What I wish I'd known before I started

In brief

• Marketing
• Customers
• Time management
• Motivation
• Funding
• Personal time
• What to do next

'Many businesses fail when strong products are not sufficiently marketed, promoted, or correctly positioned to prospective customers. It is your ability to get your product in front of people that will likely determine your success.'
Robert Griffin, entrepreneur and founder of Banger pub food service

'If you can't deliver on time, tell the customer straight away. Don't bury your head in the sand.'
Emily Bond, owner Emily Bond Fabric and Homeware

'The best tip I was given was always to under-promise and over-deliver. It's much harder to upset clients this way, and much easier to please them.'
Paul James, sole trader, Southdown Heating and Plumbing

‘Keep a diary and use it to make a daily "to-do" list. Prioritise the list and carry forward any tasks not completed. Use the diary for all appointments - business and personal - so that none are forgotten and you can work around your commitments. And pay others to do time-consuming tasks such as leafleting, so that you can use your skills and time for running the business.'
Frances Evans, franchisee, Selclene domestic cleaning service

‘Never tackle a job that turns out to be more than you thought, there and then, unless you're happy to be there for the extra hours. You are far more likely to hurry it and make mistakes.

A night's sleep often inspires a far better approach to the job, and you'll probably find it's not as bad as you thought.

And plan contingency time in your diary, so that you can squeeze in extra jobs at short notice. Sometimes this turns out to be hammock-time, but that's possibly the best thing about being in business for no one but yourself!'
Paul James, sole trader, Southdown Heating and Plumbing

‘I wish I had known that working for yourself is so satisfying. If you are put off by the commitment involved, don't be. It's like having a baby - going up three flights of stairs to get its blanket is no bother because you just love it.'
Fleur Emery, co-founder Grasshopper, producers of instant organic porridge

'Don't give up - there will be loads of knock-backs and bad days. Don't rush into anything; keep it simple, and don't overstretch yourself financially.'
Kathryn Freeland, personal trainer and founder of Absolute Fitness

'There is much to be said for getting away from your office occasionally. Not only will you benefit from taking a break, but it will give you time to think; to get a fresh perspective on issues and to work on your business rather than in it.'
Annabel Sutton, ICF certified coach and founder Life Designs

'Listen to your peers, don't do it for vanity and believe in it 150%.'
Tom Lewis, owner and manager, Monachyle Mohr Hotel, Perthshire

‘Never start a business undercapitalised. Everything takes longer and costs more than you think it will.'
Robert Griffin, entrepreneur and founder of Banger pub food service

‘Knowing about the Government's Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme, which secures loans for small businesses, could have benefited Grasshopper enormously at the start.'
Fleur Emery, co-founder Grasshopper, producers of instant organic porridge

‘When you're starting a new business it's very easy to accept all the offers that come your way. Depending on what kind of business you're in, you may need to be discerning about the clients you work with. Remember that every time you say “Yes” to something, you are effectively saying “No” to something else. This might be a better client, or time you would otherwise have spent with family, friends, or even by yourself.'
Annabel Sutton, ICF certified coach and founder Life Designs

‘Don't ever feel guilty for having an afternoon off! I'm still learning that one.'
Emily Bond, owner Emily Bond Fabric and Homeware