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Top 6 Tips for Growing a Successful Small Business

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Successful Small Business

Launching and sustaining a business idea is not all flowers and roses, as many think, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can be part of the success rate.

How to Make Your Small Business Successful

While the idea of starting and growing your own business can be thrilling and super exciting, you must understand that it is a challenging endeavour. Practically anyone can set up a business; all you need is to fill out some paperwork, create a logo and some banners, and offer a legit service or product. However, making your business successful is another ball game entirely. Sustaining a successful small business depends on many factors and requires you to possess a specific mindset. You must be able to apply the right strategies and ideas to specific situations at the appropriate time.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 25 per cent of startups sustain for up to 15 years, while the remaining 25 per cent collapse before the first 5 years. This statistic shows that most entrepreneurs fail to understand what it takes to sustain a business before starting one. Do you want to stand above the fierce competition in the business world and be among the success rate? I bet the answer is yes! Well, this article will explore helpful tips and strategies to make your small business successful.

Conduct in-depth research on your product or service

One common error most people make is starting a business on the product or service they have in mind without researching how well it’ll sell. As you are planning to start up your business, you must understand that your love for an idea of a product or service doesn’t mean people want to buy it.

To avoid failure in your startup, you must conduct in-depth research on the service or product you want to offer with respect to how many people want it in the market. Talking to several of your target customers about your product and analyzing how they feel about it instead of guesswork will give you a clear picture of your business’s likelihood of success. Also, ensure to check out how existing businesses with similar models are doing in the market.

Know Your target customer

Running a business based solely on your personal values and ideas is why many startups fail today. Yes, you have chosen to offer a product or service with a good prospect; however, a critical factor for your success is to know who your target customers are. Even established businesses that get this wrong usually end up sliding down the slope.

To sustain a successful small business, you must gather enough information about how big your target audience base is and what their features are. For instance, you must know their age range, demographics, and personas. Also, you must know what influences their buying decisions. This will not only help you reach and convert them effectively but retain them even after they become your customers. Remember, a thriving business is one that understands what its customers want.

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Offer great service

While it’s great to consider several other factors, you must understand that the core element of your business is the quality of the product or service you offer. It is one thing to get customers to patronize your business; it is another to offer them outstanding service and a great customer experience. The latter will help convert your one-time visitors into loyal customers.

An essential ingredient to a successful small business in this highly competitive environment is generating enough positive word of mouth. A sure way to achieve this is by offering professional service to your customers. More than brand promotion, your customers singing your praises and turning into your brand ambassadors is one of the most effective ways to grow as a small business.

Study your competitors

Every business has competitors, and you should be worried if you don’t find any around you. A lack of competitors in a market may mean a lack of demand for the product or service it offers. Since your primary goal is to ensure that your target customers choose your small business over your competitors, it’s imperative that you stand above them by researching the competition around you.

When you find your competitors, you must find out who they are, their strengths and weaknesses, their customer reviews, and their results. You must also ask yourself which of them stands out and which of them are out of business. This information will enable you to make informed decisions that will keep you above the competition in your market, no matter how fierce it is. You’ll easily be the first choice of your target audience when they find that your business offers more value where others are lagging.

Cut unnecessary costs

Another common mistake many small businesses make is the lack of proper cash management by spending on unnecessary things. This has sent many small businesses packing in their early days. Cash management is vital, especially when you have just launched your business and have a lot to spend on. Hence, it is important to have a budget for each of your expenditures and stick to it to avoid running into debt.

Here are some helpful financial tips for your small business:

  • Cut unnecessary subscriptions
  • Get a cheaper supplier for your products
  • Downsize to a smaller space if necessary
  • Charge late-payment fees from customers
  • Review your expenses regularly

Be focused and passionate

Finally, the most important personal traits vital to the success of your small business are your focus and passion. These will drive you towards achieving your goals no matter what challenges arise. Before reaching your big goals, you need to be satisfied with short-term goals and milestones. Know that sustaining a business is not a sprint but a marathon, so you must be patient.

Also, you must be passionate about your business to make it a success story. You must not for once be distracted from why you started the venture in the first place. Passion will always keep you on your feet. It may take you more time than you might spend working for someone else, and you might even sacrifice fun weekends and vacations, but it will be worth it in the end.

Conclusion

Rome wasn’t built in a day is a saying that applies to your small business. Launching and sustaining a business idea is not all flowers and roses, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can be part of the success rate. Don’t forget to visit Parimatch for a fantastic betting experience.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Economy

Lokpobiri Hails Petroleum Reforms Amid Surge in Investments

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petroleum products

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, has said ongoing reforms and strategic policy implementation in Nigeria’s petroleum sector are driving significant investments and strengthening the country’s position as a leading energy destination in Africa.

Mr Lokpobiri stated this at the Management Retreat of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, where he stressed the need for improved institutional performance and accountability to sustain growth in the sector.

According to the Minister, the federal government has deliberately pursued far-reaching reforms aimed at creating a stable and investor-friendly environment capable of attracting local and foreign capital into the oil and gas industry.

“From far-reaching institutional reforms to the effective implementation of strategic policies, we have remained committed to carrying all stakeholders along, fostering a conducive environment for investments to flourish,” Mr Lokpobiri said.

“As a result, our petroleum sector has witnessed significant investments that continue to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading energy destination.”

The Minister noted that the gains recorded in the sector were the product of collective efforts across the Ministry and its agencies, commending staff for their dedication and professionalism.

“The Management Retreat of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources provided an important platform to reiterate that these accomplishments would not have been possible without the collective dedication, professionalism and teamwork of every staff member across the Ministry and its agencies,” he stated.

Mr Lokpobiri said the retreat, themed Driving Institutional Performance and Accountability in the Petroleum Sector for Sustainable National Development, underscored the importance of continuous improvement in service delivery and operational efficiency.

Drawing lessons from the theme, he urged officials of the Ministry and regulatory agencies to intensify efforts toward enhancing institutional effectiveness and strengthening governance frameworks.

“I encouraged that we must redouble our efforts, continuously improve the quality of our services, and strengthen institutional performance,” he said.

The Minister further emphasised the continued relevance of fossil fuels in the global energy mix, stressing that Nigeria must leverage its hydrocarbon resources to drive economic growth while ensuring citizens benefit from ongoing reforms.

“With fossil fuel as the dominant source of energy, we must ensure that Nigerians experience the benefits of our progress and that Nigeria remains the preferred investment destination in Africa and a globally competitive hub for energy investments,” Mr Lokpobiri added.

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Economy

Universal Insurance Extends N3.2bn Rights Issue to June 22

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Universal Insurance shares

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The N3.2 billion rights issue of Universal Insurance Plc has been extended by almost two weeks after securing regulatory approval.

The exercise was earlier scheduled to close on June 10, 2026, but will now close on Monday, June 22, 2026.

The extension was granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after a request from the underwriting organisation.

In the rights issue, Universal Insurance is offering to shareholders 2,666,666,667 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N1.20 per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing six ordinary shares held as of the close of business on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Subscription for the acquisition of the company’s extra shares opened on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

The extension gives investors more time to increase their stake in the insurance firm, which intends to use proceeds from the exercise to boost its capital base, as mandated by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

Insurance companies operating in Nigeria have been given till July 31, 2026, to shore up their capital base or pack up. Operators can also explore a merger if they wish.

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Economy

4.964 billion Shares Worth N207.5bn Exchange Hands in 235,966 deals in Four Days

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nigerian shares

By Dipo Olowookere

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited opened its doors to market participants in four days last week as a result of a public holiday observed on Friday, June 12, for 2026 Democracy Day in the country.

In the week, investors bought and sold 4.964 billion shares worth N207.521 billion in 235,966 deals, as against the 3.966 billion shares valued at N175.659 billion that exchanged hands in 343,587 deals a week earlier.

Analysis showed that the financial services industry led the activity chart with 4.116 billion shares valued at N84.607 billion in 96,165 deals, contributing 82.92 per cent and 40.77 per cent to the total trading volume and value, respectively.

The services sector transacted 232.479 million shares worth N4.955 billion in 17,614 deals, while the industrial goods segment exchanged 144.988 million shares worth N39.077 billion in 24,775 deals.

Sterling Holdings, FCMB, and Access Holdings were the most traded stocks with 2.883 billion units sold for N36.188 billion in 15,533 deals, accounting for 58.09 per cent and 17.44 per cent of the total trading volume and value, respectively.

A total of 40 equities appreciated in the week versus 23 equities in the previous week, 53 equities depreciated versus 65 equities a week earlier, and 53 equities remained unchanged versus 58 equities in the preceding week.

ABC Transport was the best-performing equity for the week after it gained 25.60 per cent to trade at N7.80, Consolidated Hallmark appreciated by 23.13 per cent to N8.25, Abbey Mortgage Bank rose by 21.93 per cent to N11.40, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank grew by 20.32 per cent to N11.25, and Austin Laz soared by 15.16 per cent to N4.33.

The worst-performing equity last week was Fidson Healthcare because of its 25.86 per cent loss, closing at N101.20. Neimeth declined by 19.14 per cent to N8.55, Union Homes REIT shed 17.36 per cent to close at N70.00, SUNU Assurances slipped by 11.38 per cent to N3.97, and Unilever Nigeria dropped 10.26 per cent to trade at N140.00.

As for the index movement, the All-Share Index (ASI) and the market capitalisation chalked up 0.88 per cent each to settle at 244,738.74 points and N156.970 trillion, respectively.

Similarly, all other indices finished higher apart from the pension, AFR Bank Value, MERI Growth, MERI Value, consumer goods, Lotus II, industrial goods, sovereign bond and commodity indices, which fell by 0.03 per cent, 1.20 per cent, 0.21 per cent, 1.61 per cent, 0.54 per cent, 0.51 per cent, 1.00 per cent, 2.04 per cent and 0.34 per cent, respectively.

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