When you work as a freelancer, or as the owner of an SME, your main priority is:making a profit as a company. Whether you are a blogger, like us, or a childminder. If too little money comes in, your 'baby' cannot survive. And so you are constantly working on your way. Whatever you and your company do, money has to come in. And for that, one thing is very important:collaboration. Because you can't get there on your own. You earn money with and from others. When you work together you make your company stronger. And in this blog you can read more about how to approach that.
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Being the boss sounds like gold to many people. You determine your own working hours, your work location, and so on. However, it is of course much more than that. Running your own business comes with a lot of responsibility. Because, of course, your business is meant to thrive. And will run like a “well oiled machine”.
If you also get staff, that entails extra obligations and responsibilities. Start for yourself? Nobody said it was easy .
Large companies have already drawn up their revenue models. And they act accordingly. So what's left for you, as an SME? Indeed:exactly the same. In this article, you'll find tips for drawing up your business plan, working on your marketing, and nurturing your relationships. Because it is anything but easy to start your own business. Making a profit as a company is certainly not a piece of cake nowadays.
Nor can we provide you with a golden tip that will make profit as a company almost automatically. Getting rich while sleeping is not a realistic starting point, you will have to work for it. It remains a challenge. But there are certain guidelines and you will find them below.
Perhaps the most important thing if you have your own business:what are you working towards? What are your goals? Determine what you want to achieve with your company. Don't underestimate yourself; there is nothing wrong with being ambitious! But make sure your goals are achievable. By working hard, that is. In addition to setting goals, it is also important that you write them down. In such a way that you can look at it every day.
Set yourself both financial and practical goals. How many customers do you want to have in the coming year? And how much revenue should result from that? Put everything on paper:these are the handles around your business goals to make a profit. In addition, arrange a business account. A business account is not mandatory, but it does shine a clearer light on your sales goals and brings making profit one step closer.
In today's economy, no one is alone. Everyone works together. A big part of making a profit is making sure that you are known. The more customers and cooperation partners you have, the larger your market share will become. And as a freelancer or SME you can always use extra brand awareness. How do you achieve that? Work on your marketing!
Many entrepreneurs know by now that advertising is important. But online marketing is still underestimated. Make sure you have a good website that you can reach customers with and work on your SEO, for example I do that myself by using YOAST.
Working on your relationship in private is very normal for us. But also in the business field it is not a superfluous luxury and entrepreneurs sometimes forget that. Do you ever send your business relations business gifts? During the holidays, for example? It is a personal gesture that will make you remembered on a business level.
When you start for yourself, something very important changes. There is no one to tell you when to finish what. Making a profit as a company remains a priority. But you can't "go under" yourself. In other words:don't forget that you also have a private life. Especially if you work from home, the boundary between private and working time is sometimes dangerously thin. I know from Joyce, for example, that she struggled with this for a long time while working at home. Fortunately, this is better these days, without it being at the expense of the company and turnover.
That sounds a bit vague and anything but businesslike. But it is still a very serious tip. Women in particular tend to underestimate themselves. Also in business. Is there something in the soup? Then we are only too happy to relate that to ourselves. And how often do you hear women talking about their 'business?' They are doing themselves so short!
Don't take your business setbacks too personally. Rather work constructively on your own company! It is not easy to make the step to self-employed or SME. And also to make a profit in the first few years. Keep working on your goals, your marketing and your relationships. Working together is the step to success!
Shutterstock photo woman with money by Dean Drobot
