Opening your own business is a challenge that requires motivation, determination, and discipline. Before starting any endeavour, you should consider factors that will affect the decision before committing to starting a business.Ask yourself the following 10 questions to lay the foundation for the success of your business:
Do I have what it takes to be a business owner?
Being an entrepreneur is not a job but a lifestyle. It not only takes commitment, passion, and conviction for your enterprise, but also skills, energy, money, staff, and knowledge to start a business.It will be important to know your strengths and turn them into engine of your business. It is imperative that you feel supported by your family, as many successful entrepreneurs have recognised the support and encouragement they receive from their families as a key to business success.
Why do I want to start a new business?
Either because you had an innovative idea, because you want to enhance an existing service, or because you want to take control of your life. You need to define what you want to do and what is the end. One of the essential characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is that they all wanted to change the world, improving it with their business idea. In any case, you should be prepared to spend time, money, and resources to start your business.
Is my idea feasible/viable?
Identify the business you want to start. Describe the product or service you're trying to sell. To be on the right path, enter your product or service in a market where demand exceeds supply, fill an unmet need, or be competitive based on quality, price, and location.
Who will be part of the business?
Before adding people to your project, you should be clear whether it is really appropriate, if skills are complementary, and if you can work together. It is important that the entrepreneurial team is aligned in objectives and expectations to be able to pass through difficulties. After all, the main factor that will determine the success or failure of an enterprise is the people who run it later.
What is my market potential?
Before investing time and money in the business, know your market. To acquire knowledge of the market you have to analyse it. The market analysis is to obtain information about potential customers and determine the demand for your product or service. The more information you obtain, the better you can promote your business and the better your opportunities to capture market share.
What is a business plan and why do I need one?
Knowing where we are going and how we will get there is essential to guide us in difficult times. The business plan is a basic tool of management, acting as a compass to lead. This plan establishes a commitment to the actions of the company, allows tracing operations, the organisation of people, material resources, tasks to be carried out, and how results will be measured.
How much money do I need to start my business?
When companies are taking their first steps, they require significant resources. Entrepreneurs must first define up to how much they are willing to risk, whether in money, time, contacts, or resource utilisation. You must consider that future business will not generate immediate returns and accounts must ensure that you have sufficient financial reserves to keep your family and business for eight months at least.
How can I finance my business?
The most common way is to use equity or borrow money from relatives and/or friends. Another way is to borrow money from the bank or other financial institutions. Another option is a partner who wants to share the business risk. If you go to investors, make sure you stay with most of the shares. A final option is to participate in contests on business projects developed by government agencies, universities, or other means, where the best business idea is awarded with full or partial funding of the project.
Have I sought advice on the legal and accounting aspects of my business?
Be sure to select a solicitor and accountant to determine how you will manage your business, where you will situate you company, and how many employees are needed. You might need accounting software and other computer systems. You'll have to keep sufficient records to support your business in order to generate financial statements and file tax returns.
How do I incorporate my business?
Define which legal structure suits your company. The scenario will be different if you're planning to work as an independent contractor or as an entrepreneur and business owner, if you will join with family and friends, if you want to formally establish a partnership, a corporation, or other legal entity.Answering these questions will allow you to begin to launch your own business. They are basic and general points to start a business. As you evolve the business plan, you can think about more detailed aspects directly related to the type of business in particular.
