You may have already identified the profitable business you’d like to invest in and drafted a business contract. However, do you have what it takes to make the most out of your new business venture?
Investing in a business can be an enticing pursuit for individuals who wish to branch into the corporate world. However, getting a business off the ground requires a lot of things. For starters, you need to analyze the market to understand the idea/concept behind the company you’re putting your money into. In addition, you need to fully understand the terms of investment, seek financing, prepare contracts and more.
According to a Harvard Business Review Report, about two-thirds of startups fail to deliver positive returns to investors. Fortunately, despite these disappointing statistics, your new investment can profit significantly with proper planning and strategy. In this article, we will highlight some investment tips from which new entrepreneurs can benefit in the long run.
Let’s get started!
Planning
Before you invest your money in a business, it is important to ensure that you’re fully prepared for any eventualities. For example, if you decide to invest in a startup, you may need to consider that it can typically take six months to a year from an initial idea to a startup launch. In addition, you may need to decide whether you will make an equity or debt investment.
On the flip side, if you choose to launch your own business, ensure you do intensive prepping, including optimizing your idea, developing a business plan, and putting down the paperwork. Notably, this is the most crucial stage in the life of a business because the odds will be against you if you don’t get it right here.
Our tip is to give yourself sufficient time by creating a valid business model and having a detailed elaboration of your business. It is worth noting that these are the basic foundations of a successful business. Regardless of the business, you intend to start, create a guideline and checklist to help you plan.
Secure Your Investment Financing
Putting up a business means investments and costs. As a result, seeking additional financing is often an option where savings are insufficient. Typically, companies offering third-party investment opportunities share a statement of their capital requirements, including equity(owner contribution), grants or loans necessary to finance the business. So, ensure you carefully review their financial report and investment terms to determine if you’re willing to take the risk.
If you decide that the investment opportunity is profitable, ensure that you have enough money to finance it. You can also consider other financing alternatives, such as loans in AZ, if you don’t have an excellent credit report.
Most lenders are usually skeptical about lending to budding entrepreneurs with low credit scores. But, alternative lenders may approve your loan if you provide collateral or guarantors. It’s important to look at both sides of the coin because some credit facilities may be available at high-interest rates and other charges.
Entrepreneurs who start their own businesses can explore the option of funding their new business through crowdfunding projects, which involves telling people about your idea and getting donations. The state and private investors often provide government programs and grants to fund startups with seed capital. The Small Business Administration (SBA) website is one excellent place to start your search.
Have The Right Documentation
Before you open your new business, knowing what documents, permits, contracts, or licenses are needed is a prerequisite. Companies are often regulated. Therefore, there are certain legal requirements you must adhere to. Although documents may lengthen the founding process, they can save you from costly lawsuits and penalties for operating against the law.
Some of the critical documents you need when starting a new business (or operating one) include the following;
1. Doing Business As (DBA) and LLC
For a sole proprietor, you may require a DBA when opening a business under a new name, which you can file in your city or state. A business account is necessary for receiving payments in your business name.
On the other hand, limited companies require an LLC which protects owners from the financial liabilities of the business.
2. Federal Tax ID, Licenses, Permits, and Trademarks
When forming a business, you need a federal tax ID which you will use when filing your taxes. For sole proprietorship, your SSN becomes your tax ID. Additionally, you need a license to operate within a state or county. In some states, you may require special permits, additional licenses, and certificates depending on the nature of your business.
A sales tax license registration is required in some states as it facilitates the remittance of taxes on revenue for products and services. A trademark is not mandatory for opening and operating a business; however, it may protect your business brand.
Employment contracts for possible employees, general terms and conditions, and customer contract templates should be ready at the start.
3. Confidentiality Agreement
A confidentiality agreement is also a non-disclosure agreement that is vital in protecting your business information from third-party infiltration. It prevents sensitive business data and information from falling into the wrong hands.
4. By-Laws
When registering your business, you must file a bylaws document with the county or state. This document defines how your business will operate and govern itself. If your business is a limited company, the document must contain information such as the names of directors, their election, removal, voting power, and official duties. You also need official meeting minutes for your inaugural meeting.
Promotion Strategies
The appearance of a business can make or break its marketing efforts. The first impression counts; therefore, you should ensure that the company you’re investing in has an impressive logo or brand that relates to its audience.
Once your business brand is out there, you must consider designing and implementing a coherent marketing concept. With some planning, your startup can carve out its space in the market and become a big brand that everybody wants to be associated with. You can also use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter to reach a larger audience and establish purposeful partnerships.
Additionally, you can identify influencers in your industry and offer them free samples or services to create organic momentum for your business. Consider partnering with established influencers who’ve earned their trust in the industry.
Finally, consider incorporating Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies in your marketing concept, as this may ensure your website is easily found on search engines. If this is not something you’re comfortable doing, consider hiring an SEO agency to help in keyword planning and search engine optimization.
Conclusion
Investing in a new business or company can be both exciting and overwhelming for most people. However, most business investments fail due to improper planning, limited finances, and poor marketing. By carefully strategizing and proper planning, your new business can live to celebrate its first successful year and many more.