If you go into business hoping for the best, you’re most likely going to fail. It’s harsh, but true. You have to actively work to make a business successful. You need to research, study, and learn.

And you need to look to the pros for the tips and tricks that have helped them succeed before you.

You have to start at the beginning. The old adage that you must look before you leap applies not just to your business (i.e., market research, professional goals, buyer personas) but also to you personally.

1. Understand the marketplace and define clear KPIs.
Don’t underestimate the importance of conducting careful, detailed market research.