
This means being aware of your gross margin on sales, net margin, and how much you need to make to break even. If you want to succeed, then you have to know your profit model. Not factoring these expenses could lead to not utilizing your resources or throwing your budget out-of-whack buying things you don’t need. But there are plenty of overlooked costs when starting a business, such as these 25.

Expenses like your salary and purchasing an office and equipment are obvious.

The only way this works is if you have a distinct competitive edge. On the other hand, the market may be oversaturated. On one hand, at least you know there’s a demand. Vet your ideas to your friends and family or conduct some primarily market research. Between Redbox and streaming services your chances of survival would be slim-to-none. Just because you can’t let go of this now-outdated technology, doesn’t mean that starting a DVD rental business will work. Let’s say that you still receive DVD’s in the mail from Netflix.

Simply put, build your brand’s personality by putting more “you” into your business. That can actually be the greater resource that you possess. Your authenticity, heart, values, and vision are what separates you from other small business owners. They want someone they can connect and engage with because you’re real.

How can you compete with charismatic and well-known personalities? Well, just be yourself. Unlike enterprise-level businesses, you don’t have the resources to have a “face” of your small business. Obtain credit availability and management. Don’t just acquire customers, retain them. Develop a strategic business plan, organizational structure, and operational support systems.
