When getting involved in an industrial enterprise either as an investor, co-owner, or full owner, it is important to have a realistic outlook. However, since you’re putting in your time, money, and energy into a project, the last thing you want to do is set low expectations. So you will need a balance between realism and having high expectations.
Your reasons for investing or participating will fall into one of three categories:
- One, you may simply be thrilled at the idea of bringing something new into the world.
- Two, you may envision a tremendous economic upside and more opportunities for growth if things go well.
- Three, you may view the project as a way to make a positive difference to your community.
Your reasons have to be important to you. If you have a strong enough reason, then you will have the patience and mental toughness to endure the downturns in the project. Everything will not always go smoothly and sometimes the project will face unexpected reverses. You will need a strong will to see things through to the end.
In order for the project to go well, you need to give careful thought to such considerations as machinery and equipment maintenance, your return on investment, your reasons for participation, the strength of the management team, and the soundness of the business plan.
Let’s take a closer look at each one of these things:
- Expect Machinery and Equipment to Be Properly Maintained.
All key players in the venture need to understand the importance of maintaining machinery and equipment, which can usually mean higher operational costs than those found in commercial enterprises. One way to reduce your maintenance costs is to invest in a high level of impact-resistant machinery. Consider using chrome carbide overlay steel plates, which are tremendously hard and resistant to wear and tear, impact, and high temperatures.
- Expect A Positive Return on investment.
Your investment of time or money is important to you, and while you may only have forecasts in the beginning of any enterprise, it’s essential that you consider your time well spent and expect more than your money back. In order to ensure that things go well, plan methodically and be vigilant about scope creep. Continuous, uncontrolled changes in the scope of your project will raise costs and cause all sorts of delays as things start to fall behind schedule. The way to avoid scope creep, as much as possible, is to make sure all tasks are defined, all processes are documented, and all aberrations to your original plan are quickly controlled.
- Expect A Strong Management Team
Unless you have an experienced team, people who know what they are doing and have plenty of leadership abilities and show initiative, things can quickly go off the rails. You need to look for evidence that everyone involved in the project at a senior level is capable, dependable, experienced, and, on the ball. Does the management team know how to market and sell products? Does it know how to maintain high manufacturing standards? Does it know how to lead its people? Does it understand how to keep its finances organized? Does it deploy the latest technology for everything from manufacturing to distribution? A strong team will have all these things in place.
- Expect A Solid Business Plan
Is the plan, solid? Is it complete? Is it convincing? In order for a plan to work, there needs to be a compelling vision for the company. In addition, all the details have to be well thought out. The plan is a good one if it contains fundamentals, like a realistic financial projection, a comprehensive marketing plan, and a good understanding of the needs, wants, and desires of the target audience.
In closing, it’s also important to think about your exit strategy. You want to make sure that there is a projected development path or a cycle of maturation. Why is an exit strategy important? Celeste Hilling, an entrepreneur and CEO, believes that an endgame serves as a compass and directs all aspects of an enterprise. “At the start of your venture, have a plan for how you want to exit or transition from the business. This will help you be clear in your focus, share a clear vision for your staff and navigate times when you are confused.”