How to Manage a Slow Startup

Launching your own startup is one of the most fulfilling accomplishments in the world. It all started with a single spark of an idea that you have nurtured and turned into a reality. And now, it’s finally in operation. You have worked so hard to get into this stage. Congratulations, you have done well.

However, as we know, businesses, just like life, doesn’t always go the way we planned. There are bound to be some road bumps ahead. There may even be times when it’s not going to be that profitable. So what do you do then? Don’t worry, that’s precisely the question that we are going to answer in this article.

Try to Cut Business Expenses

Cutting down your business expenses may be the most important thing you should do. Actually this the first step we advise you to do. List down your needs and costs and organize them according to their priority. Are there items in your list that you can cut off or even trim down? Besides that, here are more ways to minimize your cash outflow as much as possible:

• Take advantage of free services. There are a lot of services and resources that you can tap into online for absolutely free. For instance, instead of spending on a landline phone, why don’t you use online methods to perform your communications instead? Instead of paying for a licensed word processor, why not utilize Google Docs instead?
• Go digital. In relation to the previous tip, you can also cut significant expenses from paper and ink by going paperless and saving your documents to an online database. Instead of spending money on gas for your business meetings, then why not hold them virtually instead? You’ll be surprised at how much of your business processes can actually be done digitally.
• Cut down on utility use. Sometimes, merely unplugging office equipment that is currently not being used or turning off the AC in rooms that are not occupied can already cut the cost of your utility bills. However, this can’t be done alone. It would help if you had the cooperation of your employees as well. Having utility bill management solutions can also help you manage and reduce your utility expenses.
• Hire less. Speaking of employees, you don’t really need to hire a lot of them. Sure, you can’t expand your business alone, but you don’t always need regular employees either. You can outsource your tasks to freelancers, instead. This is especially good for occasional and specialized tasks that are not part of your daily business processes.
• Buy secondhand. Finally, you don’t always need to buy new office equipment. There is a lot of secondhand gear out there that work just as well. Plus points if you can even find a way to borrow them instead.

Source Additional Funds

Cutting down expenses isn’t always a clue. Sometimes there is nothing to cut. That whatever you do, the financial struggles seem to pile up on top of each other. That while it can help cut down your outflow, you realize that what you need is a substantial inflow that can get you back on your feet. We hope the tips listed below will help you to find extra ideas and improve your current situation.

Hire a Personal Financial Advisor

Sometimes there are situations when everything works smoothly: there are enough clients, and the brand name is all over the socials. But the startup does not bring financial benefits. The problem is not the product you created but how you manage your finances.

In this case, we advise you to hire a financial adviser. A professional can help you manage your organization’s money better and help redirect financial flows to generate revenue. Or you can learn how to manage your finances yourself with the help of tips from personal financial advisors

Look for Help

You can find government and non-government institutions that offer financial assistance to small businesses and startups like yours. It might take a while to get approved due to the number of applicants, but getting approved can help you out during these hard times.

Try to Invite New Investors

Another way to get the money that you require is to get a new investor on board. You don’t even have to seek an investor elsewhere. Instead, we recommend looking for one within your existing network.

Try to use the habit all people use – look for an investor among your friends. Or probably there is a family member who wishes to invest in the startup? If you opt to go this route, then make sure you are putting your best foot forward. It would help if you spent a lot of time on preparation. A strong pitch is always the best idea. Try to figure out why investors should give money exact to you and why you are better than all the competitors.

Now it’s time for scheduled meetings. Keep in mind; you are not a person with a “crazy idea,” now you are CEO and owner of a business who looks for new partners.

How to Search New Clients

Finally, cutting down your expenses, taking out a loan, and starting a new business partner are not permanent ways to secure and stabilize your startup. What you need is to increase your profit. What you need are new clients. Here are ways to do so:

• Invest in digital marketing. Expand the reach of your brand by increasing your online presence. Increase the quality of your web content/ Utilize social media. Launch an email marketing campaign. Create landing pages where you can set-up infinite sales funnels that don’t just increase your leads but turn them into paying customers.
• Partner up with the members of your community. What’s your niche? What’s your tribe? Is there a social media influencer who would love to feature your product in exchange for certain perks? Is there another small business that you can collaborate with to tap into each other’s existing networks?
• Improve your product or service. Finally, have that courage to look at your product or service objectively. Maybe the reason why it’s not selling is that it hasn’t reached its full potential yet. Ask for feedback and listen. Work on improving what you have to offer. Don’t fall into the depths of mediocrity just because a product is already selling well, but go beyond that and strive to turn those good numbers into excellent ones.

By keeping the tips we have shared with you in mind, we’re sure that your startup will be able to get back on its feet in no time. Think of your vision. Stick to that goal. And don’t stop hustling!