Congratulations! Validating your idea and being ready to launch your business is a big achievement, and it is worth taking a moment to appreciate every achievement along your business journey.
Our second stepping stone for business success steps you through effective and successful planning to launch your business for ongoing success. The launch step builds on what you learned during validation, taking you through brand identity, systems and procedures, and finally, bringing your business to life with a successful launch.
Build (and register) your brand identity
Often one of the most exciting stages in the business journey, building your brand identity should align with your business mission and appeal to your target audience. We suggest starting with:
- A unique logo and style guide explaining how you use your logo and any other visuals.
- A clear tone of voice for your brand – explaining your brand personality and the words your brand likes to use.
- A visually appealing, SEO-friendly website with a clear and relevant URL and compelling sales copy.
- Initial print marketing materials if appropriate for your business.
- A social media presence on the platforms relevant to your ideal customer.
Whether you choose to do these yourself or engage a graphic designer, web developer, copywriter, or marketing professional to assist you, be sure to remember the practicalities and legalities:
- Register your business name with ASIC. This is required if you are trading under any name other than your own. You can do this online yourself.
- Consider trademarking your logo. Trademarking your logo prevents others from using it and diluting your brand value. It is especially important if you intend to trade beyond your immediately local area or sell your business in the future.
- Check your preferred identity is available across all social media platforms. If you are creating a presence on multiple social media platforms, create them simultaneously so you can check before committing to an identity.
Establish good procedures and systems
Ever heard the saying ‘prevention is better than cure?’ It applies to business too. By taking the time now to set up good procedures and systems, you set your business up for success and ease in the future. Key areas to establish include:
- Sustainable financial systems. All businesses need sound financial systems to achieve their goals, even if those goals are altruistic and focus on giving back to a community. Sound financial systems will allow you to manage your resources, understand your expenditures, and know when to make changes to keep your business financially healthy.
- Efficient management structures. Who has the authority to make decisions? What is each team member’s area of responsibility? Putting the thought into these questions now and creating clear structures will ensure smooth and productive operation from the beginning.
Launch your business
The act of launching is different for every business. You may opt for champagne and fireworks, with all the bells and whistles, or the quiet pleasure of pressing publish on your website on the couch in your pajamas. It may even have been slowly launching piece by piece as you finished setting up accounts and approving the final design of your website.
Whichever way you choose to launch your business to the world, things will start to feel real as you do. You have a brand identity and business systems in place. You have progressed from an entrepreneur with an idea to a start-up business owner. The hard work may not be over, but the payoff is looking good. Your business journey has begun.
If it’s feeling lonely at the top of your business kingdom and you want someone to walk with you for part of this journey, Sage Business Coach Raffy Sgori can help. Book a free discovery call now.