1. Have a solid business plan


Planning plays a vital role in any business success. A business plan is a good place to start - to describe your strengths and weaknesses, what you offer, how it differs and how you plan to grow your offering. In addition, try to prepare yourself mentally and to do whatever is necessary and how you will deal with it. What if you are affected by a weather disaster? Or does your trusted supplier collapse?


2. Be prepared for financial challenges


Most of the 600+ small businesses we interviewed in Santam's first survey said that the outflow was a major challenge for them. Deal with money laundering by saving up for a month's worth or by name-calling.


You can give clients a discount if they pay a deposit or full amount in advance, or even an incentive - e.g. pay 10% less if you submit your product or service a week in advance. Whatever you do, be very careful about debt - this is one of the biggest killers of small business success.


3. Save money - remember you are a start


Resist the temptation to advertise good offices, expensive equipment, and top marketing. The life of your company depends on your wallet so every rand and cent should be assessed three times. Keep your head down and manage your money flow effectively. For one of our 1001-day survivors Jamie Pike, this meant the first start of the first store and selling his goods in the market; of design duo JesseJames meant sharing their space with other small businesses.


4. Don't be frighthened in asking for help from others


There are many resources out there for communication, information sharing and advice. Communication is not just new business opportunities; Do not hesitate to seek advice from those closest to you (such as your manager, bank manager, landlord or neighboring business), or online forums and Facebook community groups in your area.


5. Put your faith in a trusted counselor


It could be a family member, former manager or co-worker or a trusted online source or blog. Counselor is a valuable sound board - a person who has been where you are; a person who can be tested regularly, not judging.61.9% of respondents in our study did not have mentors - but those who did so said they found mentors to have a very positive impact on their businesses.


"My mentor pushed me beyond my deepest fears," said one female businessman who participated in our study. "She's not the one who's going to take over," admitted Mariam Jakoet Harris of Cooked Inc.


6. Marketing on a tight budget


Marketing your new business is very important but it doesn't have to cost the world. Social media is your friend - creating your Facebook business page is free and will help you in your online search rankings. So posting your website URL to search engines like Google and Bing - is completely free.


Also beware of Facebook social groups - some will require less advertising money and some will allow you to advertise your business on certain days of the week. The key to advertising is to try anything and everything. You will not know what works for you until you try.


7. Look at the first number


Doing business is a way of life - 9-to-5 days are over. That doesn't mean you have to work for yourself on the ground. Exercise regularly, eat healthy and get some rest or you will end up less productive. Of our study respondents, 64% said they had to sacrifice precious time with their family and friends because of work responsibilities. Working with your time management skills will help you to clear up enough time for your day to spend with your loved ones.


8. Create a team that matches your vision


It's simple: great people make good company.First, take time to reason with people to make sure they are in line with your culture and share your values. Second, it can be hard to stop but it is important that you learn to share tasks. Lastly, don’t expect people to be your clones. Unlock new ideas and new suggestions. It is always good to get new ideas about old ways of working.


9. Never stop learning


Starting your own business is a consistent process of growth and learning. It is important to enrich yourself with practical and emotional skills. Look for free or inexpensive learning resources such as Hubspot Academy, Udemy and Inc.


Sharpen your project or time management skills, learn a new software program or teach yourself how to use your social media campaigns.If you travel a lot, podcasts and things like TED talks are great ways to inspire and educate yourself.


10. Protect your business


Leading entrepreneurs do not want risk, they want to reduce risk. Make sure your precious stock and your location are covered in an emergency like fire or theft.