Signs that show it’s time to shutdown your startup
Abhi Golhar
As a speaker and Managing Partner of Meridian 84, we equip business leaders and high performers to win the game of doubt and accelerate profitable growth and innovation.
The ending of a business can be tough, especially when you put so much time and effort into building it. It hurts pride more than anything else but know that this is what needs to happen for your own good-to close down properly before the tide takes everything away from you!
When should you give up on your startup? Usually, when things get really bad it’s time to throw in the towel. There are some signs that indicate when to and you should take note because this will save you both money and heartache!?
Here are a few signs that point to an end to avoid rather worse damages.
Your annual revenue is going south
When revenue numbers show a constant decline year after year, it is time to re-evaluate your business. A healthy company shouldn’t experience any declining trends in their financials - so anything resembling such behavior should definitely raise some flags as soon as possible.
The whole point behind incorporating or having limited liability was so that the two finances would stay separate - which means it's time to seriously consider cutting losses if things aren't turning around soon enough for personal financial stability reasons alone. The last thing any entrepreneur wants is repayments on both ends of the spectrum!
You’re having serious health concerns due to what your startup’s costing you
The life of an entrepreneur should have a balancing act of work and personal life. The strain on your body and mind can't be honored with a paycheck, so it deserves respect! The best way to maintain your physical and mental health is by making sure that you're not constantly stressed out.
A decline in your general wellness could mean ruin if left unchecked - so don't wait any longer! Evaluate whether this means something about how much value you bring as an entrepreneur versus what it's doing to your health, mental being and those around you.
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You can’t find passion in your product or service anymore
At the end of every year, it can be hard to remember why you started your business in the first place. When this happens and there are signs that things may never return back into focus or stay focused on one mission all day long-it's time for some serious self assessment!
Is everything clear? Does what you do still make sense as opposed to how it would have a while ago when starting out? If you're not sure, that can lead to spending unnecessary money while still feeling dissatisfied with what you are doing. It could be the first sign of danger for a business, as it's important in order to set clear goals so we know whether or not our company is heading towards success!
You have achieved all your previous goals but there’s nothing to look forward to
Shutting down a business can be difficult, but it's never too late to pivot and start something new. There are many steps that you need to take before deciding this course of action including assessing if there’s anything left in the pipeline with customers or competitors who could fill any gaps caused before closing doors completely.?
Ask yourself such questions- Are your customers fulfilled? Have they reached their burnout stage with nothing left for you or anyone else in the world that needs what only you have on offer? If so then maybe now would not only provide an opportunity but also help avoid future failures and losses by shutting down sooner rather than later before things get really out of control.
You can’t find new leads and there’s no way to retain your existing clients even with all the effort
The customer is king, but if you find yourself unable to generate new customers or retain the ones that are already with you-it may be time for a change. As any company knows: The revenue comes from their clients; without them there would be no business!?
What happens when all of your efforts seem fruitless? This could mean two things- either it could mean you need more resources or this industry just isn't right for you and you’re unappreciated, in which case- goodbye!