Featured on Entrepreneur’s website, “The 6 Startup Essentials for a Business That Will Succeed,” written by Jane Wesman, shares six steps for startups to help new business owners shoot for success.

“Being an entrepreneur allows you to set your own hours, choose your staff and pursue the career path of your dreams. If you do it right, it also means making more money and having fun at the same time,” says Wesman in the article. “But starting a business is no easy task. It takes courage, energy and determination.”

In the article, Wesman offers the following six tips for new or prospective business owners:

• Stay committed. You must be fully committed to your business to be successful, so make sure to choose your venture wisely. Wesman explains in the article that entrepreneurs who establish successful companies do it one company at a time.
• Know your industry. “I’m from the school of getting experience by working for someone else,” states Wesman in the article. “If you want to open a restaurant, then work in one before going out on your own. If you want to launch a marketing firm, you need experience in that industry.” Regardless of prior experience, it is also important to research the industry before you start your venture, and always stay informed.
• Join industry-related organizations. Make sure to be part of industry-related groups, associations and/or organizations. Likewise, organizations supporting startups and entrepreneurs through educational programs and networking is also a good idea. And, asserts Wesman in the article, don’t forget to attend trade shows, conferences and seminars.
• Have a business blueprint. In many cases, new business owners will use their own funds, credit or borrowed money from family and friends to jumpstart their ventures. Wesman says in the article that an entrepreneur will most likely not need an in-depth business plan to get going unless he or she is looking for venture capital or angel investors. However, even if a comprehensive business plan is not needed, you should still create a “business blueprint,” which should be about a three- to four-page document highlighting your plans for the road ahead. Wesman suggests including the following:
  • A clear description of what the business does and who it serves.
  • A description of how the business will run on a day-to-day basis.
  • A list of your responsibilities.
  • A list of what you will do as well as what other people will do.
  • An estimate of what it will cost to run the business for the first year.
  • A projection of how you will cover these first-year expenses, either through sales or from another source.
• Build a team. In order to establish a solid business, you will need support. Consider building a team consisting of advisors/consultants, an informal “board” — usually consisting of fellow industry peers and/or business owners — and also regular day-to-day employees.
• Take breaks, or “me” time. Make sure to escape from the daily grind of building/owning a business for some much needed “me” time. “Make sure that you socialize with family and friends — and take vacations,” notes Wesman in the article. “It is impossible to make wise decisions when you are consumed by your own private world at work. Getting away helps you see your business clearly, and it makes life much more interesting and fun.”

You can read more about six essential steps for startups here.