You started a business: Now what?

You started a business, took the initial steps to build a foundation, and are now working to grow and expand your customer base. What are the next steps to take? Here are five suggestions to help your business prepare for potential opportunities or unexpected challenges that might arise:

1. Modify your business plan

Each day, we wake up, brew our coffee or tea, tap the news app on our smartphone, and watch as the world has inevitably changed again or is undergoing some transformation; generally, it seems these days, technologically. One thing that never changes is how the world is constantly evolving, and if you are a business owner, staying on top of these changes is critical to working to ensure your business plans and strategy remain aligned with your financial and business goals.

It is critical to regularly review your business plan and modify it when necessary. An excellent example of a company that not only evolved with the changing world and market, and did so by reinventing themselves is Netflix. Netflix was founded in 1997 as a mail-order subscription DVD company. As technology changed and developed, providing viewers the opportunity to stream movies instead of having to rent one, the industry changed, and Netflix changed with it. They modified their business plan and model, which has proved to work so far.

2. Revise your target operating model (if necessary)

The target operating model encompasses the principles of your business and a comprehensive scope of the business blueprint. It allows business owners to pursue a more strategic approach capable of absorbing changes in technology, customer interest, local demographics, business growth, and product diversity and evolving to supply new demands.

3. Explore potential growth opportunity

With the competition businesses faced, the need to stand out and stay relevant is part of the willingness to seek growth opportunities when they present themselves or create new opportunities. To do this often requires business owners to step outside their comfort zone, adopt new trends that may radically transform the way they do business, and view the changing business landscape as a breeding ground for innovation and new ways to problem solve while staying true to your values and beliefs.

4. Study your target market

What is impacting the market at any given time? Is your business affected? Can you capitalize on it or mitigate unnecessary risk? Businesses can study the market to learn more about customers'

changing needs and preferences. As the business landscape becomes more crowded with new companies planting roots, how can you get a competitive advantage? There are a lot of questions that arise when it comes to studying your target market.

5. Consult your financial professional

The financial decisions you make are critical to the growth and evolution of your business. Taking the initiative to consult a financial professional could help you revise your overall business plan and strategy, mitigate any unexpected risks or obstacles, and help reduce financial stress by being prepared.

Important Disclosures:

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

This article was prepared by LPL Marketing Solutions

Sources: Netflix History, Founding & Popular Shows | Study.com The Importance of Regularly Reviewing and Updating Your Business Plan (linkedin.com) The Importance Of Embracing Change In Business (forbes.com) End-of-Year Review Tips for Small Businesses to Finish Strong (yourdigitalresource.com) KPMG Target Operating Model - KPMG Global\ 5 Things To Do After Launching Your Business - Rocket Lawyer

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