Starting a business of your own seems like a very tempting prospect but as appealing as it is, it can be a very daunting process. Not everyone can be an entrepreneur as it requires unrelenting persistence and continuous dedication. If you are planning to start a business of your own, there are a number of challenges that you would come across. They would not only require your complete dedication but also put your business management skills to the test. You might face issues regarding sales, marketing, managing finances, making a budget, legal activities, hiring, parole and so much more.
This is not to scare you away or overwhelm you but let’s admit, all things good can be scary and overwhelming in the beginning. But if you have a clear and comprehensible business plan, you need not worry. Here’s how you can start planning for your new business,
Come Up with a Grand Idea!
All great businesses were once just little ideas and dreams. Facebook, Uber, Airbnb, even Mercedes, Apple, and others. Before becoming billion-dollar giants, these companies were nothing but ideas in the heads of normal human beings just like us, just like you. So, don’t hesitate and come up with an idea. Think of what you are already good at. Can you see that turning into a business? Or maybe think about something you always wanted to learn and then take a challenge.
Do Some Refining and Studying!
Now that you have an idea, let’s work on it. Refine your idea by conducting some deep and thorough market research. Whatever niche you want to enter, you should have a clear idea about your competitors. Study what they are selling, how they are selling it, to whom they are selling it to and more. Now, think about how you can do better? Look for any loopholes that you can work on and give a better product or service to your potential customers. Ask yourself, “they already have someone to buy from, why should they buy from a new business like yours?”
Prepare a Sound Business Plan
We are talking business now. A clear and sound business planworks as a strong foundation. It is a guideline of how you plan to start your business and how you see it growing. A great business planwill also be reflective of your competency and capability of being a successful entrepreneur. You will use it to convince investors and other people to work with you. Make it count! Getting help from professional business plan writing services may provide good value.
Don’t Forget an Exit Strategy!
While this may sound disheartening, it is highly important to have an exit plan ready for you. Your business plan already has it all covered – where you see your business going, what potential barriers you could come across, how to overcome those barriers, and keep your business running. But even then, there are chances that things might not go as planned. In such situations, an exit strategy can help you save face and finances too.
Let’s Talk Money!
Now that you have a plan in hand, you need to do the math and come up with a budget for your business. Let’s say you have a figure. Now, do you have this much capital at hand or would you need to turn to a bank or lender to finance your business? Getting funding for your start-up can be very difficult and reaching out to a lender that specializes in providing loans to start-up enterprises may be a good idea. Whatever the case is, it will be great if you overestimate the capital for your business because you don’t want to run out of cash because of budget constraints. Keep in mind that it could take some time until your business actually starts making sustainable profits that you can rely on to keep your business going.
Find a Location
Depending on the type of your business and your customer base, consider a good location for your business. Many businesses have moved to online stores amid the COVID-19 crisis. See if that can be a feasible option for you because an online store could mean much lower costs and a lot more savings when it comes to hiring staff, paying taxes, reinvesting revenue, and more. Also, maintenance costs of a brick-and-mortar store will also be out of the equation.
Choose Your Business’s Structure
Choosing your business’s structure is an important decision that is going to impact your business’s registration, your personal liability, the legal status of your business, how you pay your taxes, and more. It will be a good idea to hire an attorney to guide you on the pros and cons of different business formations like a Limited Liability Company, sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.
Name Your Business!
Everything is planned – you have got the money, the business structure, and a stellar business plan. Now, come up with a good name for your new business. Remember! The name happens to be the very first encounter that your customers have with your business. So, think of a name that you, as a customer, would feel attracted to. Also, you have to make sure that the name is not already taken.
Let’s Get Down to Some Legal Work!
It’s time to register your business and make it legal. Legalizing your business will also protect your brand. Depending on the business structure, you may have to register it with the state government or the Federal Government, or both. Your attorney or business counselor can help you with the registration process, getting a tax ID, and other licenses or permits.
Spread the Word!!!
Now that everything is in order for your business and you are set to launch it, you can start promoting it on various platforms. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are a good place to kick-start your marketing. They are cheaper compared to the mainstream media and have a much bigger reach. You could also spread the word to your target audience via a thoroughly planned promotional campaign. If feasible (and affordable), you could also hire a good advertising agency or other marketing agents to plan out and execute a publicity strategy for you.
