Starting a Business sounds awesome, right?
If you have a great idea, the passion to achieve it, and sometimes a few friends say that “Hey, you’d be amazing at this!” But come to reality.
It’s not just a passion or ideas. There are a lot of things in it, like rules that can help you Start a Business that doesn’t launch.
I’ve been working as a digital marketer for a while now. I’ve studied a lot of business ups and downs. After seeing so many trials and error, I’ve learned something and I’d like to share it here.
Assume that they are guides or rules when you start a business. Some are practical, some are lessons, learned the hard way.
#1 Start With Why
This is not just a quote from philosophical or Business books. Understand why you want to start a business makes you drive to keep going in the industry. Without the valid reason you’ll just dry out faster than a New Year resolution.
Are you in for freedom, financial independence or just because you have a solution to a real problem? Be honest with yourself.
#2 Have a Clear Mission Statement
Your mission statement is the heart of your business. It shows what you stand out for and guide you to make decision. A clear statement motivate your team and lets customers know about your business.
#3 Location (Even in Online)
Yes, the internet is all around the world, but if you’ve officially registered your business in a tier 1 states you could have chance to improve brand value. Research your options and choose the location with reason.
#4 Don’t Just Jump into Funding
Money sounds like a great idea until you realize that you’re giving up ownership or going into a debt before you even have customers. Get your first sale, get some feedback, and start small.
Friends, Family or collegue can fund your start. VC can wait.
#5 Patent Later, Sell First
It’s interesting to get patent for your brilliant idea, but don’t let it distract you from you business sales. If it’s really that amazing, test it, get feedback and then consider to get patents.
#6 Test First, Build Later
You might think your product is the next big thing in the industry, but test it first. Think that can you offer a service version of it? If people actually pay for it, then you know that you have something.
#7 Don’t Chase “Perfect”
Perfection kills progress. Get your product out there. Sure, may it’s not best product, but it’s good to be in ready.
#8 Find the Real One
Forget about surveys and assumptions. Find one person who pays for your product or service right now. If you can do that on your business, you’re going in the right way.
#9 Stand Out or Left Out
If your niche has competition then it’s a good sign. But to overcome the competition, find out. what makes you different is your strategy, your approach or maybe it’s the way you treat customers. Make sure people remember you.
#10 Track Every Rupee
Look like a boring statement, but every rupee has your work in it. Tracking expenses means you’ll know when you can afford to invest and when you need to cut back. Plus, it’ll save you come tax season.
#11 Don’t Fear
Holding a 100% of sinking ship is no win. If someone offers to invest, and it makes sense, take it 50% of something is way better than 100% of nothing.
#12 Hire Slowly, Fire Quickly
Building a team isn’t just a people. It’s about the fit to business. Take your time to hire people, but if someone’s not right for your business, let them go sooner rather than later. One Wrong people can affect lot in your business.
#13 Don’t Rely on Titles
The Best Businesses aren’t built by titles. They’re build by people who take responsibility and ownership who care. Look for the employees who care about your business as much as you do.
#14 SEO isn’t Choice (it’s Mandatory)
If people can’t find you online, your business might as well not exist. Start with basic keywords, meta descriptions, optimize your overall website. This isn’t fancy stuff; it’s survival.
#15 Blogging Build Trust
Yes, Blogging. Think about it like a chatting with a friend. When you blog about your journey, struggles or industry reports, people see you as a real person. And that’s who they want to buy from.
#16 Over – Deliver from Day One
This isn’t just about impressing them – This rule is to build a trust. When your business go to next level, they’re likely to stick around the starting stage. Clients remember who treated them well.
#17 Stay in Touch
Even if a client says no, Stay in touch. Things change, and persistence is the key. Reach out to the client once a month, stay friendly, and you might win them after some time.
#18 Scale What’s Working
It’s tempting to go big, but if it’s not working on a small scale, don’t try to force it bigger stage. Focus on what’s already bringing money to your business and scale those sector.
#19 Diversify Smartly
Yes, it’s good to have choice, but don’t spread yourself in a thin line. Make sure you handle each part of the business before adding more value.
#20 Set Boundaries
Business is hard, but you’re human. Set some limits. Maybe you don’t answer emails after 9 p.m Maybe you don’t work in weekends. Whatever happens, keep some boundaries to balance your work to avoid burnout.
#21 Celebrate Small Wins
In the business field, most of them celebrate only big milestones.
The truth is, the small wins are also important. Every step forward is a step close, so make time to appreciate it.
#22 Don’t compare yourself or your business
The fastest way to feel like quitting is by comparing your journey with someone else’s. You don’t know their whole story about them, Just like they don’t know you. So, Focus on YOUR Journey
#23 Keep Learning
The world changes so fast and business is also included in it, and there’s always something new to learn. Stay curious, Keep reading and adapt to changes as they come.
#24 Trust Your Gut
Some decisions can’t be made with just data and logic. Trust your gut, especially when it’s screaming something. It’s often smarter than you think.
Trust Yourself
#25 Ask & Listen Feedback
Your clients are your biggest resource. They’ll tell you what they like, what they don’t, and what they wish you’d change. Listen closely – their feedback can guide you to the next level of your business.
#26 Your Brand is Your Promise
When you deliver what you say, you build trust in the industry. Imagine your brand as a friend who’s always reliable. No one wants an “Unreliable friend” as a brand, so stay true to your word!
#27 Be Adaptable
Business is like a dance: if the beat changes, you’ve got to change your moves. Staying flexible helps you to respond to market changes, customer needs, and new opportunities.
#28 Network is a Necessity
Networking is like planting a seed. Every person you connect with might help you to grow in the future. You never know who can teach you something valuable or introduce you to the right people at the right time. Also make those connections and grow their career.
#29 Build System, Not Just Goals
Goals are important, but the system makes those goals happen. If you take a car: the goal is to drive, but it’s the engine (the system) that gets you there. Systems keep things moving even when you’re not around to push.
#30 Be Willing to Fail
Failure isn’t end, it’s a journey. Every mistake is a lesson that comes with experience. So, fail a little, learn a lot, and remember: the most successful people are the ones who don’t give up.
#31 Stay on Top of Industry Trends
Update yourself on what’s trending in your industry to keeps you ahead. It’s like staying on a trend line – you don’t want to miss out on the new things which coming next. Trends can shape your strategy, so keep your eyes open.
#32 Invest in Technology
Technology is like a superhero for your business. It saves time, boosts efficiency and keeps your business competitive with others. Explore new tools and tech to make your life easier and your business stronger
#33 Find Mentors and Advisors
Mentors are like shortcuts for your business journey. They’ve already done that, and they can help you avoid the big mistakes which they made. Listen to their words and wisdom, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to learn from their experience.
#34 Stay Ethical
Integrity isn’t optional, it’s essential. Staying ethical builds long-term trust with customers, employees and partners. No more shortcuts. Staying in ethics may seems like a slower path, but it’s the thing that help you to survive.
#35 Choose Mentor Wisely
Not every mentor is good for you. Choose someone who understands your goals and aligns with your values. It’s like choosing a hiking guide, you want a mentor who knows the trials and doesn’t lead you into a ditch.
#36 Urgency in Sales
Creating urgency in sales is like a limited offers and encourages people to act now. It’s like a “last piece of pizza” moment; no one wants to miss out.
Remember: Be genuine with your offers.
#37 Build a Community Around Your Brand
A strong branded community is like a fan club for your business. Loyal customers become advocates, spreading the word and supporting to you. Engage them, and they’ll keep cheering you on for your success.
#38 Use Testimonial and Reviews
Reviews are like a friend’s recommendation people trust them. Use testimonials to show potential customers you’re the perfect one for them. It’s social proof that helps you to builds credibility and helps you stand out.
#39 Take care of your Physical Health
A healthy body fuels a healthy business. Don’t burn out trying to succeed; take breaks, move around, and recharge. You’re the engine of your business to keep it running smoothly your business.
#40 Have a Clear Pricing Strategy
Your pricing needs to make some sense and fit the value of your product. Don’t make it so cheap that you lose money or so high no one buys. Pricing is like a Gold locker, find a perfect spot to set it.
#41 Document Workflows
Documented workflows help you to save time and reduce confusion. It’s like having a recipe for success that anyone can follow. This way, your team can handle tasks smoothly, even when you’re not there.
#42 Stay Focused on Core Competencies
Don’t spread yourself too thin. Focus on what you’re best at and let go of the rest of the thing. Trying to do everything weakens your strengths. Stick to your specialty and grow that skill.
#43 Track Customer Behaviour
Understanding your customer’s actions is like analyzing a treasure map. It shows you where to improve and where you’re good. Track and analyze to know how to make them even happier.
#44 Protect Data and Privacy
Safeguarding customer data is like a locking your doors at night. People trust you when their information is safe, so protect it. Strong security is a sign that you care about their privacy.
#45 Create a Vision for the Future
A clear vision is a compass that guides your business. It shows your team and customers where you’re going. Having a strong vision gives everyone a reason to believe and invest in your business.
#46 Don’t Ignore Employee Feedback
Employee feedback important as like a customer feedback. Employees often see what leaders miss in the industry. Listening to their feedback can improve operations, morale and culture. It’s like having eyes everywhere and use those knowledge to make your business better from inside.
#47 Separate Business from Personal Finance
Mixing business with personal finances is a recipe for confusion. Keep them separate for clarity, easier accounting, and fewer headaches. Plus, it’s the smartest thing to do when tax season comes
#48 Outsource when Necessary
You don’t have to do it all by yourself. Outsourcing lets experts handle specialized tasks, have your time to focus on what you do at best. It’s like hiring a chef instead of trying to cook a five different meal yourself.
#49 Say No When You Need To
Not every opportunity is valuable for your time. Sometimes you have to say no to save your energy and focus. It’s okay to reject if it doesn’t align your goals or values.
#50 Protect Your Intellectual Property
Intellectual property is your hard work, protect it! Patents, trademarks, and copyrights stop other business from copying you. Protect your ideas keeps you original and gives you a competitive edge.
#51 Choose Business Structure
No need for fancy words in the business. Just choose the structure which fit for your business. Before selecting think about these things like taxes, liability and growth.
- C-Corp
- S-Corp
- LLC
Start simple and Don’t stress too much (You can adjust it later)
#52 Plan for Scale from the Start
Build with growth mindset so that when your business takes off, you’re ready. If you plan to grow from the starting stage, you won’t struggle later. Scaling slowly is much easier than catching up.
#53 Listen More Than You Speak
Listening is a underrated one in business industry. You learn more when you hear others’ ideas, feedback, and insights. Don’t try to dominate the conversation sometimes the best ideas come from someone else.
#54 Guard Your Reputation
Your reputation is valuable asset, protect it at all costs. Once damaged, it’s hard to fix it. Build a solid reputation with honesty and reliability for your business, so customers can always know they can trust you.
#55 Balance Risk with Caution
Every business has their own risks, but don’t jump in blindly. Take calculated risks and think things through before go into it. Balancing risk with caution keeps you growing without going into danger mode.
#56 Document Everything
Documenting important details prevents confusion and saves time later. It’s like a road map that keeps everyone on the same line. With everything written down, you’re ready for any questions. Treat your Business like a movie.
#57 Learn How to Negotiate
Negotiating is key skill to getting project at best deals and protecting your interests. It’s like haggling at a market aim to get what you want without losing of what’s fair for both sides.
#58 Invest in Design
Good design create a strong impression. People notice and remember an attractive, easy-to-navigate website or product design. Design is like the outfit for your business wears make sure it looks sharp.
#59 Avoid Unnecessary Debt
Debt can be a useful tool but don’t use it for every small thing and don’t use too frequent. Too much debt makes your business more weighs you down. Borrow when it need, use it to grow, and avoid the extra baggage whenever possible.
#60 Build a Solid Foundation First
Debt can be a useful tool but don’t use it for every small thing. Too much debt weighs you down. Borrow wisely, use it to grow, and avoid the extra baggage whenever possible.
#61 Follow Legal Things
Avoiding legal thing can take you to a big problem in the future. Follow the law and stay compliant, from taxes to licenses. It’s like wearing a seatbelt, it may feel uncomfortable but it’s the safe way to travel.
#62 Prioritize Profit, Not Just Revenue
Revenue is great, but the profit is what keep your business grow. Don’t chase for big sales if they aren’t profitable. Focus on making money that stay in your account, not just flowing.
#63 Make Customer Convenience a Priority
People love convenience! The easier you make things for customers, they’ll appreciate you and your business more. It’s like guiding a baby to make their life easier.
#64 Have an Exit Strategy
Plan how you’ll wrap things if you leave your business at some moment. An exit plan gives you control, even if you’re not planning to leave anytime soon. It’s smart to know when and how you’ll step away.
#65 Market What Makes You Different
What sets you unique is what makes people notice you. Find your unique qualities and make them shine in your business marketing strategy it could be anything Digital marketing or Traditional Marketing. Being different is your advantage show it off.
#66 Know Your Break Point
Understand how much you need to sell to cover costs. Knowing your break-even point is like knowing when you’ll see daylight. It’s essential to hit that point so you can aim for profit.
#67 Develop a Marketing Strategy
A marketing strategy is your plan to reach your customers. Without a strategy, you’re just guessing and doing ordinary things. Be clean and clear on how you’re going to attract and keep people interested in your business.
#68 Celebrate Your Team’s Win
Recognizing your Team achievements boosts morale and motivation for them. When your team feels valued, they’re more engaged. Celebrate every wins no matter how big or small, because happy teams work better.
#69 Create Passive Income Streams
Passive income means money comes to your pocket without any constant effort. Think that it’s a money tree, it keeps producing while you focus on other things. Diversifying the income makes your business more effective and stable.
#70 Be the solution, Not the Sales Pitch
Focus on the Solution which going to solve problems, not just selling. People prefer the businesses that genuinely going to help. Become the answer what the customer are looking for, and sales will automatically generate.
#71 Set and Tracks KPIs
KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) help you to measure the progress towards your goals. Tracking KPIs is like checking a scoreboard of your business. It shows you what’s working and which area you need to develop.
#72 Make Your Website User-Friendly
A user friendly website make people interested and coming back to see your website. Make it simple with unique design, easy to navigate, and clear. If your visitors struggle to find out what they need, they’ll leave it and exit from your website.
Create a Best Website For Your Business Now
#73 Prioritize Local SEO
Local SEO boosts your online visibility in nearby searchers. If you’re a local business, this is like a best sign for people who is located near to you. Show up in local searches to attract nearby customer based on your locations.
#74 Be Ready for Setbacks
Business doesn’t always go as you expect. There are some ups and downs at unexpected moments. Setbacks happen sometimes; the thing is how you handle them. Keep learning. Keep going with the knowledge you gained from those mistakes and come back stronger.
#75 Value Your Personal Health
A healthy body means a healthier business. Stress and burnout can hurt your productivity in your business. Take care of yourself, recharge yourself often by take some break and remember: if you don’t run, neither does your business.
#76 Make it Memorable Brand
A Strong Brand Always stand out. Make your unforgettable with consistent message, visuals and voice. When people remember you, there’s a more chance to choose your product or service compared to your competitors
#77 Digital Transformation
Modernize your business with digital tools and technology. It’s like upgrading your business as a horse and cart to a car. Digital transformation makes you faster, more efficient, and be ready for today’s market trend.
#78 Develop a consistent content strategy
Consistent content keeps your audience engaged and shows that you’re active and also builds some authority in your social media handle. It helps you stay top of their mind when they think about your business niche.
#79 Be Selective with Partnerships
Not every partner is a good fit. Choose collaborations who match your goals and values. Quality partnership add extra strength to your business, on the other side the wrong ones can pull you down.
#80 Invest in Team Training
Training sharpens your team’s skills and makes them more effective at work. It’s like adding fuel to their fire. A well-trained team improves productivity and quality, which is beneficial for everyone.
#81 Reduce Cost Without Reducing Quality
Cost-cutting doesn’t mean cutting corners or quality. Find the smartest ways to save money without affect your product or service. Quality should stay high, even if you spend less.
#82 Think Long Term
Short-term gains are good, but don’t lose an opportunity for a bigger deal. Long-term mindset builds a stable business that survive till the lasts. Plan for the future, and don’t get lost in quick wins.
#83 Take Calculated Risks
Risks are necessary, but don’t take it without looking at the result in both side (positive and negative). Calculated risks mean you’ve thought it through. Risk smartly, and you’re more likely to land safely.
#84 Set Clear Project Timelines
A clear timeline can be a answer for everyone expectations. Plan timelines carefully to meet deadlines without stress. It’s like a plan that keeps your project on right way.
#85 Audit Your Brand Regularly
Your brand needs check-ups. Auditing lets you spot inconsistencies, and mistakes and make improvements. Keep your brand sharp and consistent by regularly shaping to current trend.
#86 Choose Your Customers Wisely
Not all customer is a good choice. Choose those who appreciate your work and align with your values. The right clients bring out your best work and contribute to your success.
#87 Offer Flexibility in Payment Options
Providing a variety of payment option can improve user convenience and satisfaction. Some companies are offering Credit/Debit Card, Digital wallets, installment plans and even cryptocurrency to complete abroad business deal.
Conclusion
Starting a business isn’t easy. If it’s easy, everyone would do it.
But with these 87 rules, you’ll have some idea and ethics to guide you through the hardest part in your business. Some rules might seem important, something might a bit surprising, and a few might even make you laugh 🙂
If you’re in doubt, come back here (bookmark this page) and remember why you started. That “WHY” is going to be what keeps you going when things get hard. And don’t forget this is a journey, not a sprint. Take it one step at a time, and soon enough, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come
Which rule is your favorite and WHY?
