Focus On The Sale
- The number one thing to focus on is your first sale. A lot of businesses fail because they spend their time on letter head, furniture, office space, etc. What really matters is getting in front of your customer, finding out what they need, and providing that service/product. It really is that simple but is by no means easy. Sales is hard work and is a required skill for every entrepreneur. If you have no sales or marketing experience I recommend you get a sales job before going out on your own.
- Hi there, The best way to earn revenue for a start-up is at some point stop setting things up and just start SELLING. Sales is a life blood of any business and the sooner you start the sales the sooner the money comes in.
- This is the only logical answer… The only way to generate revenue is to sell your product or service. There is no need for a poll or a survey… just sell.. thats all you need to know!
- Easy…Start selling a good product as soon as possible. Receiving revenues right away begin to offset the cost of a startup. There are those who want to read, research, plan, etc. all day, but it’s those who take action that succeed in this society.
- Earn revenue by having great sales tactics–selling while not getting caught up in the backoffice work and creating sales methods. Finding a smart way to have sale prices often, showcasing your products or services through sales, or adding some extra incentive or package pricing for the client. Also teaming up with a business that targets your audience. The key is also making sure keep expenses level while selling–so gross margins and profitability ratios don’t get messed up.
The second most popular answer was: Create A Marketing Plan
- No one will know that the business exists if it doesn’t launch a marketing effort soon after the ink is dry on the business plan. Create a clear and concise message and repeat it at every exposure avenue visited by your targeted audience.
- To create a marketing system that can attract customers easily. First, you need a way to make sure customers will come back again for your products. Subscription based works well. 2nd, you need to come up with a reason for them to buy. Maybe a one month free etc.
- Put together a marketing plan based on your projected cash-flow needs. How much money does your business need each month to cover costs and stay afloat? How much will it need to begin making a consistent profit? Now look at what you sell. How much business do you need to do each month to bring in that required revenue? Then build a marketing plan based on bringing in that amount of business for the lowest possible investment. And create incentives for customers to act now. There are two big mistakes small business owners make when starting out. One: not paying themselves, which forces many to give up too soon. And two: taking on all the work themselves instead of running the business. A healthy business can pay you a salary, and is scalable enough for you to bring in workers when needed, while you concentrate on running (and growing) the business.
The third most popular answer was: Advertise
- You have to spend money to make money as a new business. Advertise!
- Hi Evan! Good to see you on this forum as well as your own. I believe that to get a business up and running successfully, you have to do a combination of the things several of you are saying: advertising and selling. Your advertising has to be very smart at first, being sure not to waste a dime. Many things can be done for free now, even if you’re a brick and mortar business. Get involved right away in the Chamber of Commerce in your area. Be evident at fundraisers and work your elevator speech into conversations somehow. Use your kids to pass out flyers. Do co-op advertising with local businesses. Just be a positive role model in the community and you’ll earn respect; which goes a long way in business. I think when your business is just getting going is the time you really have to be frugal with any money that you can get your hands on.
Other answers from our member were:
Don’t borrow if you don’t have customers
- In my opinion one should not borrow if he does not have customers.. avoid it as far as is possible…
Rent ad space on your website
- The best way for a startup to start earning revenue is to rent ad space on their website (asumming that they are online). You can setup a Google Adsense account or try something more original like … Rent-A-Webpage for $30 or $50 bucks a month. I beleive that online startup is much easier than offline startup. If your business turns out to be a success online, you can eventually move it offline, especially if it involves hard goods or a service. The transtion will be a lot easier because then you will already have a customer base.
Networking / referrals
- I would definitely consider networking to get referrals. Your local small business association is a great place to start. And I would second hold on to some of your money before you spend it all business cards, stationery and magnets for your clients-which you may not have yet. Be resourceful about marketing.
Use a blog to promote your business
- Consider using a blog to market your business. It is a fast growing trend and a low cost way to begin marketing online.
Cut expenses
- I think the best way for a startup to earn revenue is cut expenses. It seems when most people start a business they get a loan and overspend thinking it will all be earned back, this may work in the long run, but for 3 to 6 months, do more of the work yourself, spend less on everything that you think you need.
Put profits back into your business
- By putting back any profit no matter how small back into the business. Growth is the key here.
Implement your business plan
- Hi Evan, The best way for a startup to earn revenue is by implementing a business plan that can give more values and solutions to what people need.
I hope you find these results useful as you plan out your next startup business.