OK - I have a business, now what?
You'll need a website. I know nothing about websites (other than how to surf the net), but there are easy ways to set up quality websites using free hosting and site building - for example, here's a good website that uses Google Sites. This was set up by following the guidance from here.
You'll need a website. I know nothing about websites (other than how to surf the net), but there are easy ways to set up quality websites using free hosting and site building - for example, here's a good website that uses Google Sites. This was set up by following the guidance from here.
I don't even know what i want to do!
Most people would advise you to have an idea before you start a business. However, you probably want to 'test the waters' before you commit to something. Registering a business and developing a website force you to look deep inside yourself to find your passion and interest. Once you identify what service/product you will provide you'll need an elevator pitch.
I don't know anything about taxes, sales, marketing - what do i do?
Most people would advise you to have an idea before you start a business. However, you probably want to 'test the waters' before you commit to something. Registering a business and developing a website force you to look deep inside yourself to find your passion and interest. Once you identify what service/product you will provide you'll need an elevator pitch.
I don't know anything about taxes, sales, marketing - what do i do?
The only way to learn these is the apply the principles to your business. There are plenty of free resources to assist you. It is in everyone's interest that small businesses are started as they are the major contributor to economies. There are government-sponsored programmes (free of charge) that can walk you through the process of record keeping, for example, and provide guidance and seminars on marketing or growing your business. In New Zealand, for example, there is a government website solely dedicated to those who are either in business or wanting to start a business, with links to local and regional programmes for support.
Will it still be worth it if i don't make any money?
The vast majority of businesses fail, so you might as well understand a bit about running a business while you keep your day job. The reality is that if you start a business to learn about starting a business, then you will have spent far less time and money than you would otherwise have spent getting a degree at a university - and you will probably learn more practical skills, anyway! It is handy to have a business (and know the basics of running one) because there will be a day when it is more attractive for bigger companies to subcontract smaller companies (ie 1 person) or consultants to do a job rather than going through the hassle of hiring an employee. Positioning one's self for this eventual reality will provide some security, especially when job markets are so poor.
Are there any other advantages?
Everything mentioned here so far is practical, but the benefits go much much further. When you own your own company you become a walking, talking brand with a strong sense of pride. Metaphorically speaking, it's like harvesting food from your garden. You've spent a lot of time preparing the soil and nurturing the plants, so when they grow and produce, your hard work makes you smug and your meals never taste better! With a business, you have a more professional attitude and approach life much more positively, even in your everyday interactions with people. Reputation is everything, so you will be much less inclined to burn bridges; you'll never know what opportunities exist on the other side of a burned bridge. It is amazing how many people offer support and guidance simply by the shear mention that you run a small business and could use some advice.
Is it really this easy?
Yes! There is no need to let a lack of business skills hold you back from starting your own business. The only thing you will need start a successful business is an idea and a customer, and the rest you will pick up along the way.
Will it still be worth it if i don't make any money?
The vast majority of businesses fail, so you might as well understand a bit about running a business while you keep your day job. The reality is that if you start a business to learn about starting a business, then you will have spent far less time and money than you would otherwise have spent getting a degree at a university - and you will probably learn more practical skills, anyway! It is handy to have a business (and know the basics of running one) because there will be a day when it is more attractive for bigger companies to subcontract smaller companies (ie 1 person) or consultants to do a job rather than going through the hassle of hiring an employee. Positioning one's self for this eventual reality will provide some security, especially when job markets are so poor.
Are there any other advantages?
Everything mentioned here so far is practical, but the benefits go much much further. When you own your own company you become a walking, talking brand with a strong sense of pride. Metaphorically speaking, it's like harvesting food from your garden. You've spent a lot of time preparing the soil and nurturing the plants, so when they grow and produce, your hard work makes you smug and your meals never taste better! With a business, you have a more professional attitude and approach life much more positively, even in your everyday interactions with people. Reputation is everything, so you will be much less inclined to burn bridges; you'll never know what opportunities exist on the other side of a burned bridge. It is amazing how many people offer support and guidance simply by the shear mention that you run a small business and could use some advice.
Is it really this easy?
Yes! There is no need to let a lack of business skills hold you back from starting your own business. The only thing you will need start a successful business is an idea and a customer, and the rest you will pick up along the way.
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1 comment:
Thank you for the informative post.
The key to a successful business no matter if it's a retail store, a knowledge related business, home based or retail based, is always the same. WORK! Home based businesses don't mean that there's less work. It means the business can be operated out of your home. The WORK part still is critical to your success. We're almost all seen how the corporate world wastes time in endless meetings. In a small business, we too can fall into patterns that keep us from doing the most important thing to assure success, and that's work.
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