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Anyone who claims small business ownership is easy has clearly never started their own business. Regardless of where you enterprise is based or which industry it serves, you’re guaranteed to face a plethora of trials and tribulations along the path to success. In light of all the difficulties first-time proprietors face, it’s no wonder most small businesses close within their first year. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent your business from becoming another statistic. In the quest for small business success, the following pointers are sure to come in handy.

1. Get Educated

If this is your first foray into small business ownership, it’s absolutely imperative that you get educated. Even if you already have a bachelor’s degree under your belt, going back to school for an MBA can prove tremendously beneficial to your business’s long-term prospects. In addition to giving you credibility, a good MBA program can provide you with a bevy of invaluable knowledge and a practical set of skills. Anyone eager to learn more about how an MBA can benefit small business owners can find more information here.

2. Avoid Nepotism

Many first-time entrepreneurs make the mistake of staffing their businesses with close friends and family members. While the desire to surround oneself with loved ones is perfectly understandable, nepotism can often prove detrimental to a business’s bottom line. If someone in your inner circle is uniquely qualified for a position, you should certainly consider giving them a shot, but a qualified candidate should never be passed up in favor of someone with whom you have a preexisting relationship.

3. Don’t Overstretch Yourself

When entrepreneurs are eager to establish their businesses, they often make the mistake of overexerting themselves and their staffs. This is generally the result of taking on more clients and heavier workloads than they can reasonably handle. Unfortunately, this often results in an exhausted staff and subpar work that no one is happy with. Wanting to carve out a name for your business is understandable, but overexertion can ultimately do harm than good.

The life of an entrepreneur is fraught with stress and unpredictability. However, those who are able to consistently and go the extra mile often find themselves rewarded with stability and long-term success. If you’re determined to help your small business succeed, remember to get educated, avoid nepotism in your recruitment practices and take measures against overexertion.