Steps you should consider before starting a business
Ifat Buttar
Enhance your idea
In the words it is important to start always with a why, consulting and coaching, is an essential part. In this process, it is wise to distinguish whether the enterprise serves the individual or the market. When why you should focus on meeting market needs, your business scope will always be greater than that designed to meet individual need.
Contemplate franchising
Another option is to open a franchise for an established company the concept is, brand attention and business model are in place; all you need is a good location and means to fund your operations.
Regardless of which option you choose, it is important to understand the reasons behind your ideas not to write business plans or brainstorm ideas before determining the value of creativity.
Business Name
Do Your Research
For a small business to succeed, it must solve problems, satisfy needs, or provide what the market wants.
You can determine this need in a variety of ways, including research, focus groups, and even trial and error. When exploring the market, some of the questions you should answer include:
- Do you need the products/services you expect?
- Who wants it?
- Are there other companies offering similar products/services?
- How will your business acclimate to the market?
Make a plan
You need a plan to make your business vision a reality a business plan is a blueprint that will guide your business from the start-up phase to establishment to final business growth and is a prerequisite for all new businesses.
The good news is that there are different types of business plans for different types of businesses.
If you do not anticipate seeking financial support, a simple one-page business plan can help you clarify what you want to achieve and how you plan to do it. In fact, you can even create a working business plan behind the napkin and improve it over time. Written plan is always better than nothing.
Plan Your Finances
Starting a small business does not require a lot of money, but it includes the ability to cover some initial investment and ongoing costs before you make a profit. Put together a spreadsheet that estimates the one-time start-up costs of your business (licenses and permits, equipment, statutory costs, insurance, branding, market research, inventory, trademark registration, grand opening events, real estate leasing, etc.). What you expect you will need to keep your business running for at least 12 months (rent, utilities, marketing and advertising, production, supply, travel expenses, employee salaries, your own salaries, etc.).
Choose a Business Structure
Your small business can be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC), or a company. The entity you choose affects many factors, from trade names to liability and tax filing methods.
You can choose your first business structure and reassess and change it as your business grows and your needs change.
Select and Register Your Business Name
Your trade name plays a role in almost every aspect of your business, so you want it to be good. When considering your options and choosing a trade name, consider all possible implications. Once you have chosen a business name, you need to make sure it is trademarked or currently in use then you need to register it. The sole proprietor must register his/ her trade name with the state or county secretary. A company, LLC, or limited partnership usually registers its trade name when the formation documents are submitted.