There are a few things you should avoid if you want to run a successful business. When you’re first starting out in business, it’s all too simple to make little but costly blunders. It is critical, however, that you avoid them from the start. This is because the errors you make now may cause difficulties months or years down the road.

1) Do not work on your business while at the job!

When you’re starting a business while still working full-time, don’t use company time to focus on your personal initiatives. Don’t even consider using your work computer to run your own company. They’ll fire you because they’ll think you’re a phony. They pay you to work on their company rather than yours. It’s also unprofessional, as you may be in violation of several business policies. If you need to perform personal work during the day, make sure you do it during your unpaid break time and away from your desk. This way, no one can accuse you of utilizing company time for personal gain.

2) Don’t waste money on things you don’t need.

Investing in your business is a good thing to do. When you’re just starting out, however, don’t spend a lot of money on a website. Create a landing page instead, complete with a clear description of what you do and what you have to offer. Make sure you can gather email addresses from individuals who are interested in hearing from you again on this landing page. This demonstrates that they are interested in what you’re doing. It’s also an opportunity for you to compile a list of people with whom you may speak in order to learn about their difficulties and develop goods that address them. This will assist you in refining your business and what you can offer potential clients before you spend a lot of money on a full-fledged website.

3) Stop putting yourself in comparison to others.

It’s all too easy to start comparing yourself to those who have enormous social media followings or earn six and seven figures. For you, this may be daunting or discouraging. Don’t waste time comparing yourself to others who you believe are now performing better than you. What you must remember is that they, too, began where you are now: with no followers and no one knowing who they are. Just keep in mind that you are forging your own road and that you will arrive one day. You just must be patient, but most importantly, you must remain consistent in your efforts to grow your business.