Don’t work for less than you can afford to, but do offer a
discount to customers or clients who sign contracts with you.
Find people who will refer jobs to you. If they send you
nightmare jobs, make sure they’re balanced out with rewarding (profitable!)
ones.
Surround yourself with supportive people and don’t be
discouraged by anyone. If your idea is good and you’re determined to stick with
it through the first few difficult years, your chances of success are great.
Be flexible in your thinking. Prepare to change the way you
work, the products you use and the services you offer, in order to meet the
demands of your customers.
Admit your mistakes, correct them and carry on. (For
example, if you purchase a piece of equipment that does not meet your
expectations, send it back, sell it or exchange it!)
Develop a good relationship with your bank manager and
creditors. Show a genuine interest in solving problems. Pay as much as you can
afford to, to everyone to whom you owe money.
Get trained! You’ll be spending a lot of time doing things
that have nothing to do with your area of expertise, like bookkeeping,
marketing, and IT support!
Avoid isolation. Even if you work closely with your clients,
you won’t be part of a gang anymore.
