Source: The Small Business Knowledge Base
Starting and managing a business takes motivation, desire and talent. It also takes research and planning.
Like a chess game, success in small business starts with decisive and correct opening moves. And although initial mistakes are not fatal, it takes skill, discipline and hard work to regain the advantage.
To increase your chance for success, take the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well-thought-out business plan that will help you reach these goals.
The process of developing a business plan will help you think through some important issues that you may not have considered yet. Your plan will become a valuable tool as you set out to raise money for your business. It should also provide milestones to gauge your success.
GETTING STARTED. Before starting out, list your reasons for wanting to go into business. Some of the most common reasons for starting a business are:
Next you need to determine what business is "right for you." Ask yourself these questions:
Then you should identify the niche your business will fill. Conduct the necessary research to answer these questions:
The final step before developing your plan is the pre-business checklist. You should answer these questions:
Your answers will help you create a focused, well-researched business plan that should serve as a blueprint. It should detail how the business will be operated, managed and capitalized.
One of the most important cornerstones of starting a business is the business plan. Once you have completed your business plan, review it with a friend or business associate. When you feel comfortable with the content and structure, make an appointment to review and discuss it with your banker. The business plan is a flexible document that should change as your business grows.
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