Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Before the business startup date…

…Get trained! Successful new business owners are factotums. They are knowledgeable in areas that lie outside of their expertise, like bookkeeping, marketing and computer troubleshooting.

…Build a resource list. Having a network of local prospective customers, business contacts and other entrepreneurs with whom to share ideas can help keep first-time entrepreneurs from feeling isolated.

Once the business is up and running…

…Don’t work for less than what you can afford. However, it makes good business sense to offer discounts to loyal or regular customers.

…Be covered financially for the first two years. Most new business owners should anticipate burning though funding quickly during the first two years after startup.

…Continue to write Self-Employment Proposals (SEPs). SEPs are not just for the preparation stages of a new business. They can be used to detect where the business is, now, and where it is headed. Thus, they should be updated every year.

…Be flexible. The demands of the market can be fickle. Successful business owners are prepared to adjust the way they operate and the products/services they offered in order to meet these ever-changing demands.

…Practice good customer service. Don’t overlook the value in being sincere with callers, acting quickly to correct their problems, and replying personally and immediately to confirm email orders.

…Admit mistakes, correct them, and carry on. Being successful entails acknowledging failures from time to time and being resilient enough to withstand them, learn from them, and move on.

…Develop and keep good business relationships. Always show sincere interest in solving problems and stick to a reasonable payment schedule with bankers and creditors.

…Be open to upgrades. New technology and business methods can enhance productivity, customer service, and ultimately the bottom line. Successful business owners stay abreast of them, train for them, and use them.

…Use the Internet. Jumpstart the business and increase its exposure by building a web site, buying banner advertisements, starting an email newsletter, etc.

…Separate the business from the personal. One of the risks new business owners face is burnout as well as strain on their personal relationships. However, they can discourage such risks by establishing a schedule of core, consistent working hours and relying upon a message service to record client calls.

…Make quality the primary focus and aim in every aspect of business.