Top 18 Dos and Don’ts for Business Startups

Thanks to Fred Schebesta, a fellow young entrepreneur, for sending through this list he found....quite inspiring!

Do engage big things that can grow your business dramatically.

Do practice uncompromising integrity at all times.

Do live beneath your means, and have six months of business and living expenses in savings.

Do develop a strategic business plan, solidly emphasizing marketing.

Do choose a company name that will still represent you in five, 10 and 20 years.

Do ditch perfectionism; get yourself and your product out there now.

Do hire professionals to help in any area where you’re not an expert, especially for your marketing materials.

Do have a backup plan, not just for your computer, but for every essential system.

Do start building your customer database before you start building your business.

Don’t get distracted by naysayers; trust your vision.

Don’t quit your day job until you’re making real money.

Don’t risk losing your home by getting a home equity loan; explore other financing options instead.

Don’t invest in unnecessary bells and whistles such as expensive office furniture.

Don’t try to do it all yourself; delegate to family members until you can afford to hire your first employee.

Don’t cut corners on image; invest wisely in quality promotional materials and your wardrobe.

Don’t get addicted to time-stealers like e-mail and voice mail.

Don’t wait for the phone to ring; go after your prospects.

Don’t let stress wear you down; make time to take care of yourself.

......We do pretty much all of these all of the time, we are still working on the strategic business plan (seems so formal)!!