Reasons why small businesses fail

PEOPLE go into business for various reasons.

With the levels of unemployment some people are quick to start their businesses. Others are frustrated by the former businesses and they want to set up their own. The reality is that businesses are started.

Starting a business however does not automatically guarantee that it will succeed.

There is no business that just “fails”. Success or failure is a function of laws. If you understand the laws for business success, and follow them you will be successful. Why is it that most small businesses are failing? In some instances, some businesses will remain “small” 10 years from inception.

What is it that business leaders are not doing right that is causing businesses to fail

is week we are going to look at some of the reasons and also come up with suggested solutions that can help business leaders prevent common mistakes.

Lack of research

Th ere is need to remove excitement when you come up with an idea. You need to get to the next level where you invest in proper research. One of the common reasons for start-up businesses to failure is that there is no market need for their product or service.

Before committing time and resources into a business that is not going to meet any need, take your time and research into everything from the existing market, current and future trends in your industry, to who your competitors are, who your target audience is and what will motivate them to do business with you.

How much research have you done into your business and the market?

Poor business plan

There are some people who are daring to jump into a business without actually having a clear business plan. Others have plans which are not actually plans in reality. Martin Hoff man once remarked “A good business plan can help you get clear on the direction of your business, identify strategies and an action plan for you to achieve your business goals, and secure the fi nancial backing you need to start or grow.”

Writing a business plan is an important step towards setting up your new business and achieving your business goals. In the absence of business plan, you set up yourself up for vulnerability through mismanagement.

In the presence of a business plan, and discipline you will be more focused, and stay on track.

Lack of business funding

Cash is the lifeblood of business. In fact, cash ‘cash is king’. Even big businesses fail due to lack of cash fl ow. You thus need to negotiate across all aspects of your business. Be proactive. Do not wait for too long for your customers to pay for your goods and services. Try as much as possible to negotiate payment terms with your suppliers that are consistent with the cash needs and demands of your business.

Running a business is not cheap, this is the reality as well that you need to be aware of before starting a business. You also need to be aware of the costs that are involved in setting up and sustaining the business.

Always come up with realistic responses to these. In a majority of times, many small businesses are not solid enough financially and may not be able to survive for long.

The fixed and variable costs associated with starting your business should be taken into account when you write your plan.

Rope in experts for assistance. Engage your bankers if they have a complimentary advisory facility for you to have perspective on the fi nancial assistance you may need in particular – whether you need to apply for a business loan, or equipment finance.

Financial mismanagement

Even in the presence of funding a business can still fail. Th is is the function of financial mismanagement. Failure to understand how to manage your cash fl ow or stay on top of all your fi nancial responsibilities as a small business owner can be a recipe for disaster.

Prioritise cash management for your business. If your cash flow does not add up and balance out, you will fi nd yourself in the abyss fast. You cannot afford this risk at all.

Poor marketing

Clients do not just come simply because you have opened shop. This is not how to promote a new business. There is need for regular streams and customers to give your business a chance to survive. You need a marketing plan to do that.

Understand the nature of your business and who your target audience is.

Develop a good marketing strategy with this understanding and come up with the right balance when it comes to attracting new customers (acquisition) and building a base of loyal existing customers (retention).

Discover the model of marketing that works for you. You may even need to strike a balance between ‘traditional’ offl ine marketing activities such as advertising, direct mail, letter box drops, local area marketing, posters and fl yers, business to business marketing and digital marketing including having a website and using social media for business to target your audience.

Th ere are a number of ways to market your small business on a budget. You however need to monitor and measure the results to avoid wasting valuable funds.

To be continued next week

Arthur Marara is a corporate law attorney, keynote speaker, corporate and personal branding speaker commanding the stage with his delightful humour, raw energy, and wealth of life experiences. He is a fi nancial wellness expert and is passionate about addressing the issues of wellness, strategy and personal and professional development. Arthur is the author of “Toys for Adults”, a thought provoking book on entrepreneurship, and “No one is Coming”; a book that seeks to equip leaders to take charge. Feedback: gmail. com; greatnessclinic@ gmail. com or website www. arthurmarara. com or contact him on WhatsApp:+ 263780055152, call +263772467255.