"I started my small business, but I feel frustrated because there are few customers. What should I do?"
Problem:
"I started my small business, but I feel frustrated because there are few customers. What should I do?"
"Why is disappointment normal at the start of a business, and how to turn it around?"
Sender: Tanvir Ahmed | Small Business Owner | Dhaka, Bangladesh
Am I on the wrong track?
Tanvir Ahmed started his own small business a few months ago. He sells handmade products online. Although he started the business with great dreams, now he has few customers, no orders, and he is worried— "Will I really be successful?"
Meanwhile, many acquaintances are saying, "This is not how business works," "The market is difficult for newcomers," or "You're wasting your time." Hearing these things, his confidence is decreasing, he feels like he might be making a mistake.
But thousands of entrepreneurs like Tanvir face this situation at the beginning. So, what can he do now?
What to do to avoid getting frustrated in the first steps of business?
1. Remember—success doesn't come at first.
✅ Truth: Most successful businesses made losses in the beginning. Over time, they changed their strategies and won over customers.
Example:
- Apple, Coca-Cola, KFC—they were all initially at a loss.
- Jack Ma (Alibaba) did not make any profit from his business for the first 3 years.
2. Try to understand the market and customer needs
✅ Suggestions:
- You need to understand what kind of buyer might buy your product.
- Look at the competitors, how they are succeeding.
- Get feedback, try to understand what customers are unhappy about or what they want.
3. Increase promotion and marketing
✅ Suggestions:
- Do social media marketing (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
- Make your product images and content attractive.
- Make sure to make some first sales through friends and acquaintances to get your marketing going.
4. Be patient and set small goals.
✅ Suggestions:
- Be patient for the first 6 months to 1 year of business.
- Set small goals: for example, getting at least 10 new customers per month.
5. Take failure as a lesson, not as a defeat.
✅ Truth: It's normal to stumble in the early stages of business. But this is the time to learn—where your product, strategy, and marketing are weak.
Last words
Tanvir, the first step in business is difficult, but success will come only if you face this challenge. Don't get discouraged, analyze the business, make a plan, and try to reach customers in new ways.
If you believe in yourself, you will succeed. Share your business experiences with us!