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I would like to start a simple business related to 3D printing, reverse engineering and 3D scanning. What are common pitfalls of first time entrepreneurs? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I am business dumb, but I have a very unique mix of skills I would like to turn into a side hustle. Needless to say, there is going to be a huge learning curve for me.

Sure, I could just sell 3D prints on Etsy, but I would rather focus on B2B type work with a more hands on approach than the Chinese print farms/PCB manufacturers. (I'll start an Etsy shop for practice, but that particular market seems extremely saturated.)

So, if you have started a business before, what are some basic things that you wish someone had told you before you did? Are there good books or other references I could use?

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

Essential tip #1. No customer cares what you do, only what they get. They're not buying the reverse engineering, they're buying the copy. Let that inform your choices, your marketing and interactions with the customer.

Tip for B2B especially. Listen to the person and treat them as a professional, find ways to explain limitations and options in a way that makes them feel understood and that helps them look good in their own organisation. In another phrasing: Make them the Hero of their company, and you'll be theirs.

Word of advice: Enjoy the ride! Business isn't difficult, but it's tough, there's so very very very many things you now have to get done there's no reasonable chance at foreseeing even most of them. You will get surprises, you will get crises. Get as much help and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs as you can (we're typically a very helpful bunch), but prepare for even that not being enough.

Perseverance, responsiveness, and resourcefulness is what separates you from the 80% failed businesses within 5 years.