How To: Survive Your First Year In Business template

Write a business plan

Set a company description and details of your products / services

Define your target audience

Set clear goals and objectives

Conduct a basic competitor analysis

Manage your expenses

Set payment terms

Find a healthy source of business finance

Maintain a contingency fund

Keep costs low

Make a list of things you can cut back on or don't need right now to mark where you could be making savings

Think about where you could automate processes to save time

Use comparison sites to make sure your business gets the best value

Create a brand

Create a brand logo

Set the tone of messaging, both offline and on, for your business

Do a few things really well

Create a specialisation for your business

Consider the competition and make sure that your offering is unique

Surround yourself with the right people

Structure your employee training plan

Build a support network with other business owners in your area, and set up a monthly networking meeting