Advice on starting a business

When starting a business you'll be bombarded with advice; some of it helpful and some of it not so much. Here are some top tips which will hopefully help you with your first venture. Don't forget the Google Juice Bar can also offer you a wealth of information.

1. It’s all about focus

Starting a business is an exciting prospect and you're likely to be brimming with ideas, but be wary of jumping on every idea you have. Trying to juggle too many ideas will impact on your effectiveness and productivity; remember that it's better to do one thing brilliantly, than five things badly.

2. Know what you do, do what you know

Successful entrepreneurs become successful doing something that they understand and love. If you build a business around your strengths you are more likely to succeed. Don’t just think about making money, you have to live and breathe your business, so you have to be happy working on it every day.

3. Be able to say it in 30 seconds

You must be able to quickly and concisely pitch your business. See it as an ‘elevator pitch’, You have 30 seconds with which to state your mission, service and goals. Make sure that you tailor your pitch to who you’re speaking to, an investor will want to know something completely different to a customer
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4. Get online

A website is essential to any business. Head to the Google Juice Bar for a free 40 minute session where you can plan your web-strategy or even build a free website on the spot.

5. Know when to quit

It’s OK to admit if your idea doesn't go exactly as you planned, so don’t keep ploughing ahead for the sake of pride. If it isn’t working, then it is time to look at what went wrong and learn from the mistakes. Don’t be put off because you didn’t get it right first time, it happens to most successful entrepreneurs.

6. Ask for Help

There is plenty of help and support available for businesses of all shapes and sizes in Wales, not only from the Google Juice Bar but from some of our partners; The IoD Wales, South Wales Chamber of Commerce, Business in Focus and the Federation of Small Businesses. Ensure you take advantage of all the support that’s available.