Denver is known for being a hub for entrepreneurs; in fact, Denver ranks third among U.S. cities for fostering entrepreneurial growth. Denver Startup Week kicked off earlier this week. Do you want to get in on the startup fun, but aren’t sure as to how to get started? Check out these five tips to jump start your business.
Find your passion. If you’re going to be working long hours and devoting the majority of your energy to getting your business off the ground, you’ve got to make sure it’s something you care about.
Chamber tip: Passion adds energy to your company. Check out the top four reasons passion drives start-up success.
Connect for success. When you’re starting a new business, one of the best things you can do is go out and meet new people. Find leaders in your industry who you can learn from, other entrepreneurs that share your passion and people who you can rely on. It takes a village to start a business; go out and find yours.
Chamber tip: Discover why everyone should have a mentor in business and find your business’s guru.
Manage your risks. Risk management is essential to any business. Be patient; you don’t have to risk it all at the beginning. Find ways to incorporate your vision into manageable goals to balance the uncertainty you’ve got to accept to meet your goals on a day-to-day basis.
Chamber tip: Focus on the day-to-day; take baby steps for small daily wins to achieve success.
Your brand is you. The first impression that your audience gets of your business is from you. Spend time developing how to share your vision and remember, first impressions count.
Chamber tip: Learn how to self-promote and pitch your business to future investors and customers at the Trout Tank Pitch Accelerator on Oct. 6.
Keep learning. Never stop growing your business acumen. When you start off you are going to have areas you excel in and areas that you need to develop. Don’t be scared to develop your skills; the more you understand your business, the better chance you have for success.
Chamber tip: Take advantage of the tools and resources available in your community. Check out the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center for resources to strengthen your business.
Laura James is the marketing and communications coordinator for the Denver Metro Chamber.