Hard work doesn't guarantee success (although it does make it more likely!). Here are some other ways to make it more likely that your business does well!
1. Do your homework. Would anyone want to buy your product? Who are they? How do you let them know that your amazing product is available?
2. Sweat the small stuff. The name of your product, it's packaging, even the font you use for it can make a big difference to your customers.
3. Punch the numbers. How much does it cost for you to manufacture your product? How much does it cost to sell it? (Retailers often take more than half the sticker cost of your product!) How much of a profit do you need to break even and how many would you need to sell at your expected sticker price? You can easily end up losing money if you're not aware of all of the costs that go into selling something! (And remember, your time is worth something, too!)
4. Make friends! Partnerships can make or break a business venture. You'll need them at all levels, from people who manufacture your product, to distributors, down to potential spokespeople. (Instagram influencers, perhaps?)
5. Have fun. Remember you're doing this because you love it. (And because you want your own private island one day!)