{"id":4139,"date":"2013-05-15T03:52:54","date_gmt":"2013-05-15T08:52:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/smallbizsurvival.com\/?p=4139"},"modified":"2014-08-27T07:44:49","modified_gmt":"2014-08-27T12:44:49","slug":"beware-of-small-business-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smallbizsurvival.com\/2013\/05\/beware-of-small-business-myths.html","title":{"rendered":"Beware of Small-business Myths"},"content":{"rendered":"

A great deal of information about starting a business is available. Some of the information is accurate and helpful. Other information is best called a myth, although it may hold a grain of truth.<\/p>\n

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No matter how many times small businesses say, “This will sell itself!” it’s still just a myth. Photo by Becky McCray<\/p><\/div>\n

Probably the biggest myth is that of “free money”<\/strong> available for starting a business. The reality is that there is little free money or no-strings-attached grants.<\/p>\n

In some geographic areas and for some types of businesses, there may be some grants available, but business owners should be prepared to put up a substantial portion of the needed startup and early operating funds.<\/p>\n

These funds will come from the owner, family, friends and loans.<\/p>\n

In my experience, another perpetual myth among business owners is the \u2018build it and they will come\u2019 idea.<\/strong>\u00a0Owners don\u2019t realize that coming up with the product or service is the easiest part. Letting the market know that you are in business is more than 50 percent of the job.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lots of businesses have had a great idea. Where most have stumbled and failed is in developing an effective marketing strategy, according to research. Those owners who think about markets and marketing strategy often do so too late in the process.<\/p>\n

Marketing begins with understanding customer need. Thus, working with potential customers should be the first thing a business owner does. Take the time to listen, ask questions, and test ideas and prototypes of your idea.<\/p>\n

Let your potential market be your guiding force and your test engineers.<\/p>\n

Here are some other common business startup myths:<\/p>\n