Tired of a 9-to-5 job that gets you nowhere? Want to start a small business and gain more financial freedom? Before you send out that resignation letter, here are some tips to guide you in making the right decisions in starting your own small business.

First, thorough research is needed. Take stock of your marketing skills and see what your target customers want, as well as where, when and why they buy. Focus on your customers and put your plan to work through selling your products or services to serve the chosen market profitably and optimally. This can be done via a mix of strategies that touch upon the Seven P’s: Product (your goods/service inclusive packaging and value-added benefits), Price (what is the customer willing to pay for what you are offering?), Place (how and where can the customer access your items) and Promotions (PR and advertising-related means of marketing).

Not to be forgotten, are the People (who you employ to garner more customers), Process (how your business operates, and policies attached to it) and Physical Evidence elements (your premises, staff and vehicles can influence how you are perceived by your customers).

Once you have all this in mind, it is time to put your thoughts into a great marketing plan, AND stick to it. Remember, revisions can be made when necessary so don’t be afraid to improvise!