Knowledge is power, and experienced business owners love to pass on their knowledge. I reached out to nine people in diverse fields for insights into how Home Business Magazine readers can avoid mistakes and develop strategies for success.
Jack White, Partner, FH+H PLLC on the need for legal advice – Seek counsel early. Legal counsel is not necessary or advisable at every critical step in the growth of a small business. But, having a partner through growth as a resource – one who possesses an experienced legal eye – can help both to avoid and to address legal and regulatory challenges.
Rhiannon McHugh, Creative Director/Partner, Do Something Different LLC* on a strategic approach to building a website – A website is both your company brand and an integral part of your business process. Your website should be a great digital first impression and should represent who you are and what you do. Your website should also be a functional part of your business process by driving sales through forms for customer inquiries, payment processes if appropriate, etc.
Gerald DuBose, Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder, The New Wealth Order on the need for specialized focus – A lot of people who come to our public trainings don’t have direction. We guide them through a variety of strategies, but the core question is, ‘What do you do naturally better than most people you know’? Once you know that, market that.
Jeff Nader, Owner, Domira Freight, on finding good advice online – There are groups on social media full of people in your industry, and you can get very expensive knowledge and advice by joining. That’s helped me immensely in the freight business.
Susan Trivers, Owner, Trivers Consulting Group on the right mindset for success – You are in a business based at home, not a home-based business. The mental confidence this gives you will convey to prospects and eventual clients.
Elizabeth Lademan, Owner, Harmony House Studio on identifying a target market – Find people of a similar mindset. I teach the violin, but specifically I provide a total education in music. I looked for schools with education based on the liberal arts because I knew families there understood the importance of a broader focus.
Wayne Gatewood, Founder, The Gatewood Group LLC, on the right tools for success – When I started my small business, the euphoria slowly tapered off. Then I realized that building a small business was a serious commitment. Drawing strength from a higher source, engaging in motivational reading, and surrounding myself with like-minded people helped me realize that successful entrepreneurs make things happen.
Christina Nuar, President, Rock Creek Insurance Inc. on insurance protection – It is important for small businesses to have general and professional liability insurances. These are basic protections against claims that your work was inadequate, in violation of a contract, etc. As you grow, be sure to know employee insurance laws in your state.
T. Juwon Nichols, Owner, Gymdorks Fitness Training on breaking through in a saturated market – “The low barriers of entry for personal trainers meant I had to think outside the box. I specialized in two ways: first, training sedentary people who wanted to change their lives in significant and creative ways — such as doing a workout with stairs, a jump rope, and canned food. I also focused on training people with physical and mental handicaps.”
*Do Something Different is part of my company’s freelance team
