Top tips for starting a business

Aimee Shaw talks to small business owners about persistence and passion

is new it can be really hard but you have to stick at it,” Sharma says. “If you’ve decided on or started something, stick at it — even if it’s failing at the beginning — for at least six months, and have patience.”

Ford says most businesses don’t break even within the first two years.

“You’ve got to be mindful that you’re not going to be earning a huge amount of money while you are getting established,” she says.

“You’ve got to put together a plan that says if you’re not breaking even by this [certain] point then you need to evaluate what you’re doing.”

Every opportunity is an experience, lesson

Fashion Fairground founder and personal stylist Stacey Gillies says getting involved or working on a project is a beneficial experience.

“Take every opportunity to get involved in a project or job to get the experience and find out if you even enjoy it. Just give it a go and see what happens,” he says.

“I found starting a blog was a great way to get my name out there as it enabled me to take on opportunities and I had something to show people — like a CV of work.”

It won’t work if you don’t try it

Huski co-founder Simon Huesser believes people should give running their own business startup a go if they have a neat idea.

“If you think you’ll regret not trying it, go for it. And with the tools available today, there has never been an easier, faster, or cheaper time to explore whether your idea has potential or not.”

Having a social media presence is also a must, Ford says. “If people don’t know where to find you, where you are, what your product is, then you’re not in business.”