October 06th, 2020

6 Essentials to Help Entrepreneurs Overcome Fear and Find Success
 
Starting a new business in the middle of a global pandemic may seem like a risky undertaking. Doing so when that pandemic has caused a global recession can add to any fears. If you’re an entrepreneur who is putting off your plans due to pandemic or recession related worries, however, you should know that there are safe steps you can take to begin making your dreams of owning a business come true. That includes these practical and low-risk startup essentials and tips, courtesy of the folks at Hayford Marketing: 
 
A Business Degree
 
Okay, so having a business degree isn’t a must for entrepreneurs but it can give you an edge. Taking classes will give you a solid foundation and understanding of what it takes to build and market a successful new business. If you are leery of taking in-person classes or just need more flexibility, an online business degree may be the perfect fit for you. Accredited institutions like WGU will even allow you to choose from a variety of focuses, like accounting, business management, human resources, business law and marketing. On top of that, you may be able to use financial aid to cover expenses.
 
A Business Plan
 
If you have some free time on your hands due to the pandemic, now may also be the perfect time to work on your business plan. You should really be thoughtful about this plan but also leave some room for changes and flexibility as you begin to establish your business. Just like a business degree, having a business plan isn’t necessarily a necessity for all entrepreneurs, but it can provide a blueprint to help guide you along your path to short-term and long-term success.
 
Marketing Strategies
 
One section you won’t want to skip or skimp on in your business plans is your marketing plan. Especially in the age of COVID, savvy marketing can either make or break a new small business. You need to know who your target audience is and how to best reach these folks when so many storefronts are still shut down. If you’re not sure where with your marketing strategies, consider hiring a consulting company like Hayford Marketing to help guide you.
 
Startup Funding
 
You would think that finding low-cost startup funding in the middle of a recession is impossible, but record-low interest rates could help you land an incredible deal on a small business loan. Just keep in mind that qualifying for a loan may be a little harder in the current market but The Balance notes there are other funding options that you can consider pursuing as well. For example, you could crowdsource funds from your social networks or you could see if you qualify for business grants.
 
A User-Friendly Website
 
Another must for small businesses to succeed in the current market is a business website that will help attract traffic and customers. The first step is to create a website that is user-friendly and engaging, so this is another point where you may want to enlist the help of marketing experts like Hayford Marketing. That’s because website design, SEO optimization and all of the other elements that go into a professional website can be so tricky to learn and navigate.
 
Social Media Accounts
 
Social media marketing is also key for success in a pandemic and post-pandemic world. With so many people still self-isolating, working and learning from home, having a social media presence is more critical than ever before. These potential customers are using social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to loved ones and the community, so make sure your new business is a part of their network. Since social media is playing such an essential role right now, many platforms are also offering free and low-cost tools to help small businesses thrive and survive. So take advantage of these resources for your new business.
 
Fear shouldn’t keep you from achieving success as an entrepreneur. After all, starting a business is always a risk, pandemic or no pandemic. Think through ways to improve your prospects, such as earning a degree or connecting with Hayford Marketing for expert outreach. You just have to be smart about your planning and have the right resources to minimize that risk and maximize your success.
 
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