We live in a world dominated by the startup entrepreneur. As a growing number of individuals are seeking life outside of the traditional work environment, we are witnessing a massive rise in the number of entrepreneurs who choose to follow their dreams as opposed to remaining cemented within the common office cubicle. While there are countless attractive qualities associated with such a choice, there are also some very serious pitfalls that could stymie such efforts from the very beginning. What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Too Much and Too Fast
“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet”
– Aristotle
One of the traits which tends to define the modern freelancer is an insatiable thirst for success. This will unfortunately come at a significant price. Those who rush their initial efforts often stumble and make serious mistakes along the way. Even the most beautiful gardens take time to grow and you cannot rush the germination process. Try to translate this observation into the modern business world.
Whether you are planning to sell tickets online, to promote a new mobile phone application or to reinvent the wheel, the fact of the matter is that success takes time and hard work. Never be fooled into believing the stories of so-called “overnight” millionaires”. While there is no doubt that a handful of individuals have done quite well within a short period of time, this represents the exception as opposed to the rule.
Set realistic milestones and stick to this schedule. Take other life obligations into account and be sure to factor in the occasional mistake; these are bound to happen from time to time. Patience can represent your best friend or your worst enemy. If leveraged properly, it will become a powerful ally.
Failing to Appreciate the Digital Business Spectrum
The online business community provides what can only be called an unfettered opportunity for growth. Still, entrepreneurs need to make their presence known within the virtual world if they hope to fully maximise their efforts. E-commerce solutions such as Shopify are able to offer a host of innovative marketing tools that would have been inconceivable in the past, so they should always be employed.
The primary concern is finding a balance between digital business operations and physical obligations. Some freelancers will become quite overwhelmed, so it could be a good idea to consult with an online marketing expert. This professional will be able to provide you with the additional insight and clarity needed to make informed decisions as well as to focus your efforts in the right direction.
Startup business owners face a number of unique challenges and yet, all of these can be overcome with the proper amount of preparation. As the expression goes, Rome was not built in a day. Even the most enthusiastic entrepreneurs should always remember this maxim, as a bit of humility can go a long way. Above all, always be willing to ask for help if you come to an impasse or if you are uncertain how to progress.
