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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Alison Coleman

Your route to startup success: seven tips from business owners

package delivery man, driving, delivery of boxes and merchandise, logistics, small business owner, self-employed
Access to a flexible transport fleet can let companies take advantage of more business opportunities. Photograph: Jose Carlos Cerdeno Martinez/Getty Images

Business ownership brings a huge sense of freedom and autonomy, however, this can often be accompanied by feelings of trepidation, especially in the early days. Starting your own business is exciting, but you know that challenges lie ahead. Here, some seasoned entrepreneurs share their tips for strengthening the agency and self-determination needed for mapping out your business route, and most importantly, enjoying it.

Trust your instincts
Business owners are constantly making decisions, often at short notice and with little time to prepare. While much of the decision-making in business is informed by data, it’s also important to trust your instincts. A gut feeling can be key to the success you’ve achieved so far, and as your business grows, trusting your judgement becomes even more important. As Helen Marsden, co-founder of fashion retailer Kit and Kaboodal, explains: “As our business grew, we brought in new people who came with new opinions and new ideas. You need to keep your ideas and objectives firmly in mind to avoid being swayed into going in a new direction.”

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