By Megan Belnap

Trying to start a business is a daunting task. A business is a huge commitment, and it is what goes on in the planning stage that tends to define how your company will progress in the market. This is why it is important to identify key people to use as resources to make sure you are covering all your bases. The following are four people you should talk to in order to maximize your chances of startup success.

Other business owners

While it seems obvious to rub elbows with other business owners to gain insights into a proven path for success, this is often not the most valuable information a fellow entrepreneur has to share. Beyond just advice for business approaches, local business owners will have great insight into the best vendors that you can use. Setting up good relationships now can also give you connections later on that could help your business get greater exposure and support. It’s important to have allies in the business world, and starting out without them can be a major mistake.

Angel investors

The business world leverages money to make money. This is why many beginning business owners work with people called angel investors. These investors can play both a mentor role in how to approach business success and a funding role for operations and growth. They may want to purchase a sizeable chunk of your business in return for capital, but this is often the one person who will give you solid feedback if they think your business plan is viable or not. The best way to get an angel investor is to do research into local figures and then approach them with your business idea. That way, you are putting your project in the hands of someone you have vetted and can trust to help you conduct your business the way you want and help it grow.

Insurance agent

Every business has assets and liabilities. This is why it is good to talk with an insurance agent who is familiar with the insurance needs of startup companies like yours. Obtaining CA business insurance from a reputable company is an important resource to cover your assets and to become more aware of your liabilities as a company. Speaking with several providers about what they suggest, as well as with other business owners, can help you ensure that you are covered legally on all fronts. A business lawyer can also be a great asset in determining what your main insurance concerns should be and how to negotiate for the best rates.

Marketers

Whether you are trying to beef up brand recognition or simply get your company’s ad copy right, speaking with a marketer can help your efforts. This is a huge issue for a lot of entrepreneurs, because marketing ends up being a key foundation to whether or not your business will achieve meaningful success. Social media, email, and physical signage should all be utilized to get your company the proper exposure, even before you open for business. Marketers can also help you understand good branding methods that will help capture the essence of your product or service in the logo design and the tone of your copy.

As an entrepreneur of a startup business, you have a lot of uncertainty ahead. This is ultimately why it is critical to speak with those individuals who can give the insights you need. You never know when talking with the right individual will help you to put your startup on solid ground. Don’t take your advice from the first professional you find, however, and be sure to compare quotes and suggestions between various sources so that you can get a truly unbiased opinion.

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Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.