| I have never really thought to dedicate an entire blog | | | | completely honest with you. There is nothing more |
| post to starting a business the smart way, but I feel | | | | embarrassing than putting time, money, and resources |
| now that it is long overdue. Business is a touchy | | | | into an idea that no one really finds interesting or |
| subject for many people. Especially if it is the | | | | needed. Gain clarity on your market, and sit in a quite |
| entrepreneur's life goals and dreams that are on the | | | | room. Write a list of pros and cons of this business's |
| line. I have been hearing a lot of people lately who | | | | start-up and operation processes. Try to go into any |
| haven't taken the necessary steps in starting their | | | | large commitments with a totally clear state of mind. |
| business, and they wonder why they keep hitting | | | | - Do Your Research - Search the internet for similar |
| certain obstacles and dilemmas along the way. I have | | | | businesses and services. Note all of their current |
| learned the following steps from experience... and now | | | | advertising trends, search engine optimization |
| they are steps that I always make an effort to take | | | | strategies, and other important information. Order a |
| when starting a business of my own, or helping a client | | | | product or consultation with them if you can. Take |
| get their business or new venture off of the ground. | | | | note of their packaging, customer service, processes, |
| - Legalities- So you've got this wonderful, superior, | | | | and anything else that will be useful. Take special |
| awesome, cool, neat, and unique idea for a new | | | | notice of the mistakes they made, and how their |
| business start-up, product, or service, and you're all | | | | processes could be improved. |
| ready to get it up and running like yesterday. I've seen | | | | - Write a Business Plan - This is a must, and everyone |
| many cases of the "OH MY GOSH, MY IDEA IS | | | | should do it.... even if you don't plan on gaining investor |
| GREAT" syndrome. The only problem is, you haven't | | | | backing. This business plan should not be basic, but |
| protected yourself before sharing your ideas with | | | | should be very detailed. Don't skip over planning |
| peers, investors and other potentials who may be | | | | sections because you "know" what you will do in that |
| involved in the business. If you have an idea, check | | | | situation. Having it apart of your business plan should |
| around on the internet to see if there are similar | | | | set it in stone, depending on the direction the business |
| products or services out there. Check inventor's | | | | goes. The business plan should be your go-to guide for |
| databases for lists of patents based on what your | | | | what you need to accomplish. Write a corresponding |
| product may be. Trademark anything that is the | | | | list of things that need to be done to achieve goals set |
| driving-force behind your idea. As soon as you have | | | | forth by the business plan. This to-do list should be |
| an idea that you feel can't be beat, be sure to contact | | | | looked at everyday..... and the motivation for doing |
| your lawyer! At this point, your lawyer is the only | | | | things in a timely fashion. |
| person you can likely trust with your business's trade | | | | - Set Goals, and Dream Big. You should have an even |
| secrets and info. Make sure to have him or her draft | | | | more detailed set of goals set forth, that outlines goals |
| your Non-Disclosure Agreements for potential | | | | needed from the business plan, and how they |
| investors and people who would like to be involved to | | | | correspond to your personal life. For instance, a goal |
| sign. This is imperative... really. Don't let yourself fall | | | | could be to achieve $100,000 in sales in the first |
| victim to sleezy investors and so-called colleagues. I | | | | quarter, and a corresponding goal could be that if this |
| know many people who have, and you'd be surprised | | | | goal is met... you will be able to put a down-payment |
| to hear how stupid their mistakes were that made | | | | on a home in a nice area that you've always wanted |
| them vulnerable. | | | | to live in. For every goal in your business plan, there |
| - Take a Step Back - I say this because to one | | | | should be a corresponding personal goal as well. I find |
| person, an idea may seem like they just struck gold, | | | | that this has helped me keep in line with my |
| but to others, it may seem cheesy, lame, or worst of | | | | businesses, and realize how their performance directly |
| all.... unorganized and amateur. If your idea is serving a | | | | affects my personal life. In addition, start shopping for |
| need or cause that is currently NOT being served, you | | | | that new home NOW! Go on home tours and realize |
| likely have a good idea. Get the opinions of good | | | | the lifestyle you want. When you see it in front of you.... |
| friends and spouses whom you know will be | | | | it makes it seem more real to obtain. |