What are the top start-up business mistakes?

**HtTom** · 02-23-2009 05:55 AM

NOT running your business using SYSTEMS that allow you to work ON your business instead of IN it!

Remember only moving product or a service = profit!

**SharonL** · 02-27-2009 01:16 PM

I'd say not chasing cash - cash flow is critical for a small business. But other mistakes include not creating a business plan before starting and not analyzing pro forma income statements. I just addressed these issues in my latest blog on blog.bootstrapbusiness.org. Logic Must Manage Emotion.

**The Phantom Ghost** · 02-27-2009 01:45 PM

I think get a fit secetary, shag her and the wife find out, classic mistake...

**janice2009** · 03-03-2009 02:39 AM

Doing it just for the money.
Passion over one's business is very crucial as it could determine the longevity of the business IMO. One could easily succumb to failure or get tired of his business when his interest and passion is not in the business that he's in.

**Josephmjackson** · 03-03-2009 05:21 PM

very useful. Thanks

**harbie2000** · 03-09-2009 06:15 PM

I think a lack of cashflow has to be the no1 failure for business start ups going wrong + a lack of knowing your target market! I think research is important, and not just doing things off the cuff.

**Robert79** · 03-10-2009 04:55 AM

Hi,

I feel one must know what your business needs and choose a program that best suits your needs. Once you understand the basics of making money, it is really fun and easy. Choosing the best program is very much necessary for any business to prosper. If you are into serious business then choose an appropriate niche that will take your home business into lasting success.

**hotwebideas** · 03-10-2009 03:17 PM

Not having a business plan, which we write for new and small businesses.

**hotwebideas** · 03-10-2009 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by harbie2000

I think a lack of cashflow has to be the no1 failure for business start ups going wrong + a lack of knowing your target market! I think research is important, and not just doing things off the cuff.

I am not sure I agree with the lack of cash flow. Most businesses start off on a shoestring budget and some do really well. I agree with you the lack of knowledge of the target market.

Some businesses can get word of mouth business with no money and succeed.

**nmacneil** · 03-10-2009 05:44 PM

Failing to plan is a big mistake.

**nmacneil** · 03-10-2009 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by AttractiveDesigner

I think having a mentor - a much more experienced entrepreneur that can give you some valuable advice is so IMPORTANT…especially when you are a young and overly ambitious… and with so many challenges to meet on the way to success.

Where I can find a mentor…?

On www.GarageEntrepreneurs.com entrepreneurs can post questions and we have a network of business experts and mentors who will answer any start-up questions you have.

**byrneof** · 03-11-2009 12:37 PM

Here are some mistakes I have made.

1) Not releasing early enough and doing lots of "scientific" market research when it would have been better releasing early and making incremental improvements to the product.

2) Writing a 60+ page business plan that nobody reads. I should have just kept it simple and done it in PowerPoint with big writing and lots of pictures.

3) Being ignorant to my team members concerns. Listening never hurt anyone!

4) Wearing a suit and acting like I worked for Microsoft! T-shirts all the way from now on.

5) Trying to impress too many people. Agreeing with outsider advice too much and not being assertive.

**beheron** · 03-13-2009 01:38 AM

Listen to your customers. If you receive criticism, take it as free advice.

**Jynell** · 03-13-2009 11:22 AM

Great 10 Ten responses to the biggest mistakes. I have seen this time and time again with entrepreneurs not being fully prepared. A great resource I have found is a 60 page entrepreneur guide that is a Business Blueprint that has been endorsed and recommended by over 20 some government agencies. It's free. May want to check it out as it also details some of the exact mistakes. It's at innoventum.com
Hope this helps.