If you’ve recently decided to start your own business, then you are probably experiencing a mixture of excitement and terror at this point. You’re ready to jump run in, but you might not have any idea about what to do first. Read on for some tips and tricks about how to build your business from the ground up.
Do Some Research
You probably already have a good idea of what products and services your business will provide, but now you need to figure out if the market in your area can and will support your company. Check out your possible competitors. Identify potential customers. Talk to people, and get their reaction about your ideas. See if you can find a niche that will make your business unique and appealing.
Find Some Inspiration
As you research and set up your business, give yourself an emotional boost by finding inspiration in other entrepreneurs who have been successful in their start-ups. Read about Jeffrey Previte, for instance. He started a landscaping business as a teenager and has found great success. You can, too, if you persevere.
Write a Business Plan
You will need to write up a detailed business plan for your new company. This will cover everything from your company’s structure to roles and tasks to pricing and budgeting to marketing. It will also help you set some goals. Be thorough so that all the elements of your business are covered and accessible in this one document.
Register Your Business
As you form your company, you may need to register it with the government if you decide to create anything but a sole proprietorship. Partnerships, LLCs, and corporations all require a good amount of paperwork, so be sure you know exactly what you need and have all the information available. You could work through a formation service to smooth out the process.
Set Up Your Budget
Another important piece of your start-up puzzle is your budget. You must know exactly how much funding you have as you enter into this venture and how much it will cost to get everything up and running. Make a detailed list of income and expenses, and see if you even come close to balancing. At this point, you will also likely want to start looking for funding sources. You might explore small business grants or loans that can give your new company a financial lift. Be sure to read all the terms and regulations, though, so nothing takes you by surprise later on.
Start Marketing
When your business plan, registration and finances are all in place, then it will finally be time to start marketing your new company. Build a website, and set up social media pages, but don’t neglect more traditional sources of advertising. Take out ads in local newspapers. Print up some flyers. Even make up some yard signs. Talk to people about your business, too. In other words, spread the word any way you can.
Starting a new business can be both exciting and scary, but with good organization, plentiful creativity and dogged perseverance, you can find success.
