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There are impressive figures that clearly show New Zealand is a nation of successful entrepreneurs. In the same token, some businesses don’t make it through the first year. I assume that you DON’T want to be one of the later. With a sound foundation, a great support network and the right attitude, you too can be successful. Don’t be fooled, it is hard work, but the rewards are worth it as long as you are passionate for what you do. So let’s get into it!

• Step 1: With Passion!

  A common reason for starting a business is you've got a great idea. That’s a real bonus but there’s more to it if you want to be successful. The key is to be passionate about your product or service and have the ability to offer it to the market. You also need to be clear as to why you want to have your own business. The more passion you have for it, the less it will feel like a job.

• Step 2: Build strong business foundations

  A strong business foundation starts with 2 words: Business Plan. A great tool I’ve discovered is the business plan software you can get from NZ Trade and Enterprise for free or click here to download the PDF version: http://www.nzte.govt.nz/section/14709/19211.aspx. Alternatively, research on the web as you’ll be able to find other great free resources. Your bank may have some info on it too. The idea here is to have a clear picture on how you’d like to run your business, what are the internal and external factors you need to consider to make sure your business will be a success. Research, research and research.

• Step 3: Have the right attitude

  While in business, your strength, patience and mental agility will be tested. Two thoughts that have always pulled me through whatever came up was: If I believe, I will achieve! & ‘Don’t ever give up!’. There will always be unexpected things that life will throw at you which you cannot control. What you can do is manage how you react to these situations. Look for the positive from every situation, because even when we’ve made a big mistake there is a lesson to be learnt.

• Step 4: Get the support you need

  Anything you don’t know how to do, ask for help. One pitfall of many new business owners is they think they have to do it all on their own. Sure, they might be able to, but is the stress you’ll get from it worth it? Why not ask for help? Most people would be most willing to give you a hand, it makes them feel valuable and you really appreciate them being here, so it’s a win-win situation. You also need to take time into consideration. Is it worth you taking the time to learn how to do something that could be outsourced and in the end cost you far less money? How much is your hourly rate compared to someone who could help you with some accounting work or admin work for example?

• Step 5: Launch with a bang!

  You don’t have to pay a fortune for advertising, but there are some great cost effective ways to get your message out. This is where you can be really creative. Start by writing a list of 25 ways you can promote yourself for cheap or better still, free! Don’t be shy, nobody has to see your list, so let your imagination go wild, then choose one option and take that first step, you’ll be amazed at the results. Once you’ve achieved one action, choose another one and keep on going.

• Step 6: Keep learning and growing

  Constantly monitor and review how you’re tracking, what’s working and what’s not. Keep learning, keep developing yourself as a person and a business owner. There are thousands of resources available to you. Be it books, articles, blogs, websites, people around you, you can absorb huge amounts of information. One question to ask is: is this useful to me? (the brain cannot work out whether the information you’re taking in is actually useful to you or not, which means you may retain information that isn’t and that’s a waste of valuable brain space). Happy journey!