Article

Practical Tips to Starting a New Business

Practical Tips to Starting a New Business

Building and sustaining a business is not a task for the faint of heart. Setbacks come, whether they’re from circumstances within or from downturns in the market that are completely out of your control. There are simple steps you can take to help you bounce back quickly from challenging situations.

May 2, 2023
Practical Tips to Starting a New Business
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

Building and sustaining a business is not a task for the faint of heart. As anyone who has launched a business from the ground up knows, transforming an idea into a successful enterprise requires not only technical know-how, but also a steadfast willingness to work hard and weather the setbacks that inevitably come with establishing a new business in a competitive marketplace.

But when the going gets really tough, how do you maintain your energy and optimism? While most of us are born with some ability to cope with adversity, resilience is also a skill that can be learned and cultivated.

By considering in advance how you would recover from an adverse change in circumstances, you can prepare yourself to bounce back quickly from even the most challenging situations.

When a Problem Arises

While there are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself from potential setbacks, such as having sufficient insurance and savings, problems may arise for which no protection is available, such as an abrupt downturn in the market or the unexpected loss of a major client or key employee. By approaching these unanticipated setbacks with the right attitude, you may be able to address the problem more competently and more quickly.

Keep in mind that resilience does not necessarily mean going it alone. By building your personal and professional networks, you ensure that you have trusted allies who can provide encouragement and advice when problems arise. While friends and family members can be an invaluable source of support in a crisis, they may not understand all the issues you face in your business.

By joining industry organizations and getting to know other people working in your field, you create a support network of professionals you can consult when weighing how best to handle specific problems related to your business. An experienced mentor can also provide insight and encouragement.

Facing the Challenge

However, just talking about problems does not resolve them. You must be prepared to take whatever action is necessary to meet the challenges ahead.

Start by making a detailed list of possible ways to address a problem, and then assess pros and cons of each. If, for example, market conditions have changed, revisit your business plan and adjust your goals to the new environment.

Rather than becoming discouraged because you are unable to meet your original goals, set your sights on hitting new targets. Don’t be afraid to consider unconventional strategies, such as partnering or bartering with other businesses, or branching out into a seemingly unrelated business area.

Simply by doing what you can each day to improve your situation, you may find that you are gaining positive momentum that can help propel you forward, despite obstacles.

Take Care of You and Your Perspective

If current circumstances cannot be easily changed, strive to accept the situation. Some problems, such as a downturn in your particular market, could remedy themselves with time. If work is slow, consider taking breaks to travel, get outside, or spend time with family or friends. Catch up on sleep, get more exercise, improve your diet, or clean out your closets at home.

Focusing on your overall well-being – and getting some distance from the business-related issues you have been focusing on so intensely – can generate a much-needed shift in perspective and provide new insights into solving some seemingly insurmountable problems. 

Appreciate Your Assets

Whatever your difficulties, do not overlook the assets you have acquired. Take the time to appreciate the strengths within your organization. Even if you have downsized your workforce in response to the economy, remind your remaining employees how the company can continue to be competitive, despite the challenges in the marketplace. If you demonstrate a steadfast willingness to work hard and weather the inevitable ups and downs with energy, optimism, and resilience, your staff may also do the same.

Together, you can work toward the success of the business.

Other content you may like

  • Mid-Quarter Roundtable Highlights

    Podcast Highlight - The Market Impact on Home and Auto Prices

    November 30, 2022
    Taking into consideration the long period of low interest rates, the team talks about how the newer rates might affect inflation and play into a recession. They also review supply issues of both new and used sales in the auto industry, touching on the question “Is it a good time to buy?”
    Read this Article
  • Signs You Need a Financial Planner

    5 Signs You Need a Financial Planner

    October 11, 2023
    You may have questions about your finances that you consider silly or stupid and feel that you should handle alone so you don’t seek help. As happens often in life, not reaching out to a professional can delay you reaching your goals and cause you to incur more out-of-pocket expenses.
    Read this Article
  • Carving Up Your Portfolio & Thanksgiving Pie

    Carving Up Your Portfolio & Thanksgiving Pie

    November 23, 2021
    Diversification and Asset Allocation are important financial strategies that may bring many ideas and concepts to mind that aren’t necessarily how these tools are defined in a healthy portfolio. Here are some tips on how to examine your assets and have a more balanced portfolio pie.
    Read this Article
  • Plan Your Finances as You Would Your Workout

    Plan Your Finances as You Would Your Workout

    January 24, 2023
    You exercise to benefit from your sweat equity in the future, right? The strategy of a good workout is to intentionally place stress on our muscles so that when a health problem arises, our bodies are in better condition to deal with the situation. You also need an investment strategy to accommodate unforeseen future events, such as market downturns.
    Read this Article
  • The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    phone-handset