There are many reasons why small businesses fail whether you are in business for one year or twenty years. Avoiding the pitfalls from the beginning is a must to have a chance at success.

Mistakes can cost businesses thousands of dollars and in some cases force them into bankruptcy.

The key is to avoid as many mistakes as you can to help increase the likelihood of success.

The biggest mistake any person can make is choosing the wrong business. Sounds kind of funny, but if there is no demand for your product or service, your business will struggle to survive.

To help you avoid that error, here’s a look at three of the top reasons why wrong choices are made.

Mistake #1: Converting a hobby into a small business without finding out if there is sufficient demand for the product or service to be provided.

You need to do a little market research before starting your business. Just because you have a hobby and enjoy it does not mean that people will be willing to purchase your goods or services.

Mistake #2: Starting the business without adequate planning.

Just because you found a demand does not mean you will be guaranteed success.There are many other considerations. For example: What if the business grows too fast? What if it grows too slow? What if you need additional financing? What if you have a business with fluctuating revenue, what will you do during the down months?

Mistake #3: Resisting the urge to ask for help.

A lot of entrepreneurs are reluctant to ask for advice in choosing a business (or when they have a business and need help), either because they’re too proud or because they don’t know that help is available. Help is everywhere, and, if you look carefully, it won’t cost you an arm and leg to get it.

*On-The-Job Training - Work for someone else for a while. Roll up your sleeves and learn the business from the inside out. When scouting out potential ‘employer-trainers,’ it’s best to look for one that is successful and well run. Don’t forget though, you can learn from a poorly run business. You learn what NOT to do, instead of what to do. This, however, can be frustrating. It is best to learn from successful people and businesses. Remember though, being an employee and being an owner have two sets of responsibilities.

*Like Minded Businesses - Talk to others or join an association with those who operate the same or similar businesses. Small business owners are a tight community and are there to help each other. The local Chamber of Commerce or other business association meetings may provide access to business owners.

*Consultants - If you don’t make any headway by attending meetings or by directly approaching business owners, you may wish to hire a business consultant. You can try the Small Business Association with their SCORE advisors or hire a consulting firm to help. This may seem like an extra expense to pay, since you’re not yet in business. But, if you are able to find out what you need to know about the running a business, the day-to-day operation of your prospective business this may be money well spent. Don’t be one of the small businesses that fail because they won’t ask for help.

OTB Strategic Consulting, Inc, www.otbstrategic.com and www.megabusinessconsulting.com is run by successful business people with decades of experience in successful ventures. Visit our sites for free articles and information.