It is estimated that 45 percent of American enterprises fail during the first five years. Only 35 percent survive more than a decade. Every entrepreneur, however, believes they can succeed despite the obstacles. Is it possible to tell if a business will be a smashing success or a sputtering flop before it ever opens for business? The answer is yes, and here are some ways to tell if your business will do well.

You Offer Something Different 

It’s crucial to know your competitors inside and out, from their pricing strategies to their online reputation to their marketing initiatives. Why? Doing so can help you identify what sets your business apart from the competition and, more crucially, identify any unmet needs.

If you can offer something different – as long as it’s something people want or need – you are going to be successful. Just make sure you always keep up with what your competition is doing because in order to stay successful, you’ll need to know how to stay ahead of the pack. 

People Buy From You 

Even while success can be measured in a variety of ways, the reality remains that a company needs a profit to be considered successful. Businesses are always different, so there is no universally correct number of sales or signups to expect. For example, a company selling high-priced products with high margins has to sell fewer units per year than one selling low-priced products with lower margins.

In any case, it’s a good sign for your business if you’re able to generate some forward motion on your own through the sale of your products or services. Think of these early sales as a taste of what’s to come if you have the resources for widespread advertising and a more established business presence. If people are buying from you now, you can keep up that success in the future. 

You Have A Plan

Having an entrepreneurial mindset and a strong work ethic isn’t enough to succeed in business. You’ll be far more successful and have a much easier time securing funding if you have a detailed plan outlining how your business will run, from marketing your product to generating profits.

Not only will this plan help you stay focused on your goals and be an ideal tool when it comes to asking lenders or investors for money, but you can also use it as a guide to help you accomplish smaller goals. For example, when you have a good business plan in place for a construction company, you’ll know when you need to look for an excavator stick rake for sale by labadiengineering.com.au because your business has grown enough to need one, and you can be sure you can afford it at the same time. 

You Have A Good Team

A red flag for any business is high employee turnover. Therefore, a high rate of employee retention, achieved in part through putting the appropriate people in the right roles, is indicative of a successful business. Employees that are invested in their work tend to stay with their employers, and their enthusiasm and dedication can inspire others, especially at the outset.

Transparency and communication, both in the form of the message-based digital tools you use every day and in the form of regular team meetings, are the fuel that keeps that enthusiasm burning bright, boosting your chances of success.