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Writer's pictureMohammad Aldabbas

Counting down to success: Avoiding the pitfalls of premature business failure

Some common factors include

  • Insufficient market demand: If there is not enough demand for the products or services being offered, the business is unlikely to be successful.

  • Poor business planning: A poorly thought out or incomplete business plan can make it difficult for a business to get off the ground.

  • Lack of funding: Starting a business often requires a significant amount of capital, and if the business is unable to secure the necessary funding, it may fail before it even starts.

  • Strong competition: If there is already a well-established competitor in the market offering similar products or services, it may be difficult for the new business to gain a foothold.

  • Poor management or leadership: If the business is not well-managed, with clear goals, a solid strategy, and effective leadership, it may struggle to succeed.

Real cases from around the globe

Here are a few examples of real businesses that failed before they even got off the ground:

  1. Juicero: This company developed a high-tech juicer that used single-use packets of fruit and vegetable puree to make juice. However, it was discovered that the packets could be squeezed by hand to produce the same juice, making the expensive juicer unnecessary. The company shut down in 2017.

  2. Color: This photo-sharing app raised over $41 million in funding, but struggled to find a business model that worked and eventually shut down in 2012.

  3. Yo: This messaging app, which only allowed users to send the word "Yo" to each other, gained a lot of attention when it launched in 2014. However, it struggled to monetize its user base and eventually shut down in 2017.

  4. Flopstarter: This crowdfunding platform, which was designed to help people fund their creative projects, failed to gain traction and shut down in 2013.

  5. Zirtual: This virtual assistant company, which matched freelancers with clients who needed assistance with tasks like scheduling and email management, struggled with financial issues and shut down in 2015.

The high failure rate of startups

It is difficult to determine an exact percentage of businesses that fail before they even start, as there is no comprehensive data available on businesses that never officially launched. However, it is generally accepted that a significant percentage of businesses do not make it past the startup phase. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, approximately 20% of new businesses fail within their first year, and approximately 50% fail within their first five years. This indicates that a significant number of businesses do not make it past the startup phase and may be considered failures before they even officially launch. Factors that can contribute to the failure of a business before it even starts include insufficient market research, lack of a clear business plan, inadequate funding, and competition from established businesses.


Advice for the Aspiring Business Owner: Tips for a Thriving Enterprise

Here are a few pieces of advice for anyone considering starting a business:

  1. Do your research and understand your market. It's important to have a clear understanding of the industry you're entering, as well as the needs and desires of your target customers. Conduct market research and gather as much information as possible to inform your business strategy.

  2. Create a solid business plan. A well-written business plan will help you clarify your vision, set goals, and map out a plan for achieving them. It will also be useful for seeking funding or partnerships.

  3. Be prepared for challenges. Starting a business is not always smooth sailing. Be prepared to face obstacles and setbacks, and be ready to adapt and pivot as needed.

  4. Build a strong support network. Building a business can be a lonely journey, so it's important to surround yourself with supportive and knowledgeable people who can offer guidance and advice. This could include mentors, business advisors, or a network of like-minded entrepreneurs.

  5. Stay focused and stay committed. Starting a business requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It's important to stay focused on your goals and be willing to put in the time and effort to make your business a success.


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