It’s not always easy to know where you stand. Sure, you’ve made it this far and there doesn’t appear to be any big trouble on the horizon. In fact, things are going quite well. Yet, you wonder if it’s just a matter of perception. Or, is your startup really going to make it? Well, there is no guarantee. But, that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t size the situation up at all. There are a few ways to tell if your startup is on its way to success. Why Most Startups Fail Of course, you should first know what causes most startups to fail. Perhaps the largest reason is they run out of cash. Investors only give so much, both in money and time. If you’re burning through cash and there’s little or no profit, you’re obviously running a really big risk of going out of business. Another reason startups fail is due to a lack of clear strategy. Put another way, they don’t know the way and don’t have a concrete idea of how to go from one goal to another. Most startups fail. But there is a common thread among some of the most successful startups: Consumers, not investors or tech blogs, find them first. A few examples: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Most recently: Snapchat. —Business Insider.com Then, there’s tons of bad advice. It’s out there and if you take the wrong advice, you’ll probably see the consequences quickly. That’s your chance to act and change course to make it a lesson learned. Another reason why startups fail is the market moves in an unexpected way. They just aren’t prepared for contingencies. Or, fail to make necessary adjustments when needed. 3 Biggest Signs of Early Startup Success But, how do you know when you’re on the right track? What tells you that things are not only going well, but likely to continue in a good direction? Here are the three biggest signs of early startup success to lookout for: Positive cash flow. It’s no mistake the first factor in failure is due to lack of cash. If your company is bringing in cash and making a profit (that is, your intake minus your expenses), then you’re definitely off to a good start. Customers find you. Take a quick look at the quote above and let that thought sink in for a moment. If customers are finding you without you having to identify and chase them down, you’re fulfilling a crucial need and that’s a really good thing. Rhythmic, rock solid team. Another sign a startup is on the right path is when it’s crew recognizes they work well together and work toward goals as a team for the good of all. It means the right people are in the right positions and that’s a huge factor in success. What other signs signal a startup will succeed? Or, what might happen which means there’s trouble ahead? Please share you thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

More often than not, the person in the mirror is the individual who is most to blame for your problems. Usually, lack of success isn’t due to external circumstances or a run of bad luck. Poor decisions are typically the culprit. And, these mostly come from the failure to recognize certain self-imposed roadblocks. How Modern Culture undermines Businesses Now, this doesn’t mean there are never any real externalities which play a significant role. Just take a quick look at modern culture. Practically everything is now on-demand. We live at a time where immediate gratification is normal. But, that’s a dangerous situation. Success is what every business person and entrepreneur desires from the very core of their being. They have a dream, a genius idea and an initial excitement to make it happen. Having a great idea and building a sustainable empire, however, are very different things and many, if not most, fail. To rank among those who succeed you must master certain disciplines to avoid sabotaging your own success. —Entrepreneur.com You first need to instill self-discipline and realize it’s more advantageous to accomplish your biggest goals in small steps. An incremental approach will cause you to think through scenarios and have a more clear understanding. However, just taking it step-by-step might not be enough. 3 Biggest Self-Imposed Entrepreneurial Roadblocks Let’s get back to how too many entrepreneurs sabotage themselves. They put up roadblocks which keep them from realizing their full potential. So, here’s the three most common self-imposed roadblocks you need to recognize and deal with: Not recognizing futility for what it is. If you’ve ever seen the movie “Wargames,” then you know the scene when Dr. Stephen Falken uses the example of tic-tac-toe to illustrate the importance of recognizing futility. But, that’s the exact opposite of what we hear time and time again. You’re not supposed to give up. Keep fighting and find a way. However, there are times when it’s just futile and you can’t win. Remember Einstein said repeating the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Seriously doubting your own abilities. This is perhaps the most common self-imposed roadblock. It’s natural to have reservations, even to feel fear and/or doubt. Although, too much doubt is a poison pill. It’s simply paralyzing and ultimately self-defeating to give into unrealistic doubts. Saying “Yes” when “No” is appropriate. We’ve all heard the advice to give things away for free or at little cost. Additionally, to always help others. But, saying “Yes,” can easily obstruct your ability to grow your business. After all, you need to focus on your own business to build it up before you can actually be in a position to help others do the same with their companies. What other self-imposed roadblocks have you overcome? How do you move past your own limitations? Please share your thoughts by commenting and joining the conversation! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.