It’s one thing to start a small business and quite another to protect it and keep it running. The first years of every small business are always the most difficult, as business owners try to break even and stay afloat. Although every business will face its unique difficulties, there are challenges that every entrepreneur or small business owner should be ready for. So, what obstacles currently lie ahead? Here are some challenges you can expect to encounter and how to solve them.

Hiring the right team members

Unless you are trying to operate a one-man-show, the success of your small business will depend on your ability to bring the right hands on deck. About 23% of start-ups fail as a result of hiring the wrong people. To avoid this, experts like Deepak Agarwal suggest surrounding yourself with the right team. Always hire people who display excitement and desire to work with you. Through your screening process or interviews, find out the long and short-term value that any potential employee will bring to your business and always look to bring on people with innovative mindsets.

Investing in the right technology

The benefits of technology are seen in every aspect it has been invested in. Small business owners who can invest in the right kind of technology will be able to cut down on operational costs, boost production efficiency, and compete better or remain relevant. Investing in the right technology also means staying on top of (or, at least, being abreast with) new and trending technological innovations and techniques.  You wouldn’t want your business to lag behind your competitors. This is why it is essential first to identify what kind of technology best suits your business and how to use it effectively. You should also ensure that your team receives the necessary training on how to use the relevant technologies.

Facing competition

Depending on which field or sector of business you find yourself in, your business will face very strong or mild competition. But no matter what kind of business you are in, you should expect to face increasing competition from other companies along the way. One way to keep your company ahead of competitors is to be innovative in your products and services, including how they are delivered and presented to your customers. Take steps to set yourself aside from the businesses in your industry. Try new marketing strategies to gain new customers- doing this wins you points in the competitive market. When handled properly, healthy competition can push your business to be better.

Marketing

Marketing for small businesses can be very challenging sometimes, compared to large companies with substantial marketing budgets. About 14% of small businesses fail because of poor marketing skills. Take advantage of cheaper marketing options like social media and mailing list platforms to give your brand the visibility it needs. Social media, especially, offers a vast pool of potential clients around the world. With an effective marketing strategy, you can market your brand without spending a lot of money.