What is the first month of starting a new business really like?

By Henry Brown

A lot is said about what it feels like to start a business. Many people imagine their life as an entrepreneur — including 62% of young people according to www.inc.com — but find the entire idea so daunting they never take that first leap. If you have an entrepreneurial ambition and spirit, then it’s always worth embracing it.

Of course, as part of this, you need to have some idea of what to expect. You’ve likely heard words like “tough” and “hard” used to describe the early phases of business, but you’ve probably never seen a real deep-dive into the reality of branching out into business for yourself. If you want to ensure you’re fully prepared for the beginning of your journey into business, then you’re going to want to know more about what it’s really like in that first month of operation…

No matter how long you prepare for starting your business, that first month — when the launch is done and dusted and your business is now in operation — you’re going to realize how little you prepared for it. This is all part of the learning curve, the point at which you see what you really need, rather than your best guesses as to what you need.

You’ll learn the business’ limitations

Many issues with your business’ first month can be put down to teething problems, but you will discover some areas where you genuinely do need help. This is important, as it allows you to strategize effectively for the future. You may have thought you could rely on your own IT skills, but that first month will make it clear you would have been better opting for managed services with the likes of www.xbase.com; or you’ll discover that your own SEO efforts aren’t quite cutting the mustard and it’s time to outsource.

However, it’s not all bad news…

If you follow the various online advice guides about what you need to start a business, you’ll spend a small fortune… and undoubtedly end up with a number of products, services, and perhaps even staff that you don’t actually require. The first month will not only tell you where you need more help, but it will also make it clear where you can rein in your spending or the time you are dedicating to particular tasks. Being able to trim your outgoings (both in terms of time and finances) helps to compensate you for taking on the new expenses you have since learned you do need but don’t yet have.

You’ll be busier than you have ever been in your life

If the first month of running a business could be described in a single word, that word would be “firefighting.” Not literally, of course — well, hopefully not! — but in the sense that you will constantly feel like you’re dealing with a multitude of issues at once. It’s a good idea to acknowledge that the first month of your business is going to be demanding, and perhaps try and store up some sleep prior to launch to see you through!

In conclusion
Hopefully, the curtain has now been pulled back on the first month of life as an entrepreneur, allowing you to move forward with your business idea, and build the exciting and rewarding future you want.

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Henry Brown is an online marketing executive. When he isn’t talking shop he’s roaming the streets of London, uncovering the extra-ordinary in the ordinary.

 

1 comment

  1. Nice and informative content that business starters and owners can refer through. Thanks for it.

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