Do You Have $u$tainability?

$U$TAINABILITY!

 Everyone  going into business thinks they have it, but do they? It takes more than just cash flow to make it through the rough times; there's physical and mental endurance also. These first few years I call the'Trap'. And for good reason, if you can make it through the first five years, you are considered on your way to freedom. Some would make those years shorter, but that is a mislead. Statistics prove (over 75% nationally) that many businesses fail within the first Five (5) years due to falling in the trap.


                                   "John Wanamaker fell bankrupt
                                         fourteen before being a success!"
 

Usually  the reason is from a poor business plan concept. By that I mean the your BP may be a sound idea, but it's not the reality, it's the 'dream come true' thought. We want our business to succeed, we want it to be a great success, we are so enthused about it, we can make the banks see it in their heads as well. (OK, sometimes) You get the idea! There are these high ambitions that may come crumbling down if we don't have a reality check. Let someone take us on and give us the hard questions, the pros and cons; when they're done - do it again!

 Natalie Tarpinian, VP Sales @ SitePoint Media, wrote an article, "7 Essential Elements of a Business Plan, ways to avoid the trap before you start."


                                                                         PLEASE STAY, DON'T LEAVE NOW!

 The  (trap) flight or fleet with customers. They start coming to you for products or services. Your business seems to be flourishing for a time, maybe the first couple years. They're in flighting- mode; they come and go, not stuck to any particular business. Some come, but don't stay. You notice your customer base isn't what it started. It's a normal part of business, customers come  check you out, see if your services/products are what their looking for; will they leave (fleet) else where for you?

                                                                                     NO GIMMICKS PLEASE



 Your  service/products may be the same as others in your locality, but how you stand out from the rest is you getting out of the 'trap'. The worst thing to have is a gimmick, unless you're a food service, gimmicks are not sustainable, they lose appeal over a short period. Check out all the empty store front properties.


  Customer service and 'real value' is sustainable; it builds credibility and integrity to help you avoid any traps of a failing to be business. Can you endure the trap and be an over-comer?

 Not  to long ago, our design dept working with a client who was turned down three times by banks, created not just his website and logos made a disk of his plans, we made his business plan coincide with the disk. His reward, not only did he go back to the first back of choice and get approved, he received 1/3 more. It's been four+ years, and still growing, his bank loan is paid in full. Every twelve months he calls us in to keep his plan moving in the right direction.

                                                              

  Build  your BP, making sure your foundation is strong and steady. Don't look for overly quick growth, but steady forward momentum. $u$taining is not fast, but it is steadily moving forward. Check your BP from time to time and make sure you don't lose the vision. And most of all, keep counsel with your BP provider, bank, close friends. Never go it alone. Wishing you all the best growth with your businesses.  


  Sphere-Logic Business Thinking is getting rid of the box mentality; and giving business real life thought. Working with the home and career sides of living simultaneously. Giving organizational leaders a step up to a fulfilling life. You can reach us at: info@agrpllc.com.

  "Building dreams, teams, and friends for life, not just clients!"