You might have an idea for a small business, or you might already be on the way to setting one up and marketing it, but even if you’re off the ground already you can still benefit from the steps outlined below – especially in terms of goals setting and reviews, staff background checks, and effective marketing practices.

Mark Out Your Idea

There are two types of business ideas, the one you have been floating around in your brain for ages, and the one you come up with in a more intentional way. Both are valid but only if they are good ideas.

You need to check if your idea is a profitable business idea that adds value to people’s lives, or if it’s more of a self-indulgent fancy. Talk to people – not only people you know but business people – and perform some market research.

Anticipate Your Obstacles

If you’re a startup business or a small family business without much experience it can be tempting to take the attitude that things will work out as you go along. It’s true, they might, but it’s a very uncertain path with many unseen obstacles.

It is much better to research the obstacles that are likely to arise from your business pathway and take measures to mitigate those issues. Talk to other business owners in your network and make plans to respond to the issues as they arise.

Background Check Staff

Chances are you will have to hire staff to get your business off the ground, but once again this is a challenging step in the process of building a business from the ground up. You need to make sure you’re hiring competent staff, but they need to be safe as well.

Don’t forget to background check the staff you hire so you know they don’t have a criminal past and they aren’t a threat to the public, you can do this at eKnowID. If you don’t carry out this important work and something happens your business will be legally compromised.

Know Your Goals

One of the most important elements of any business is a goal setting practice. In the beginning, your goals might be fairly simple such as establish an online presence, or set up a working sales funnel, later these goals will change.

Your business goals should change regularly as you achieve them and move forward. Business goals keep you focused, they keep you on track and ensure your business grows in the direction intended. Ensure you meet your goals and review them regularly.

Get Your Marketing Right

Marketing is something you want to be engaged with from day one, especially if you have a brand you want to build. Make sure your brand or company profile is built around your core values and that you’re marketing in the right spaces to the right target audience.

Getting your marketing right is so important because it not only improves brand visibility and engagement it also affects your budget and revenue. Poor marketing can easily result in investment without any returns.