Starting a business can be exhilarating, daunting and a little scary, especially if you've not run one before. However, the skills and experiences accumulated through your career and life are more valuable than you might realise.

1. You've always worked with people; they are just like customers!

In your previous roles, you've almost certainly worked with people before and through that developed strong customer service skills. These are just what you need in business and are fundamental to building a loyal customer base.

• Listen actively: Make it a habit to listen to your customers attentively. Understand their needs and concerns thoroughly before responding.
• Empathy is key: Show genuine empathy. Make customers feel valued and understood.
• Clear communication: Ensure your communication is clear, concise, and tailored to your audience's needs.

2. Think like a customer

One of the most powerful ways to leverage your experience is to put yourself in your customer's shoes. Think about what you valued as a customer, how you were made aware of a business and your buying experience.

• Customer journey mapping: Create a customer journey map to visualise the experience from the customer's perspective.
• Feedback loops: Implement regular feedback mechanisms to gather insights directly from your customers. This can be through surveys, feedback forms, or direct conversations.
• Continuous improvement: Use the feedback to refine and improve your products and services continually.

3. Accept imperfection and focus on progress

Starting a business is a learning process. Not everything will be perfect, and that's okay. What's important is to learn from mistakes and work to improve.

• Set realistic goals: Break down your business goals into manageable tasks and celebrate small victories. If you're up and running, set annual goals or intentions and review them each quarter and month.
• Learn from failures: View failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Analyse what went wrong and how you can improve.
• Seek mentorship: Connect with experienced entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and support as you navigate challenges.

4. Selling might be new, and that's okay

If selling is a new experience, it's natural to feel apprehensive. However, selling is an extension of your people skills. Understand your customer's needs and presenting your product or service as the solution.

• Understand your product: Ensure you understand what you are selling and why the customer is buying.
• Practice your pitch: Develop and practice a clear and compelling sales pitch. Role-playing with friends or mentors can be great and ask for feedback.
• Build relationships: Focus on building relationships rather than just closing a sale. Customer can become repeat business and generate referrals.
• Be Resilient: Rejection is part of the sales process. Learn and refine your approach.

5. Use local resources and networks

In Hammersmith & Fulham there's lots of support for new business owners. From business training and workshops to networking events, and funding opportunities.

• Attend workshops: To enhance your skills, participate in business training and workshops offered by local organisations. The council provides a series of workshops.
• Network actively: Join local networking groups and attend events to build connections and gain insights. Local networks include: West London Business, West London Chambers, Networking.London.
• Explore funding options: Look into local grants, start-up loans, and crowdfunding platforms to secure the necessary funding for your business.

Remember, progress is more important than perfection. Each step forward is a step toward your business's success.

If you're a business owner and would like to learn more.

Book a session with Mark through our Business Support free 1-2-1 business advice sessions.