source: laughlin
When I started my first two businesses in college — a singing telegram business and a survival kit business — I didn’t ask anyone for advice. I was young and I knew all there was to know about everything (or so I thought) and I wouldn’t have listened to anyone anyway.
After graduation, I sold one of the businesses and closed the other, worked in the corporate world for several years, and then went out on my own. This time I asked for advice from anyone and everyone who was willing to help. I learned what to do, and more importantly what not to do with my business and how to get new clients.
The advice other business owners gave me was invaluable.
Whether you’re starting a new business or have been in business for years, there’s always something you can do to grow your business. The first place to start is by asking others for help.
Research your competition honestly
Don’t pretend you’re a large client so you can get marketing and pricing information. There’s room for everyone to compete. Start by e-mailing the owner of the type of business you want to start, and ask if you can set up a time to call to ask a few questions. Let him or her know that you need only 15 minutes and then stick to that amount of time. Create a list of questions ahead of time. Their time is valuable and you want to make sure you don’t waste it.
To read the rest of my guest post on Success Your Way, click here.
