Select Page
Notifications
Clear all

The Number One Reason For Business Failure!

Page 1 / 2
(@Anonymous)
New Member

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door."

But when you're starting your own business, there's no guarantee that your "mousetrap" is going to survive, especially in today's fast-paced business world.

Nearly half of all small businesses fail within the first two years of operation. The number one reason for business failure is inadequate planning. The second reason is under-capitalization.

So before you mortgage your house, or go into debt financing your business, you need to know if your business is going to do more than survive -- you want to know if it's good enough to thrive! Here are three things successful businesses that have stayed in business for five years or longer have in common:

1. The idea. A successful business start-up always starts with an idea. Something that makes your business stand out from all the rest. So how do you know if you've got a good idea?

You've probably got a good idea if you can answer yes to any of the following questions: Does your idea provide the solution to a significant problem for your target market? Does it satisfy a need or want? Does it create an opportunity?

The most successful businesses either fix problems (either real or perceived), or they increase your customer's pleasure. They create a repeat need for a product or service among the target market.

2. The market. Your chances of survival are better if you can answer the following questions with a yes: Is there already a market for your product or service? (It's much easier to fill a need than trying to create an entirely new market.) Can your target market afford to buy your products or services? (If they can't afford it, it doesn't matter how great it is, you won't sell any!) Will your target market perceive your product or service as valuable? (If they want it, but don't think it's worth what you're selling it for, you won't make any sales.)

3. Your ability. Do you have the people, the resources and the knowledge to be able to consistently provide your services to your target market? Can you maintain a competitive advantage? Do you have enough manpower? Can you purchase the supplies and materials you need over the long run?

Quote
Topic starter Posted : 26/02/2017 11:49 am
(@Anonymous)
New Member

Your first step always is to create a solid business plan. Your business plan is more than an essay on "Why I deserve to get funding for my idea" however. Don't spend all the time creating a business plan and then toss it in the bottom drawer of your desk. Your business plan should be a living, breathing road map that helps you make sure you're on the course and reaching the goals that you set for your business.

The second step to business survival is getting enough financing. Although the term "bootstrap entrepreneur" describes most small business owners, having enough capital to be able to keep your business afloat is vital to your survival.

ReplyQuote
Topic starter Posted : 28/03/2017 5:07 pm
(@Anonymous)
New Member

When you're creating your financial analysis of your professional servicing business, make sure you're being realistic about costs and expenditures, so that you give yourself the cushion you need to succeed.

If finding financing is a problem, either because you don't have enough credit or equity, or there are other problems, take the time to look into the resources that are available in your community. There are a wide variety of grants and loans (including microloans) for entrepreneurs, if you know where to look.

ReplyQuote
Posted : 17/04/2017 3:10 am
(@Anonymous)
New Member

Use other successful business models as a guide. When you're getting started, look around. What kind of professional servicing businesses are successful? Why? What is it they're doing that is working? What attributes do you admire, and why? You stand a better chance of succeeding if you're modeling someone who is already successful.

Find a mentor. Most entrepreneurs have great skills and abilities, but no one does everything well. You probably already know what your strengths and weaknesses are. (If not, there are many resources and tools that can help you figure it out!) Rather than ignoring your weaknesses, find a mentor who can help you either build your skills in your weaker areas or offer advice for getting what you need.

If you take the time to plan to succeed, you could be creating a legacy that will be enjoyed by future generations, and that other entrepreneur will look at as a model for building their own businesses.

ReplyQuote
Posted : 21/04/2017 2:26 am
(@Anonymous)
New Member

This post was very informative. Clearly explains why most businesses fail not so long after take off. Thorough planning is needed to ensure that all stages of the businesses have been put into consideration. All the way from the idea to the market along with who are going to be your customers etc. It also makes perfect sense to have a mentor.

ReplyQuote
Posted : 01/05/2019 3:37 am
(@Anonymous)
New Member

This cannot be blamed on one thing rather than on many. Businesses often fail because of the very thing they are seeking to get in the market and that is money. Under financing is big one and most businesses are unable to overcome this during the first few years of operation. Planning is also another major hurdle that gets in the way of many new businesses causing them to fail.

This post was modified 5 years ago by Anonymous
ReplyQuote
Posted : 21/06/2019 11:47 am
(@Anonymous)
New Member

This is very informative and worth considering if you want to remain in business for the long haul. While some have mentioned under-financing and improper planning, I tend to believe it goes far much deeper than that. It's a mindset thing. You have to cultivate the right mindset otherwise anything you build will soon crumble.

ReplyQuote
Posted : 03/07/2019 6:27 am
(@Anonymous)
New Member

Businesses fail for a myriad of reasons. It could be lack of sufficient market research or improper management of resources. To financing problem and so many other things. The most important thing is to avoid anything that may cause your business problems leading to closure.

This post was modified 5 years ago by Anonymous
ReplyQuote
Posted : 19/09/2019 4:37 am
(@Anonymous)
New Member

Poor management, an unprofitable business model and lack of market, can all contribute to failure.

ReplyQuote
Posted : 23/10/2019 3:35 pm
(@Anonymous)
New Member

The number one reason why businesses fail is because they do not funding. Especially the formative stages of the business funding is crucial. Without it businesses crumble.  

ReplyQuote
Posted : 07/11/2019 10:46 am
(@Anonymous)
New Member

That is true, funding of every crucial stage is important if you want your business to roll correctly.

ReplyQuote
Posted : 09/01/2020 6:59 pm
(@Anonymous)
New Member

Poor market positioning, lack of market research and understanding customer needs are some of the things that cause business to fail.

ReplyQuote
Posted : 27/04/2020 12:33 pm
(@Anonymous)
New Member

The number one reason for business failure is networking or lack thereof.

If you don't network you would not be able to pitch your product to the clients or investors. so learn to network.

And your business would grow.

ReplyQuote
Posted : 11/05/2020 5:08 pm
(@Anonymous)
New Member

Businesses fail because of poor planning and inconsistency.

ReplyQuote
Posted : 25/05/2020 1:14 pm
(@Anonymous)
New Member

Not having a plan or a roadmap will be the sole reason businesses fail

ReplyQuote
Posted : 23/06/2020 7:08 am
Page 1 / 2
Share: