In this modern era, the business ecosystem has been significantly and significantly changed by the touch of technology. With developments so rapid and almost unimaginable, technology presents so many opportunities and conveniences for doing everything, including running a business. As long as there is a willingness to learn and try, almost anyone can make a living this way, anytime and anywhere.

The impact of today's easy access to information and communication is also clearly visible in the growth in the number of Indonesian entrepreneurs. From a news portal article Liputan 6, the number of entrepreneurs in Indonesia increased, from previously 1.67% to 3.10% of the population in 2017. Despite the growth, the number of entrepreneurs in the country is relatively low. still less than enough. The press release Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia in 2018 emphasized that Indonesia needs at least 4 million new entrepreneurs to help encourage the strengthening of the economic structure. Even though the existing number has exceeded international standards, namely 2% of the population, Indonesia still needs to catch up with neighboring countries, which on average have reached 5% or greater in terms of the number of entrepreneurs. The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, also explained that in almost every developed country, the standard number of entrepreneurs is above 14%, as covered in Kompas.

The slow growth of domestic entrepreneurs can be influenced by many things, but one thing that can be said from this phenomenon is that this growth is still not in line with the pace of technological development. With the business climate now opening up maximum opportunities for creativity, there are indeed a number of the nation's children who are persistent in producing innovative, creative and solution business ideas. Even so, competition in the market is also getting tighter. Reaching 4 million new entrepreneurs doesn't happen in the blink of an eye. There is a long road that we need to take together to support the growth of the number of entrepreneurs in Indonesia and increase our productivity and competitiveness.

The good news is, if you are reading this article, you could say you are one of the acceleration that Indonesia needs. It could be that you have dreamed of opening a business for a long time but have not been able to realize it, or you have recently dared to enter the business world and become an entrepreneur. No matter how far you have come in this matter, your contribution to our collective progress is something that is very valuable.

Starting a business is a good thing, but it would be better if we took proactive steps, such as sharpening ourselves and enriching our knowledge so that our business can successfully develop optimally.

10 Mistakes Most Often Made by New Entrepreneurs

Qasir concocts some business advice from the career site Classy Career Girl, specifically for you! Along the way, we will of course make a number of mistakes which are very normal. Even so, isn't it wise if we also learn from other people's mistakes so we don't fall into the same hole?

Come on, let's look at some of the most common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs.

Mistake #1: Not Planning

The first mistake that new entrepreneurs often make is starting without a thorough plan. Ideas alone will not make you rich. You must have a carefully designed plan, so that every action you take is right on target and effective in building your business. Quoting the words of the leading American revolutionary figure, Benjamin Franklin, when we fail to make a thorough plan, it means we are planning to fail. So, don't forget to make your plans so you can develop your business successfully.

Mistake # 2: Spending Too Much Money

Investment is necessary. Everyone who decides to become an entrepreneur is certainly aware of the initial costs involved in a business. Even so, remember to always be efficient in spending. Avoid excessive spending at the start, for example hiring too many people in the early days of the business, or promotional financing that is too expensive. It is more useful if the funds are used to invest in yourself with training and knowledge to improve your business model.

Mistake # 3: Trying to Do Everything Yourself

Humans are basically social creatures. This means that we will never be able to live alone, let alone do everything ourselves! To get started, just take small steps. Choose one thing that you are not very good at or that takes a long time to do yourself. As an entrepreneur, you don't always have to pay a premium for this. Try empowering your friends or acquaintances with mutually beneficial business collaborations.

Mistake # 4: Waiting for Everything to be Perfect

Famous author Flora Rheta Schreiber once said that we will never be ready to do what we have to do. We just need to do it. This is what makes us ready. We often take too much time to think and wait for the right moment to take action. In fact, at what stage can we be said to be truly ready? Everyone's definition of readiness is of course different, so it's better to just do it first. That way, you have the means to test, market and create innovations in your business so that you can reach a point of success.

Mistake # 5: Not Surveying Potential Clients

The fifth mistake is not really understanding your ideal client or target market. Quality management expert, William Edwards Deming said that without data, all we do is based on opinion. In fact, we exist to produce products and services that answer market needs. So, what can be done as a survey? We can start from simple things, like chatting with consumers. Try listening and taking note of what they say repeatedly, then look for common ground between what you like and what they need. That's your chance for success!

Mistake # 6: Exactly Copying Someone Else's Product

Remember that you are unique, physically, mentally and in the way you think. You have a personal mission and dreams in business, so do all of them. Don't live other people's dreams. Even if there is a successful entrepreneur, that doesn't mean you can imitate him in all aspects of his business. Look for inspiration from the environment around you and use other people's experiences as lessons, but then do your own version of business.

Mistake # 7: Not Being Passionate About Your Own Business Idea

Starting a business is often based on the need to earn a living. With an idea and initial capital, becoming an entrepreneur can be said to be an easy career path to start. Even so, it's best not to start a business that you don't like just to make money. Why not? Because business is not just about money. The profits you get at the start of a business may be satisfying for a moment, but when your interest is not there, running it on a day-to-day basis can be hard to do. In one Elite Franchise magazine article, having a passion and passion for our work increases productivity, health and happiness. This can also affect life as a whole. So, start your business from an interest, so that you are always enthusiastic about developing it.

Mistake #8: Ignoring Additional Support

A mistake that new entrepreneurs also make is going alone without the assistance of a helpful community or mentor. Being an independent entrepreneur doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself. Struggling to make your personal business a success cannot be separated from so many challenges, so it is not uncommon for business people to feel pressured from various directions. A focus that is so focused on business can also be boring and tiring. A support community could be the help you need so you don't feel alone in navigating the ocean of business.

Mistake #9: Treating Social Media as a Business

With today's sophisticated technology, social media is so attached to our daily lives. However, we need to differentiate social media and blogs from business. Social media and blogs are promotional tools for your business that need to be utilized, but this is only a small part of a large business framework. It's okay to get income from there, but focus on your actual business.

Mistake # 10: Not Starting Today

The final mistake is not taking a step forward. How often do we wait for the “right time” to do something? The urge to postpone exists in humans to avoid negative consequences that can be faced in the future, for example failure. Remember! There is never a perfect time every day, but we ourselves are able to create the right time, and the way to do this is by taking a step forward every day. Be a proactive entrepreneur and move forward slowly but surely.

You got new inspiration, BossQ? Of these 10 most common entrepreneur mistakes, you may have made some. It's okay, it's also called learning. The most important thing is that we accept our situation, continue to process, and learn from our mistakes. Hopefully after this we can become more effective and efficient entrepreneurs in running all our businesses, whatever form they take.

Keep your enthusiasm in creating, so that your dreams of success can come true!