Officially Open For Business

 The start of a new business - A startup

What comes to mind when you notice a restaurant 'opening soon' close to your location? "Interesting, another branch here, no need for transportation further", "Mmm, something new for me to try out". "The food better be as good as it looks". Just right there, the restaurant has already been rated by its outer looks. Thinking that is justified already, a reel has probably been taken for the gram to brag about. "Yes, this seems like something really classy", "why in this location?". These are some sorts that may come to mind. Just that mental note you make and the mental rating you take categorizes the business before it even starts operating. For most, customers have already been claimed for a boomy start. Some unlucky restaurants that may look slightly tacky from some poor location and structuring immediately get downgraded before the business starts running, and then it starts to trail. In some cases, this would probably be for a while until some magic customer happens to refer others to the restaurant and they are saved by recognizing the services they offer. 

This follows through in the starting of other businesses as well. All these critiques given could either make or break you. I used a restaurant for this example because services in the food business take a large shot of both investment and criticism before they either become prominent or get lost in the hay. Many food businesses that are hit badly close within a few months due to this. Criticism is not a bad thing but could turn out negatively if taken badly. It's like taking the wrong dosage of the right drug to cure an ailment. A business that takes criticism to heart could be opened to new perspectives of moving the business forward, could create an avenue for a high customer inflow and retention, and could push you to higher standards against competitors. Unfortunately, here is the situation where the business is not planned properly to start with. Improvisation is quickly adopted for a quick way to start something or mainly earn quickly but it only lasts for a while. I would say making a prominent business would take strategic planning and a sufficient bag of investment to go. 

Currently, there are various ways to get investment into your business both online and offline such as private angel investors, crowdfunding, social media, and others. An open-minded business goes a long way with customer feedback. You just could be surprised how good and far customer feedback could take a business to another level. You should know, you can't run a business without your customers. You need them to progress, they help make your business stand out among others.