Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Starting and running a business will require everything you’ve got. But it’s also one of the best ways to forge a fulfilling career that plays on your strengths and offers flexibility, freedom, and work-life balance.

Of course, to get the most from your entrepreneurship, you must know how to effectively manage your small business through each stage of the journey. Along with being willing to work harder than the rest, this requires you to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning and remain flexible to a constantly evolving business landscape. Live Business Blog is here with nine fundamental tips that can put you on track to long-term success as an entrepreneur—whether you’re just starting out or are trying to grow your existing business:

Ways to Thrive as a Modern Entrepreneur

1. Settle into a niche

Too many budding entrepreneurs try to cater to too many consumers. But if you build your business around too broad of an audience, then you lower your chances of establishing yourself as a reputable presence in the industry. Instead, find a niche market in which you can thrive, and focus all of your attention on that niche. For example, rather than trying to become the next Amazon, choose one product or service to specialize in, and build your brand from there.

2. Center around solving a problem

The ability of your business to attract and retain customers depends on whether or not you are solving a pressing problem for your target audience. Without a problem to solve, your business can have no mission or direction. These days, consumer needs are rapidly changing, and it’s imperative to stay on top of those needs so that you can meet them and provide customers with tangible value.

3. Keep tabs on the competition

It doesn’t matter how friendly you are with other companies in the industry; business is brutal. You must know what your competitors are doing or you will get left behind. Regularly study how the competition is solving problems, what strategies they are using, and what new offerings they are providing. That way, you’ll know what you’re up against, and you can adjust your operations and offerings accordingly so that you stay innovative and relevant.

4. Stay on top of your finances

Without proper financial management, no business stands a chance. Make sure you’re always in the loop with the state of your company’s cash flow. The accessible money you have will determine whether or not you can keep operating your business effectively and jump on new opportunities.

Another factor to consider is payroll. Too many businesses neglect to maintain efficient payroll processes, which can lead to devastating consequences. Keep your finances and reputation in good shape by implementing a payroll system that helps you stay organized.

Many companies benefit from using an automated payroll platform. But if you’re working with a limited staff, you may be able to get by with a payroll template. Such a template can prove invaluable when it comes to keeping track of pay dates, invoices, and employee schedules. Plus it sets the stage for a proper organization that can easily migrate to a new system when you’re ready.

5. Regularly update your business plan

If you’re in the process of starting a business, one of your first jobs will be to create a business plan. This plan should outline—among other things—your mission, core values, goals, projections, and strategies. Along with guiding you through the ups and downs of running a business, your business plan will help you obtain funding (if necessary).

If you’re running an established business, then you should regularly revisit your business plan. Since the business landscape changes so frequently, you’ll likely need to evaluate your plan and make adjustments to your goals, strategies, and other factors.

6. Remain legally aware

New businesses have quite a few tasks they must complete before they are legally above board. For example, you must choose a business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc.) that will determine how the state views and treats your business. You must also develop an official business name and register that name with the state. Moreover, regulations are constantly modified, so you’ll need to ensure you understand the regulations so your company remains in compliance (and that goes for long-established businesses as well).

7. Create a positive work environment

Without a happy and productive team, your company will only go so far. It’s difficult to overstate the importance of maintaining a positive work environment—one that helps team members feel appreciated and a part of something bigger than themselves. Make sure you are regularly recognizing each employee or freelancer for their efforts and quality of work, whether it’s through verbal encouragement, bonuses, or other types of rewards. Furthermore, ensure that your team members have all the tools necessary for their daily tasks.

8. Relentlessly promote your business

Your business can provide the highest-quality services in the industry. You can sell the most innovative products that meet an urgent consumer need. But unless people know about your company, your progress will be limited.

Take a shameless approach to promote your business. Create a brand (or upgrade your existing brand) that sets you apart from all other companies in the market. Make sure you have a stellar website that looks beautiful, is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and provides meaningful content for your audience. Engage on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and any other social media outlets that can broaden your reach and boost customer service. Moreover, look for other online marketing methods that will help you gain prominence, and don’t hesitate to invest time, energy, and money into them.

9. Build your network

Finally, constantly build your network. No matter how successful your business becomes, you’ll always need a network of professionals surrounding you. Get involved with your local chamber of commerce, attend industry events regularly, and use social media to connect with other entrepreneurs and businesses. You never know when you will meet your next business partner, team member, mentor, or vendor!

Much of your success as an entrepreneur will depend on the habits and strategies you implement on a regular basis. No matter the industry your business operates in, chances are you can benefit from following the tips above. IT is necessary for any entrepreneur to build their network, especially in an online freelance business. But don’t stop here. Remember that the landscape is constantly evolving, so keep learning how you can improve and keep your company in a position to flourish long-term!

With that being said, if you truly want to know how to become a modern-day entrepreneur, read about digital entrepreneurship.