​​WHAT ARE THE MOST RELIABLE BUSINESS MODELS FOR SMALL STARTUPS?

​The world of startups is an interesting one in the context of business models. These small businesses are not like a mom and pop store that opens a new shop, they are more like the foundation for a whole new company.

These humble beginnings of turning a fresh idea into a legitimate enterprise are helping people pave way for new and exciting innovation in every aspect of the industry from healthcare to tech, to manufacturing. Before your new idea finds its legs you need to formulate a business model, and here are some reliable ideas for a small startup.

1. PROOF OF CONCEPt

The proof of concept should be your main focus when it comes to formulating a legitimate business strategy. Your business model hinges on your product and service, so if you cannot prove that it has value and a legitimate use-case, then you will be starting off on the wrong foot. The proof of concept for something like management software needs to be able to offer something that is either better or more efficient than existing programs.

​This sounds difficult, but that is why you need to spend countless hours on market research and testing your product or service. This business plan needs to be formalized in a pitch as well for when the time comes to attract investors and other support. 

​Without being able to discuss or showcase the proof of concept and your business model, it will be much harder to ensure that this plan will work. This is the first step for a reliable startup.

​​2. LEGALLY-SECURED

​Next, you need to legally secure your startup as a legitimate business. This is not hard, but it does take time to work through the documents required to finalize your filings. There are many different kinds of legal business entities, anything from a sole proprietorship, to an LLC, to a corporation. You need to know important details about where you are starting this business because state laws will determine factors like fees and taxation.

You may decide to become a legal business structure where it makes more sense. So, if you wanted to know how to start an LLC in Minnesota, as opposed to Texas, the rules would be different regarding fees or filing. In any case, this is an integral part of securing your startup as legitimate and protected. Choosing between an LLC or a sole proprietorship depends on things like partnerships, financial obligations, and the direction you intend to take this startup.

​​3. FINANCIALLY-SECURED

​It is not always cheap to create a startup from the ground up. The market research could cost a lot in man hours, R&D could cost you plenty, and the actual rollout of a product or service will be a financial strain. Financially securing your startup can come from many sources. You can receive a business loan from a bank or accredited lender, borrow from friends or family, use your own money, or seek investors.

​This all goes to show that, while it can be costly, there are plenty of options. Make sure you have enough of your own money to hedge against any pitfalls or setbacks. It is best to avoid loaning money or borrowing, but sometimes it is necessary to bring a vision to life. Similarly, refinancing and reworking loans or investments to help account for growth is highly recommended once the initial process has been completed for your startup.

​​4. LEGITIMATE MARKETING STRATEGY

A startup is just like any other business in the sense that marketing is a dominant force in your success. Without a legitimate strategy, the best products can be left to the wayside for those that have focused on exposure. Utilizing data analysis is a great way to expand your reach and understand the core demographics of your product and service. Diversifying your approach is advised, with a focus on social media as well as search engine marketing strategies.

​​5. FUTURE EXPANSION AND GROWTH

​​Finally, you need to account for any inevitable or unexpected growth. This means developing a team to help with the startup as well as expanding on your existing data and research to account for changes to your business structure and strategy. Understanding SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis will help you develop a bigger picture idea of how to incorporate new elements into the startup.

The best way to ensure success with a startup is by creating a reliable business model. Using these fundamental aspects of business planning, you can make your startup a model of consistency.