Wouldn’t it be great if you could get a “to-do” list when started your business?

Well, what about a “don’t” list. If you’re struggling with knowing what to do and what not to do, keep reading. These few do’s and don’ts will put you one step closer to a becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Don’t sell, share!

A successful business starts with the message. Your business needs to begin with who you are and what the meaning behind what you do is (your primary purpose and your WHY). Once you define your message, your business will reach a whole new level.

Do: define your business (primary purpose) and your meaning behind what you do (your WHY).

Don’t: sell your product or service without having a message behind WHY you’re selling to your target market.

Solve problems.

Your start-up business has launched but your list of client’s is 0. What now!? Ask yourself, are you solving a problem people will pay for? Sometimes a small business thinks their product or service is genius but the truth is, not as genius as you think. Don’t lose hope! Your product or service might not be genius right now but it has the potential to be genius.

Hiring an audit or consultant to review your products or services is the next step. These guys (or ladies) are bada$$!!

Do’s: have your products or services audited.

Don’t: sell a product or service you wouldn’t purchase yourself.

Be visible!

Hiding in your office, behind a desk won’t help your business succeed. You can hire people to handle customer interactions but personality and relationship building is what will set your business apart from the competition. Keep your door open and be the face of your business. If you’re not someone who likes being on the front line, bring in the team. Showcase your team on your website (as well as you). This way, you’re still recognizable but the show isn’t all about you.

Whether you decide to make it about you or you and the team, don’t hide. You started this business with passion, embrace that!

Do’s: put yourself out there and building relationships with your customers and community.

Don’t: hide behind the scenes.

Passion first.

A business thrives from passion. If you lose that passion, your business could fail. Try and remember what made you start this business to begin with? What drove you to make the decision to become a business owner? Relying on your team for passion is reasonable but not ideal. You are the passion of your business. Make that passion known through your hard work and dedication.

If you don’t love what you do, your business probably won’t succeed.

Do: love what you do or find ways to get your passion back.

Don’t: start a business without passion.

Do your research.

Who is your target audience or target market? Do your research. Your business needs to know who they’re marketing too. Is your business local? Are you focused on targeting coffee lovers in your hometown or computer geeks within your state? Ask yourself these questions and ask your marketer to help you out. Check out our “defining your target market” podcast to get a better idea on how to define your target market or audience!

A marketer will also help you define your business and who your target market or audience is.

Do: define your target market or audience and market to them.

Don’t: waste money marketing to the wrong market.

Whether this is a business you’ve already started or one you’re thinking about starting, run through these do’s and don’t’s. Your business needs you to succeed. You got this lady boss! And remember, we’re here to help in any way! Reach out to our team with questions.