how to start a SUCCESSFUL small business in 2025 πŸŒ·πŸ“¦ the ULTIMATE guide, advice, everything i learned

Johanna Park・2 minutes read

Starting a small business necessitates careful planning and investment, as demonstrated by the creator's journey from an Instagram account to launching a shop that achieved $600 in sales shortly after opening. The experience underscores the significance of practical learning, managing expectations, and strategically selecting selling platforms to enhance visibility and revenue.

Insights

  • Starting a small business requires a combination of planning, consistency, and a clear vision, as emphasized by the creator's journey from an Instagram journaling account with 28,000 followers to launching a shop; this experience highlights that practical involvement is more effective for learning than just observing others, and the importance of investing in the right tools for product development.
  • The creator learned valuable lessons about managing expectations and expanding product offerings after their shop launch resulted in 30 orders and $600 in sales; they found that setting a hard deadline for launching created urgency and progress, while choosing the right selling platform, such as Etsy, can significantly impact sales opportunities and brand identity.

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Recent questions

  • What is a small business plan?

    A small business plan is a strategic document that outlines the goals, target market, financial projections, and operational strategies for a business. It serves as a roadmap for entrepreneurs, helping them to clarify their vision and maintain focus as they navigate the challenges of starting and running a business. A well-structured plan includes sections on market analysis, marketing strategies, and funding requirements, which are essential for attracting investors and guiding decision-making. By detailing the steps needed to achieve business objectives, a small business plan can significantly increase the chances of success and sustainability in a competitive market.

  • How do I improve my productivity?

    Improving productivity involves implementing effective time management strategies, setting clear goals, and minimizing distractions. One effective approach is to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Additionally, creating a structured daily routine can help establish consistency and maintain motivation. Utilizing tools such as calendars, to-do lists, and productivity apps can further enhance organization and efficiency. It's also beneficial to take regular breaks to recharge, as this can lead to improved focus and creativity. By fostering a conducive work environment and adopting healthy habits, individuals can significantly boost their productivity levels.

  • What are the benefits of social media marketing?

    Social media marketing offers numerous benefits, including increased brand awareness, customer engagement, and cost-effective advertising. By leveraging platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, businesses can reach a wider audience and connect with potential customers in real-time. Social media allows for direct interaction with consumers, fostering relationships and building community around a brand. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into customer preferences and behaviors through analytics, enabling businesses to tailor their marketing strategies effectively. Overall, social media marketing is a powerful tool for driving traffic, generating leads, and enhancing overall business growth.

  • What is the importance of setting deadlines?

    Setting deadlines is crucial for maintaining focus and accountability in any project or task. Deadlines create a sense of urgency, motivating individuals to prioritize their work and manage their time effectively. They help in breaking down larger goals into manageable steps, making it easier to track progress and stay on schedule. Additionally, deadlines can reduce procrastination and encourage a proactive approach to problem-solving. By establishing clear timelines, individuals and teams can enhance productivity, ensure timely completion of projects, and ultimately achieve their objectives more efficiently.

  • How can I choose a selling platform?

    Choosing the right selling platform is essential for maximizing sales and reaching your target audience effectively. Factors to consider include the platform's user base, fees, and features that align with your business model. For instance, platforms like Etsy are ideal for handmade or unique products, offering built-in traffic and a community of buyers. Alternatively, creating a personal website allows for greater brand control and customization but may require more effort in driving traffic. It's important to evaluate the pros and cons of each option, considering your specific needs and goals, to select a platform that will support your business growth and enhance customer experience.

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Summary

00:00

Building a Small Business: Key Insights

  • Starting a small business requires planning, consistency, and a clear vision; these elements help maintain motivation and progress toward goals, especially when facing challenges.
  • The journey began with an Instagram journaling account, gaining 28,000 followers over two years, highlighting the importance of having a big picture idea for future direction.
  • After a year of planning without action, the realization emerged that practical experience accelerates learning more than solely relying on others' experiences.
  • Investing in tools like an iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Procreate enabled product design, emphasizing the need for personal investment in business development.
  • Sharing goals prematurely can create pressure; working privately until execution can foster creativity and reduce anxiety about performance.
  • Setting a hard deadline for launching the shop created urgency, leading to significant progress in product design and preparation within six weeks.
  • The shop launch resulted in 30 orders and $600 in sales, teaching the importance of managing expectations and offering affordable shipping options.
  • Starting with a broader product range increases potential order totals; initially, only two products limited sales, while expanding offerings later boosted revenue.
  • Choosing the right selling platform is crucial; while a personal website builds brand identity, platforms like Etsy can provide ongoing sales opportunities.
  • Implementing a content calendar and evaluating primary platforms early can enhance consistency and sustainability, especially for students balancing multiple responsibilities.

15:07

Building a YouTube Community at Carnegie Mellon

  • A sophomore at Carnegie Mellon University studying computer science and art, the creator is focusing on building a YouTube community to share their shop journey and university life, encouraging subscriptions.
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