How to survive your first year in business

For all new small business owners, just simply making it through and surviving the first year of running a new venture can be quite a task. It may feel even more intimidating than before now we have been living through a global pandemic for a few years that has led to furloughs, lost jobs, and countless business closures.

Even with all that in mind, beginning a new business is, and should be, an extremely exciting time in any entrepreneur’s career. At the point when you hear that 20% come up short inside their first year, it turns into somewhat frightening.

Be that as it may, with a touch of market research, planning and a thoroughly examined business thought, you can make a flourishing venture. In this aide, we’re talking you through some normal entanglements, and new entrepreneurs offer you their best bits of guidance to help you fabricate and support your business post-pandemic.

What is the first year of business like?

The first year of business is often a time of trial and error. Entrepreneurs may have a great product or service, but they may not have the experience or knowledge to know how to effectively market and sell it. As a result, many businesses fail in their first year.

However, those that do survive often find that the first year is just the beginning. They learn from their mistakes, fine-tune their business model, and start to build a loyal customer base. With time and effort, they eventually become successful. So for anyone thinking about starting a business, remember that the first year is just the start of the journey.

Your first year in business expectations

Your first year in business is a year you become familiar with a ton of new skills. From invoicing and bookkeeping to sales and marketing, you wear each cap, so it’s imperative that you plan overall quite well for the year ahead.

Try not to expect not to commit errors, however. All things considered, making mistakes is the means by which you realise what not to do sometime later. You’ll likely lose clients, get negative reviews, and question whether you’re making the best decisions at certain points, yet this is all important for maintaining your own business.

There are many things that could go wrong when starting a business. Sales might begin to slow or a team member might let you down. The truth is, there are countless challenges that could completely break your business. Throughout the following year, be ready to work hard and maintain an open outlook — you will need to be versatile and adaptable. Here are some factors that can help keep your business moving forward into year two

1. Have a business plan

A business plan is an essential tool for any business owner. It helps to establish objectives, set deadlines, and track progress. It can also be used to secure funding from investors or lenders. However, creating a business plan can be a daunting task. Where should you start? What should you include? Here are a few tips to help you get started:

First, determine the purpose of your business plan. Are you looking to secure funding? Attract new customers? Expand into new markets? Once you know the purpose of your plan, you can start to identify your goals and objectives.

Next, do your research. In order to write a comprehensive business plan, you need to have a good understanding of your industry and market. This means conducting market research and competitor analysis. You should also have a solid understanding of your target audience and what they are looking for in a product or service like yours.

Finally, once you have all the information you need, it’s time to start writing. Begin by outlining the structure of your plan and what each section will cover. Then, start filling in the details. Be sure to include financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational plans.

2. Get your accounting in order from day one

As a small business owner, it’s critical to keep your accounts in order from day one. This means tracking all of your income and expenses, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring that you are paying all of your taxes on time. While it may seem like a lot of work, keeping your accounts in order will save you time and money in the long run as well as making your accountant happier.

It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your finances are in good shape. So take the time to get your accounts in order from the start, and you’ll be glad you did.

Track your expenses

It is important to keep track of your expenses so that you know where your money is going. By doing this, you can make sure that you are not spending too much money on unnecessary things. There are many ways to keep track of your expenses, such as using a budget or tracking app. You can also simply write down your spending in a notebook. Whichever method you choose, make sure to be consistent so that you can accurately see where your money is going.

Tracking your expenses can also help you to spot any potential problem areas in your budget. If you see that you are consistently spending too much money on restaurants, for example, you can make a change to save money in that area. Keeping track of your expenses is a key part of good financial planning.

Set up an invoicing system

Setting up an invoicing system is a great way to keep track of the money you are owed. There are many different ways to set up an invoicing system, but the most important thing is to make sure that it is organized and easy to use. One way to set up an invoicing system is to create a spreadsheet with all of the pertinent information, including the name and contact information of the client, the services rendered, the date of service, and the amount due.

Once you have created the spreadsheet, you can send invoices electronically or print them out and mail them to your clients. Another option is to use an online invoicing service, which can automate many of the steps involved in sending invoices and tracking payments. Whichever method you choose, setting up an invoicing system will save you time and help you stay organized.

Set up a bookkeeping or accounting system

Any business owner will tell you that keeping track of your finances is essential to success. Without a clear understanding of where your money is coming from and where it’s going, it’s all too easy to find yourself in a financial hole. That’s why setting up a bookkeeping or accounting system is vital for any business, large or small.

By tracking your income and expenses on a regular basis, you’ll be able to see exactly where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. In addition, having a clear financial picture will help you make sound decisions about investments and growth. So if you’re serious about making your business a success, make sure you set up a bookkeeping or accounting system as soon as possible. It could be the best decision you ever make.

3. Proactively take time out to rest

It’s common knowledge that people need to take breaks from work in order to stay productive. Studies have shown that taking brief breaks throughout the day can help to improve focus and increase productivity. However, it’s not just about taking a quick breather now and then. In order to fully reap the benefits of a break, it’s important to proactively plan for periods of rest.

This means setting aside time each day or week specifically for relaxation. During this time, try to disconnect from work completely. Dedicate yourself to activities that you enjoy and make you feel good. This could be anything from reading a book to going for a walk outside. By making rest a priority, you’ll be better able to stay focused and motivated when it comes time to get back to work.

Here are some ways to mitigate this:

Try 10-minutes of meditation a day 

Mindfulness meditation is a form of mindfulness that is widely practiced in the western world. There are many benefits to mindfulness meditation, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety. One of the most common forms of mindfulness meditation is 10-minutes of meditation a day. This type of mindfulness meditation involves sitting in a comfortable position with your eyes closed and focusing on your breath.

You may also want to focus on a mantra or a certain word or phrase that you repeat to yourself. The goal of 10-minutes of meditation a day is to clear your mind and focus on the present moment. By doing this, you can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, you may find that you sleep better and have more energy during the day. If you are new to mindfulness meditation, there are many resources available to help you get started. There are also many appsthat offer guided meditation, which can be helpful if you are struggling to meditate on your own.

Aim to get 7-8 hours sleep

Though the amount of sleep we need varies depending on our age, most adults need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep every night in order to function at their best. However, according to a recent survey, over 60% of adults get less than 7 hours of sleep on a regular basis. This can lead to a number of health problems, including fatigue, irritability, decreased immunity, and difficulty concentrating.

In some cases, it can even contribute to depression and anxiety. Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining our physical and mental health, so aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you find yourself struggling to get enough rest, talk to your doctor about possible solutions.

Block out holiday days you want to take for the year in a calendar

As the year comes to a close, many people begin to plan for the holidays. Whether you want to take a trip or simply enjoy some time off from work, it’s important to block out the days you’ll need in advance. This way, you can make sure you have the time you need to relax and recharge. Start by looking at your calendar and marking off the days you’ll need.

Then, start making plans for how you’ll spend your time. If you’re planning a trip, book your flights and hotels as soon as possible. And if you’re staying home, make a list of all the things you want to do, from watching holiday movies to catching up on your favorite TV shows. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you have a stress-free holiday season.

4. Prepare for a rainy day

Any business owner knows that there will be rainy days. Developing a plan for when these tough times come can mean the difference between weathering the storm or being forced to close up shop. Having an emergency fund is critical, as this will give you the financial cushion you need to make it through a difficult period. It’s also important to have a good relationship with your suppliers, as they may be willing to work with you if you find yourself short on cash.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. These people can provide emotional support and guidance when times are tough. By preparing for the rainy days, you can help ensure that your business stays afloat during tough times.

Have a runway fund

A business runway fund is an important tool for any business owner. It can provide the financial cushion you need to keep your business afloat during tough times. It can also help you to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

The key to having a successful business runway fund is to start saving early and to contribute regularly. If you can do this, you’ll be in good shape to weather any storm that comes your way.

Stay frugal

Starting a business is a costly endeavor. There are so many things you need to pay for: inventory, marketing, office space, employee salaries. And that’s just the beginning. It’s no wonder that so many businesses fail in the first year; they simply can’t keep up with the expenses. That’s why it’s so important to be frugal in business.

Every penny counts, and if you can cut costs in one area, it can make a big difference in your bottom line. For example, instead of renting an office, you could work from home. Or instead of hiring a professional graphic designer, you could create your own marketing materials. Being frugal doesn’t mean being cheap; it means being smart about where you spend your money. And in business, that can mean the difference between success and failure.

Use proven time management principles

Anyone who has ever struggled to meet a deadline knows that time management is important. But what exactly is time management? According to experts, time management is the process of planning and controlling how you spend your time in order to achieve your goals. While that may sound simple enough, effective time management requires both discipline and practice.

Fortunately, there are a number of proven principles that can help you to make the most of your time. One of the most important is to create a daily schedule and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you to avoid wasting time on activities that are not related to your goals. Another important principle is to learn to say no. This can be difficult for some people, but it is essential if you want to avoid taking on more than you can handle. By following these and other time management principles, you can take control of your schedule and start achieving your goals.

Be honest with friends and family

When it comes to business, it’s important to be honest with your friends and family. While it might be tempting to try to take advantage of their goodwill, it will ultimately damage your relationship. Furthermore, being honest with them shows that you respect and trust them, which is essential for any healthy relationship. If you’re not honest with them from the start, they’ll eventually find out, and it will ruin their trust in you.

So be upfront about your business dealings with your friends and family, and make sure that you’re always acting in their best interests. only then can you hope to maintain a strong, lifelong relationship.

5. Get your legal logistics in order

Any business, from a SME operation to a multinational corporation, needs to have its legal affairs in order. This includes everything from incorporation and licensing to contracts and intellectual property. Of course, the specific legal requirements will vary depending on the type of business and where it is located. However, there are some basic steps that all businesses should take to ensure that they are in compliance with the law.

First, research the requirements for your particular type of business and make sure that you have all the necessary licenses and permits. Second, put together a team of legal professionals, including a solicitor and an accountant, who can help you navigate the complexities of business law.

Finally, stay up-to-date on changes in the law and make sure that your legal affairs are always in order. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your business is able to operate smoothly and avoid any legal problems down the road.

The following checklist will help you organise your legal responsibilities:

1. Investigate the different types of business structures. Sole trader, partnership, LLP or limited company. If you’re unsure which one to go for, read our guide that outlines what the company formation types mean and the pros of cons of each in our complete guide on how to register a business in the UK.
2. Investigate your rate of Corporation Tax. The rate of Corporation Tax you pay depends on how much profit your company makes. To learn more, read our guide to small business tax.
3. Choose an available trading name. Check that your desired company name isn’t used by another company and that you’re allowed to take it. You can check its availability here, and for naming ideas and best practices, read our guide to finding the perfect name for your business.
4. Inform HMRC to organise tax and National Insurance. And don’t forget PAYE if you plan to become an employer. If you meet the threshold, you also need to register for VAT.
5. Organise insurance and check if any types of licenses are required. Especially if your business has to comply with health and safety regulations. Not too sure if you do? Find out which licenses you’ll need for your business via GOV.UK’s license finder.

6. Build your network

A strong business network is essential for any entrepreneurs. It can provide access to new opportunities, help you find the right employees, and give you a sounding board for your ideas. However, building a strong network takes time and effort. You need to get out there and meet people, attend events, and join relevant organizations.

You also need to be patient and consistent in your efforts. Building a strong business network is an important part of any long-term business strategy. So if you’re serious about starting or growing your business, start networking today. It’s an investment that will pay off in the future.

Utilise LinkedIn

With over 630 million users, LinkedIn is one of the most popular social networking sites for professionals. Whether you’re looking for a new job, seeking business partners, or wanting to stay up-to-date with industry news, LinkedIn can be an invaluable tool. Creating a strong profile is essential to getting the most out of LinkedIn.

Use clear and concise language to describe your experience and skills, and be sure to include a professional photo. Connect with other users in your field, and join groups relevant to your interests. By taking advantage of all that LinkedIn has to offer, you can greatly expand your professional network and reach your career goals.

Utilise offline communities

While the internet has connected people from all over the world, there is still something to be said for offline communities. Whether it’s a book club, a local business networking group, a sports team, or simply a group of friends who meet regularly for coffee, these face-to-face interactions can provide us with essential social connection. Offline communities offer a chance to engage in real-time conversation, to share physical space with others, and to develop deeper relationships.

In our fast-paced, digital world, it’s important to make time for these kinds of connections. They can help us to feel more grounded and connected to the people and world around us.

7. Don’t try to offer too many things at once

Trying to offer too many things at once is a recipe for disaster in business. When you try to be all things to all people, you end up diluting your message, confusing your customers, and spreading yourself too thin.

It’s important to focus on a few core products or services and build a deep understanding of what your customers want and need. Only then can you hope to create a sustainable business that meets their needs. Trying to offer too many different things will only lead to frustration and failure.

8. Be patient and commit to the long-game

So often in business we want to see results immediately. We want to launch a new product and have it be an instant hit. We want to see our stock prices jump the day after we announce a new initiative. But the truth is that success in business takes time. It takes patience and commitment to see things through, even when the initial results are disappointing.

This is why so many businesses fail: they give up too soon. They allow short-term setbacks to derail their long-term plans. Instead of being patient and committed, they simply give up and move on to the next shiny object. But if you can learn to be patient and to stick with your original vision, you will increase your chances of success in business infinitely.

So often, the businesses that succeed are those that simply outlast their competitors. They weather the storms and keep going, even when things are tough. So if you want your business to succeed, commit to the long game and be patient. The rewards will come eventually.

What is a common mistake first-time business owners make in the first year?

One of the most common mistakes that first-time business owners make is failing to properly manage their finances. Without a solid understanding of where their money is going, it’s easy to quickly run through startup capital and find yourself in debt. This is why it’s so important to create a budget and track your spending from the very beginning.

Another mistake that first-time business owners often make is hiring too many employees too soon. While it’s important to have a team of reliable workers, you don’t want to take on more than you can handle financially. Be sure to carefully consider how many employees you really need before making any commitments.

Finally, another common mistake made by first-time business owners is neglecting to market their business effectively. Even if you have a great product or service, you won’t be successful if no one knows about it. Make sure you’re investing time and money in marketing efforts from the very start. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to a successful first year in business.

FAQ for your first year in business

Is it normal to lose money in your first year of business?

Losing money in your first year of business is not abnormal. In fact, it's quite common. There are a number of reasons why this might happen. First, you may be underestimating your expenses. It's important to remember that even small businesses have overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and office supplies. You may also be overestimating your revenue. It can take time to build a customer base and generate sales. Additionally, you may be making mistakes with your pricing or marketing strategy. If you're not careful, these errors can eat into your profits.Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to avoid losing money in your first year of business. First, make sure to do your research and create a realistic budget. Second, take your time when setting prices and launching marketing campaigns. And finally, don't be afraid to ask for help from experienced entrepreneurs. With a little planning and effort, you can avoid the pitfalls that often lead to financial losses in the first year of business.

Why is the first year of business hard?

Starting a business is hard work. Not only do you have to come up with a great idea, but you also have to create a plan, find funding, and build a team. And that's just in the first year. After that, you have to actually launch your product or service, start generating revenue, and begin to scale your business. It's no wonder that so many businesses fail in their first year. There are a number of reasons why the first year is so tough. First of all, you're essentially starting from scratch. You don't have any customers or clients yet, so you have to work extra hard to get them. You're also testing out your business model and trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. And on top of all that, you're probably working long hours and struggling to balance everything on your own. So why do people still start businesses despite all these challenges? Because the rewards can be huge. If you can make it through that first year, you'll be in a much better position to succeed in the long run. And even if your business doesn't ultimately succeed, you'll learn invaluable lessons that will help you in your next venture. So don't let