First of all, do whatever it takes to invest in your company. That means reinvesting your earnings in yourself, through courses, workshops, retreats, and coaching. Why? It’s money well spent, even if you only learn one new thing. Book an online course relevant to your business so it helps improve your abilities. For example, taking an online writing course will help you become a better writer, so you can obtain more freelance writing customers and deliver more value to them.
Remember to network
You’ll be surprised at how many people are there to help – they’ll be flattered you’ve even asked for advice in the first place. Networking can assist you with free business advice, open doors to possible customers, and even help you find more work. Be sure to engage with the start-up community, too, as it’s also highly supportive. Then there’s the importance of joining organisations like LinkedIn, connecting with people and companies who could very well increase your revenue.
Look at your workload
At first, you’ll be the one who does everything. You’ll most likely wear multiple hats, including sales, marketing, copywriting, and design. You’ll handle all of the work that comes with the concept that your company is founded around, often putting in extra hours. You’ll prepare for strategies to promote your company, deal with administrative activities, and respond to emails. You won’t see stability and a boost in income if you do nothing. Put in your all and get set to reap the benefits.
Keep an eye on customers
If your company doesn’t provide value to your customers, it will most likely fail. It’s therefore essential you’re constantly aware of how you are meeting their demands. Reviews, social media monitoring, and surveys are all great methods to keep track of consumer feedback. If your business is still relatively new, and there isn’t much feedback available, ask for it through direct contact with consumers. Most people are eager to share their stories, and their input is vital.
Always stay consistent
Of course you want your company to expand and grow – so it’s here that consistency is key. Show up as the same person and brand every time, publish material regularly and be sure to get your message out there in terms of what you do and why people should want your goods or services. By doing so you’ll quickly establish a reputation for yourself, as well as hopefully accomplishing success in ways you never dreamed of.
Success takes time
Success doesn’t come overnight, so don’t feel tempted to give up if you don’t see the results you expected straight away. There’s no assurance you will accomplish all you want in only a few months. Speak to family and friends who are on hand to offer support, and don’t overdo it, doing your best to strike the right work/life balance. If there’s a market out there for what you’re providing then it’s more than likely you’ll succeed. Because, as the saying goes, good things come to those that wait.
