So you want to create a startup business by yourself? Nobody said that creating a startup was easy — most first-time companies fail in their first year. But there are ways to set yourself up for success.
America’s second most successful startup is Airbnb. The accommodation site is now one of the most popular websites for tourists to get a bed for the night. Yet, even this wildly successful enterprise was rejected seven times by investors before they found solid support. The bed and breakfast concept itself was re-conceptualised a few times, and the company was formally initiated three times.
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Despite what we tell you in this blog post, being in charge of a startup is tough work. It’s safe to say that you’ll need every bit of help that you can get.
From productive working environments and professional communication tools to becoming a natural networker, among other solo strategies, we’ll show you a few best practices and technical tools that will help you get started. If you put the work in, it is possible to operate a full-scale business while maintaining the professional image of an established organisation.
Find Value in Virtual Answering Services
In this cut-throat stage of consumerism where customers aren’t afraid to switch to your competitors, the first thing you want to do is invest in a virtual answering service.
As a solo entrepreneur, we’re assuming that you aren’t working from a professional office building — if you are, you should stop wasting money on rental fees. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not necessary to conduct business from a traditional office setting, and solutions like virtual landlines prove this.
So what is a virtual answering service?
This wireless, cloud-based answering system is the equivalent of an office landline without the physical restrictions. As a solo entrepreneur, having a virtual phone number will please your customers for the following reasons:
- Customers can contact you 24-hours a day, unlike most office landlines that don’t offer out of hours call handling
- Having either an area coded or freephone number is important for consumers as it is perceived as trustworthy and removes all financial obligation
- A virtual answering service often removes the need to wait for a suitable operator as the comprehensive phone menu speeds up caller traffic by answering FAQs.
If you’re reading this article before you’ve even initiated your startup, that’s even better as you should have all communication lines in place before you begin trading. Your business number will also appear in your Google My Business snippet that shows on local search results.
Crack the Code in a Coworking Space
Acting as a one-man band can be tough. Although working alone from a home office helps cut operational costs and allows you to reap 100 per cent of the business benefits, it doesn’t pose many opportunities for interaction.
Interacting with others is an important part of a business — it allows us to find potential prospects and leads, but also helps prevent creative blocks and creates endless opportunities. So how can you work with others outside of the office?
Coworking has become the “new normal” since people are turning their backs on corporate cubicles. With over 14,000 examples worldwide, coworking spaces allow innovative startups to thrive in shared working spaces that boast a relaxed, open environment and lower costs.
Not only are coworking spaces a better alternative to serviced offices for productivity and peer to peer working, but they also offer added benefits like themed rooms and expert events.
Using one of these monthly membership workspaces make being a solo entrepreneur less lonely. The experience might even persuade you to hook up with a totally in tune business partner.
People thrive in coworking spaces because they are surrounded by others who find meaning in their work, unlike an office where the inhabitants can easily range from productive people to full-on procrastinators.
About The Author:
Rory Whelan is a seasoned writer when it comes to startups, covering a wealth of topics including time management, work-related stress and expanding your empire. His role as the marketing manager for a leading virtual call handling provider sees him interact with the leaders of remote firms, which allows him to understand and appreciate the common pain points of starting a business solo.
