Making Your New Business a Success

Julie Starr • January 18, 2022



Over the past couple of years, more and more startups have started popping up. This is completely understandable. Increasing numbers of people are looking to take the reins on their careers and start their own business as a direct result of the coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic. As the virus has spread around the world over the past two years, many have lost jobs through company collapse, redundancy and incompatible working situations. Many have decided that they want to run their own business, where they can sell what they want, work with who they want and be aware of what’s going on at all times. Of course, running a business is easier said than done and you’re going to have to put a lot of work in to keep your company afloat and generate profits – if you’re going down this path. Here are a few suggestions that should help you along the way!

Know What You’re Selling

The first step of creating a successful business is to create an appealing product or service that has selling potential. It may sound simple and obvious, but you need to know what you’re selling to bring it to life and to market it well. All too many businesses jump the gun and head into the marketplace with a vague idea that they haven’t thought or checked over thoroughly enough. Start by considering your product. Then carry out market research. This will give you an idea of who is interested in your product or service, what they think of it, what they think can be improved and how they want it to be sold to them. This is also a good time to test out ideas regarding pricing, ensuring that what you’re offering is realistic, affordable and – most importantly – profitable .

Know What You Need to Achieve Your Goals

You also need to know what you need to achieve your goals. Different businesses have different needs and will need to invest in different areas. If you’re selling services, you’re going to need staff on board to provide these services on a large scale. If you’re selling products, you need to know what raw materials you’ll need, what manufacturing processes you’ll need to engage in or outsource, and more. If you’re heading into the farming industry, you might need heavy vehicles and machinery. If you’re heading into the healthcare sector, you might need a dynatron 25 series . If you’re selling homemade cakes, you may need a professional mixer to make life easier for yourself. Whatever you need, make sure you note everything down. Remember to include business sustainability in your planning. This will allow you to figure out initial purchase costs, running costs, staffing costs, as well as, supporting the environment through sound business practices.

Constantly Innovate

Many businesses experience success as they first start out, but notice that sales taper off as time goes by. This is often because they have grown stagnant. They’re offering the same products that their target demographic has already purchased and haven’t brought anything new to the table since. It’s important that you’re constantly innovating and working to provide your customers with new products or services that meet their needs as time goes on. Market research and experience can help with this.

Hire Staff

At the start of a business’ journey, the owner tends to take the bulk of the work on their own two shoulders, occasionally outsourcing tasks that they cannot complete themselves. However, as time goes on, as your products begin to sell and as workload increases, you are going to have to hire staff to keep business operations ticking over. This will ensure that all work is being completed, customers are being answered, orders are being shipped and received and everyone is kept happy. Of course, hiring a team can be daunting at first, but they will prove to be the backbone of your business once they’re settled in and used to their roles. Many small businesses find that using a recruitment agency makes this entire process easier and more straightforward. This way, you simply have a consultation, explain what kind of candidates you’re looking for and the recruitment company will find them for you. Then, it’s just up to you to conduct interviews and make a decision regarding the best fit for the role!

These are just a few suggestions that should help you to settle on an area of focus for your business’ improvement. Different ones will work for different businesses, but hopefully, at least one will tick your boxes and get your journey started out in the right direction!

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.