Small business start-ups: Mistakes that will make you fail before you ever get started

E-commerce Mistakes New Small Business Owners Make

Launching a new e-commerce business can feel like prospecting for gold—exciting, filled with potential, and a bit daunting. But what happens if you're digging in all the wrong places? Many small business owners fall into this trap when they start selling online, focusing their efforts where they shouldn't and missing out on a treasure trove of opportunities. Let's explore some common mistakes and how to avoid them, especially when it comes to understanding who your real customers should be.

 Mistake #1: Selling to the Wrong Audience

One of the biggest mistakes new e-commerce entrepreneurs make is trying to sell directly to other small business owners. While it might seem logical—after all, small businesses understand each other, right?—this approach can often lead to disappointing results. Small business owners are typically looking to keep costs low and are highly selective about the products and services they invest in. This means you're facing a tough crowd with tight budgets.

The Right Audience: Manufacturers and Tool Providers

Instead, consider shifting your focus to manufacturers and companies that provide the tools small business owners need. These entities have more substantial budgets and a greater need for innovative solutions that can help them streamline their operations or offer new services to their customers. By positioning your products or services as essential tools for these companies, you can tap into a more lucrative market.

Mistake #2: Neglecting Market Research

Another pitfall is diving into sales without thorough market research. You wouldn't start digging for gold without a map, right? The same goes for launching an e-commerce business. Understanding your market is crucial. This means identifying not just who might buy your product, but also who benefits most from what you offer.

Conducting Effective Market Research

Start by asking yourself: Who are the key players in my industry? What tools do they use? What challenges do they face that my product can solve? Engage with industry forums, attend trade shows, and network with potential business clients. Gather data on their purchasing habits, preferences, and pain points. This information is invaluable and will guide your marketing efforts.

Mistake #3: Overlooking the Value of B2B Relationships

Many new e-commerce businesses focus on one-time sales rather than building long-term relationships. When you target manufacturers and tool providers, your goal should be to establish lasting partnerships. These companies are looking for reliable suppliers and service providers who can offer consistent value over time.

Building B2B Relationships

To build these relationships, ensure your business offers exceptional customer service and high-quality products. Provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of your B2B clients. This might include bulk purchasing options, customized products, or dedicated account management. By demonstrating your commitment to their success, you can secure repeat business and referrals.

Mistake #4: Underestimating the Importance of Branding

In the rush to launch, some small business owners skimp on branding. However, your brand is your business's identity and can set you apart in a crowded market. This is especially true when selling to manufacturers and tool providers who are looking for professionalism and reliability.

Investing in Strong Branding

Develop a cohesive brand that reflects your business values and appeals to your target audience. This includes a professional website, a strong social media presence, and consistent messaging across all platforms. High-quality branding can make a significant difference in how your business is perceived and can help establish trust with potential clients.

Digging in the Right Place

Launching a successful e-commerce business is about more than just having a great product. It's about understanding your market, targeting the right audience, and building strong, lasting relationships. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing your efforts on manufacturers and tool providers, you'll be digging for gold in all the right places. So grab your shovel, do your research, and get ready to strike it rich!

Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Let's dig for gold together and turn our e-commerce dreams into reality!

Failure Is NOT and option.

 Today I was researching small business owner types and learned that there are basically two types of owners.  So, I thought I’d just create a short video that explains what I’ve found.  I hope you enjoy it.

https://youtu.be/G5yjMDnrAiI?si=3wJpJNM3O5BZxtwb

The problem with open diode lasers

 Diode lasers are very popular these days.  There are several reasons for this not the least of which is the price point which is generally around $500.00.  Most other lasers cost far more than that and present a roadblock to many people due to the high entry cost.

The problem with diode lasers is that most of them up until recently have been open platforms that provide no protection from the light that the laser emits.  Looking at a laser light can damage your eyes before you ever even know it has happened.  Blindness follows with no solution to getting your sight back.  

Now however many of the companies have taken into consideration this danger and have either began offering coverings that are safer or simply stopped producing open platform lasers (Xtool has totally stopped producing this type of laser and now offer only fully enclosed, safe lasers to the public.)

If you’re considering the purchase of a laser then be sure to only buy the fully enclosed ones that offer the safety and security you deserve.  I highly recommend Xtool.  They are affordable and have built in safety features that most other companies don’t offer.

The story of the dangling carrot…Or click bait tactics in today’s society

 

The Dangling Carrot…Click Bait Tactics Revealed:

More and more online personalities you trust seem to be reverting to click bait tactics to get you to open up their e-mails, YouTube postings or whatever platform they’ve decided to use.  This totally gets the hair on the back of my neck to stand up, makes my anger lever skyrocket and in the end makes me click off of the article or whatever it might be without so much as giving it a second glance.

What do you think of the clickbait tactics of today?  Is it something that you just pass by and continue watching or do you think to yourself “well, I’ve been tricked again.”  I honestly don’t think that any business should start out by lying to their audience just to get their attention.  It is in my opinion cheating and dishonest.  If you have a good product to present or a great story to tell then do it without lying to me!

The old saying is “if you have a good product the person that buys it will tell others.”  But, if you have a bad product and someone buys it because they’ve been tricked into doing so then they will tell hundreds of people and your business will take the hit.  Don’t take that chance.  Be honest and upfront with what you have to tell or offer.  Your business will grow and perhaps you’ll sleep better knowing that you’ve done the right thing.

You can’t just be a “go getter” You must be a “GROW GETTER”. Let me explain

 

The Two Types of Business Owners: Go Getters vs. Grow Getters

In the world of entrepreneurship, business owners can often be categorized into two distinct types: the "Go Getters" and the "Grow Getters." Both have their unique strengths and challenges, and understanding these differences can offer valuable insights into the nature of business growth and success.

 The Go Getters

Go Getters are business owners who actively manage their businesses with a clear focus on maintaining steady income and ensuring operational efficiency. They are characterized by their satisfaction with the current state of their business and prioritize stability over expansion. These entrepreneurs are pragmatic, often prioritizing work-life balance, and are content with the level of success they have achieved.

Strengths of Go Getters:

1. **Stability:** Go Getters often have well-established businesses with consistent revenue streams. Their focus on maintaining the status quo ensures a stable and predictable income.

2. **Work-Life Balance:** These business owners tend to have a balanced approach to their personal and professional lives, avoiding the stress that comes with rapid expansion.

3. **Customer Relationships:** With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, Go Getters often have loyal customer bases. Their hands-on approach ensures personalized service and long-term client relationships.

However, the Go Getters’ aversion to change and risk can sometimes limit their potential for significant growth. Their focus on maintaining the current state of affairs may mean they miss out on opportunities for expansion and innovation.

 The Grow Getters

Grow Getters, on the other hand, are driven by a constant desire to expand and improve their businesses. They are never satisfied with the status quo and are always seeking new opportunities to grow. These entrepreneurs are characterized by their ambition, innovation, and willingness to take risks.

Strengths of Grow Getters:

1. **Innovation:** Grow Getters are often at the forefront of innovation, constantly seeking new ways to improve their products or services. This drive can lead to significant breakthroughs and a competitive edge in the market.

2. **Scalability:** Their focus on growth means they are always looking for ways to scale their businesses. This approach can lead to substantial increases in revenue and market share.

3. **Adaptability:** Grow Getters are highly adaptable and open to change. Their willingness to embrace new technologies and strategies allows them to stay ahead of industry trends and shifts.

However, the constant pursuit of growth can come with its own set of challenges. Grow Getters often face higher levels of stress and risk. Rapid expansion can sometimes lead to operational inefficiencies, cash flow issues, and the dilution of their original business values.

Which One is Best?

Determining which type of business owner is "best" depends on individual goals and circumstances. For those who value stability, a steady income, and work-life balance, being a Go Getter might be the ideal path. These entrepreneurs are well-suited to create a sustainable and reliable business that offers personal satisfaction and security.

On the other hand, for those who thrive on challenge, innovation, and the excitement of growth, being a Grow Getter is likely more fulfilling. These business owners have the potential to create large, influential enterprises that can dominate their markets and achieve significant financial success.

Which One Has a Better Chance of Growing?

When it comes to potential for growth, Grow Getters inherently have a better chance. Their focus on expansion, adaptability, and innovation positions them well to seize new opportunities and scale their businesses. However, this comes with the caveat that they must manage the risks and stresses associated with rapid growth effectively.

Go Getters, while more stable, may miss out on larger growth opportunities due to their conservative approach. Nevertheless, their businesses can still grow, albeit at a slower and more controlled pace, especially if they periodically reassess their strategies and remain open to incremental improvements.

Both Go Getters and Grow Getters play vital roles in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The best path depends on personal goals, risk tolerance, and the type of business one is operating. While Grow Getters may have a higher potential for significant growth, Go Getters offer a model of sustainable and balanced success. Ultimately, the choice between being a Go Getter or a Grow Getter hinges on what each entrepreneur values most in their business journey.

Passive Income Is A Lie. Here’s Why I Believe This.

 The Myth of Passive Income: Why It Doesn't Work for Small Business Owners

The concept of passive income is enticing. The idea that you can post a product online once and then sit back while profits roll in sounds like the ultimate business dream. However, as many business owners, including myself, have discovered, this notion is more fantasy than reality. Here's why passive income doesn't really work and how to overcome the challenges it presents.

Firstly, the term "passive income" is misleading. It implies that once the initial effort is made, there is little to no ongoing work required. In reality, maintaining a steady stream of income from any product or service requires continuous effort. Products need to be updated, marketing strategies must be adjusted, and customer service is a never-ending task. Neglecting these aspects can lead to a decline in sales and customer satisfaction.

Secondly, the internet is a dynamic and competitive space. Simply posting a product online is not enough to ensure visibility. Search engine algorithms change, consumer preferences evolve, and competitors are always looking for ways to outdo each other. Without active engagement in SEO, social media marketing, and other promotional activities, your product can easily get lost in the noise.

Moreover, customer engagement is crucial. Customers today expect prompt responses to their inquiries and issues. This means that even if your product is automated, the customer service aspect is not. Ignoring customer feedback or delaying responses can damage your reputation and, ultimately, your sales.

To overcome these challenges, small business owners need to adopt a proactive approach. This involves regularly updating and improving your products based on customer feedback, staying current with marketing trends, and actively engaging with your audience. Investing in tools that automate some of these processes can help, but the human touch is irreplaceable.

Passive income as a business model is largely a myth. Success requires continuous effort, adaptability, and active engagement. By recognizing this reality and staying committed to your business's ongoing needs, you can create a more sustainable and rewarding business. Passive income may not be the easy path it promises to be, but with dedication and hard work, you can achieve lasting success.

Let me know in the comments what you think about this.  I’m anxious to see what other small business owners are doing to be proactive in their business as opposed to sitting back and waiting for the money to begin roll in without putting in the actual hands-on work required to make it happen.

Goodbye Insecurity.

 I can’t begin to tell you how many people I’ve met in my life that wanted to start their own little business but were held back by their own insecurities.  They lacked the confidence to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams.  That’s sad.

What I’ve learned in life is that if you’re not willing to step out and just do something, regardless of how small or insignificant it might seem, you’re going to live a pretty boring and mundane life.  That’s not a good thing.

I suck at sales! You’ll never convince me to make cold calls to people I don’t know or have never met.  What I have learned though is that if I set up a little sales booth at a flea market or craft show I SHINE! I’m unstoppable in my enthusiasm.  I didn’t know I was l like that or that I even had that talent hidden deep down inside of me until I gave it a try.  Once I did I couldn’t wait to do it again and again and again.

Perhaps it’s time for you to also step out and give something a chance.  You’ll never know what the end result will be.

Come on now, Give Me A Little Kiss (Principle)

 Embrace the KISS Principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid

In today's fast-paced world, complexity can easily creep into our lives, both personally and professionally. However, one timeless piece of advice that can help us navigate these complexities is the KISS principle: "Keep It Simple, Stupid." This adage, popularized in the 1960s by engineer Kelly Johnson, emphasizes the importance of simplicity and efficiency.

The beauty of the KISS principle lies in its universal applicability. Whether you're designing a new product, managing a team, or planning your daily tasks, simplicity often leads to better outcomes. Overcomplicating processes can result in confusion, errors, and wasted time. By focusing on the essential and eliminating the unnecessary, you can enhance clarity and effectiveness.

For instance, in business, clear and straightforward communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster stronger relationships. In technology, user-friendly designs ensure that products are accessible and intuitive for everyone. Even in personal life, simplifying routines can reduce stress and increase productivity.

Adopting the KISS principle doesn't mean compromising on quality; rather, it means stripping away the superfluous to reveal the core essence of what truly matters. So, next time you're faced with a challenge, remember: keep it simple, stupid, and watch how simplicity can transform your approach.

Print On Demand? Not Today. I’ll just do it myself.

 Print on demand is all the rage these days.  Wherever you look online people are saying that you should start a small business, such as Etsy, and have everything done by a print on demand company so you don’t have to do any of the heavy lifting in your sales process.

Well, I have everything that a print on demand company has and really want to just print my own products) and have control of my sales, my timing for processing orders and not have to worry about quality control.  

Personally I think this is the best option for anyone.  Rather than farm your product out after it sells just do it yourself.  It’s not like it’s going to take you forever to fill your orders and you’ll have far more control than you would by using an outside company that you know little about.

With that said, I have some orders to sublimate now so I will post again later.

Creating a sublimation product from start to finish in under 10 minutes. Yes you can!

 Starting a mug and tumbler sublimation business from home is a fantastic way to dive into the world of small business with a creative twist! First, you'll need a sublimation printer and heat press—these are your best friends. Begin by designing eye-catching graphics using free software like Canva or GIMP. Once you're happy with your designs, print them on sublimation paper.

Next, prep your mugs and tumblers by cleaning them thoroughly. Position your design on the item, secure it with heat-resistant tape, and use your heat press to transfer the design. It’s like magic watching your creation come to life!

Don’t forget to research suppliers for blanks and materials to keep costs down. Finally, showcase your creations on social media and platforms like Etsy. Engage with your customers, take custom orders, and always be ready to experiment with new designs. With passion and persistence, your sublimation business will flourish! Happy crafting!

All of the prep work and sublimating of your mugs or tumblers takes under 10 minutes.  The time consuming thing about this is figuring out what graphic or text you want on your final product.  This can take some time but is worth it in the end.

Give it a try.  Total investment (at least what I spent to get up and running) was less than $500.00.  The profit margins are big and worth learning the step by step process to starting and running this little business from home.

Xtool F1 Ultra reviewed

Here’s one of the best reviews I’ve found online for XTool’s new F1 Ultra dual purpose laser machines.

If you’re thinking of getting into laser engraving then this might be the laser that you need.

 https://youtu.be/y4eq7CmcrP8?si=kWhY7ZRxNUT_jSYU

It’s All About Freedom

 One of the greatest things about being in business for yourself is that you get to choose when and where you want to work.  And yes, running your own business is work.  Don’t let anyone tell you that all you have to do is push the magic button and you’ll be rich.  No, it doesn’t work that way.  You have to put in the hours in order to see any kind of success.  However, it’s worth the work and the freedom you have to work when and where you want is priceless.

I recently went to a very large outdoor flea market/farmers market and set up my little display area.  Though I was rained out within about 30 minutes I still had people stopping by and asking what they could have done - customized for them.  I was glad to make those contacts and most certainly will return next week when the weather is supposed to be better.

I took my portable laser with me so I could laser engrave items on the spot.  I also had with me several custom-made ceramic, sublimated mugs that I had already done.  The interest in them was higher than the laser engraving part of what I had set up.

Here’s a couple photographs of my little display.   Admittedly I have a lot of work to do as it relates to making my display area more professional looking but that will, in time, work itself out.

Using AI with your Laser Engraver.

 AI is all the rage these days and well it should be.  I’ve discovered that by asking the AI format and using creative prompts I can have created for me pretty much anything I want just by asking.  If I don’t like the results I just ask AI to regenerate with a new prompt/adjusted to my liking and then just try again.

Here’s some examples of the graphics I’ve gotten with AI lately.  I’ve used these images to create a children’s short story, and yes, AI helped me write the story too!

I can now take any of these images, prep them in a laser engraving program and burn/engrave them to any substrate I chose.

We Creat 20 watt Diode Laser Engraving Tumblers

 The We Creat 20 watt diode laser is one of the best machines I’ve ever used to engrave on tumblers.  The rotary unit is fixed inside of the unit so it’s always lined up to center and accurate.  Here’s a short video showing how this powerhouse works on Powder Coated Tumblers.

The xTool F1 has grown up. Introducing the Xtool F1 Ultra Fiber Laser

XTool has released their newest portable engraver, the Xtool F1Ultra.  It’s a 20 watt diode and a 20 watt fiber laser all in one.  Similar to the original F1 which was a 10 watt diode and a 2 watt IR laser it has now solved the problem of having enough power to complete jobs (even has a batch conveyor attachment) while being small enough and light enough to be able to take on the road to craft shows etc.

Be sure to check out this great new laser online at XTool.com.  You’re going to love what you see.  Watch YouTube video reviews to see exactly what people are loving about this awesome new offering from Xtool.com

 

We Creat Vision Laser Engraving

We Create Vision 20 Watt diode laser engraver.  New on the market and the perfect laser engraver for beginners or even small business owners.  Built in camera previews, built in air assist, built in platform for rotary attachment, cutting platform and removable tray that catches all of those small cut pieces so they never get in your way.

You can also add an air purifier as an option and I highly recommend that you get one.  That way you can engrave anywhere without smoking up the joint.

What I like best about this machine is that it is self adjusting/auto focus and it is fully enclosed with a laser safe cover so you don’t have to wear laser glasses anymore.  So cool!

And now they’ve even release a conveyer type system so you can engrave items 18 inches wide and there is no limit on the length of your project.  Awesome!

Check out this great machine.  You won’t be sorry you did.

Here are some engravings and sublimation examples of what I’ve been able to do so far with my We Creat Vision Laser and my sublimation mug machines.