StartUp Tips: building the road to revenue

We have a special guest post today from CFIB member Jennifer Bauldic, President of Jetstream Administration Inc. Learn more about Jennifer and Jetstream Accounting at the end of this article.

Building the Road to Revenue

The early days of running your own business represent a unique time in your life. Everything is new and exciting. All opportunities seem shiny and the sky is the limit! Staying focused on your goals and saving for your future will improve your chances at long term success. These simple tips will help you draw a road map for your business.

• Stay focused on your expertise.

Having a firm grip on what you are selling and who you are selling to require both discipline and focus. If you are a new entrepreneur – you must already be familiar with that feeling of enthusiasm and I-CAN-DO-ANYTHING attitude. Keep that energy aimed at acquiring and servicing your target clientele. Your job right now is to create the business and build a following of repeat customers. In other words, the main road needs to be so well travelled that it develops grooves (customer loyalty). Make it easy for your customers to stay with you and to refer you to others.

• Build a reputation of reliability!

Your customers count on you. They rely on you deliver on time, every time – no excuses. Make a list of your client service priorities and review it often. The most frightening story I have ever heard was a business owner telling me how they were planning to miss the deadline of a long-term client in favour of preparing a competitive pitch to a prospect. NEVER risk a relationship. It only takes one moment to give your competition an opportunity that you will regret.

• Price for the long run.

Setting rates and prices is tricky at the best of times. If possible, consult a professional. If not, ensure you are considering all possible costs and expenses. This means factoring in overhead and general operating expenses as well as the cost of delivering goods and/or services to your customers. The list is long and specific to your business. A few areas you may need to consider:

1. Repaying debt incurred in starting up (legal fees, personal loans, etc.)
2. Hiring and training staff
3. Cost of on-going supplies, software and technology
4. Marketing and managing your business
5. Dues, Fees, Professional Development

• Be prepared for a rainy day.

Sometimes clients leave, suppliers go out of business or technology leaves you behind. Your business needs to be ready for the future. What will you do if that client doesn’t pay or the new supplier doesn’t deliver as promised? The road to success may require you to maneuver around unexpected obstacles. These detours often reveal new opportunities – it can pay to be prepared. By ensuring you set funds aside, you will be able to meet the needs of planned projects as well as those surprise situations.

• Have fun!

Of course this may seem obvious. And in the early days, it seems silly to even mention it. But the most successful companies that I work with are run by owners who truly enjoy their work. Your positive attitude will be noticed by your customers and they will like working with you. This creates even greater opportunities for continued success!

Jennifer Bauldic is the President of Jetstream Administration Inc. With over 20 years of corporate bookkeeping experience, Jennifer specializes in working with entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses.

Twitter:
@jenniferbauldic
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