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By Sanjeev Kumar
Founding Attorney

Starting a business is a substantial undertaking and one that is very exciting. There are so many businesses that develop each year. Many of them have big dreams and great ideas. Unfortunately, many startups end up calling it quits within the first few years. So, what happened to the entrepreneurial endeavors that started out with so much promise? Let’s take a look at the common problems startups face to better understand this.

Common Problems Startups Face

1. Fierce Competition

One of the most common problems startups face is fiercely competitive business world. There are large, well-established companies with substantial resources far beyond those held by startups. There are other startups to contend with. To survive, a startup needs to be prepared to be extremely aggressive and aim high. Aiming high, however, does tend to require sizeable substantial resources. This brings us to the next problem frequently faced by startups: lack of financial resources.

2. Lack of Financial Resources

There is no way around it. Money is an essential part of running a successful company. When cash flow stops, so does the business. There not only needs to be money coming in, but finances also need to be properly managed. When startups begin growing and expanding, so do expenditures. Many startups make the mistake of not properly managing their financial resources through this growth. The growing pains related to finances are a common reason startups fail.

3. Unrealistic Expectations

Many times, unrealistic expectations lead to the money problems described above. It can be tempting to want to throw every available resource at growing your business. At the end of the day, however, your business model and plans must be sustainable. It is a constant balance of aiming high for your business goals and adequately weighing them against financial realities. When a startup has dreams that are vastly bigger than the budget, it often leads to problems developing quickly.

4. Hiring the Right Staff

Another common problem faced by startups is hiring the right team. An integral part of a well-functioning business is the ability of the business team to work well together to grow the business together. Everyone has to be on the same page as far as business goals and how to get there in order for a business to truly thrive. Everyone has to be committed to the continued success of the business. Lack of good team synergy is a common problem faced by startups.

5. Lack of Business Planning

Last, but certainly not least, lack of proper business planning leaves many startups vulnerable. Laying a solid foundation for your startup is essential. Putting all of those big plans and big ideas into comprehensive, tangible business plans means you are investing time in your business to be set up for success. A business plan should put the business into a better perspective. It is a balance of the big picture and the details of how that big picture is achieved.

Texas Business Law Attorney

At the Kumar Law Firm, we help startups prepare for a successful future. We provide dedicated legal counsel on all business matters. Invest in your business by seeking counsel from a trusted Texas business law attorney. Contact us today.

About the Author
Sanjeev Kumar is the founder and principal at the Kumar Law Firm, which provides a wide range of legal services to entrepreneurs and business owners in the area of business & corporate law and intellectual property along with related areas of interest to clients such as business succession planning, wealth preservation through estate planning, and alternate dispute resolution.