How do I get started with a business?

Question

I have an idea for a business however I have no experience, relevant education or money beacuse I'm too young. I am currently pursuing my BA. Who do I go to? How do I develop a plan? How do I develop the service I have thought of? And all that without being able to pay the relevant specialists?

Answer 1

The biggest thing is research! lots and lots of it. Who else does what you want to do? Who else does it in your area? How are their businesses going? Is there room for you? What will it cost to run your business (overheads)? What will your stock cost (if you have stock)?
Think about marketing, advertising and other ongoing costs! Your business will fail if it's not constantly in the public eye. Write reports on all of the above. Then have a go at a cashflow forecast for a years business, lots of guesstimates I know, but shows initiative and willingness and that you're commited and unafraid of hard work.
Good luck.

Answer 2

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* How to Really Start Your Own Business, Fourth Edition by David E. Gumpert
* How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide by David E. Gumpert
* What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business) by Jan Norman
* Business Start-Up Kit by Steven D. Strauss
* Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) by Rieva Lesonsky

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

I suggest you read and talk to as many people as possible. Not only in the field you plan to go into but other small business owners that can share what they had to go through. You also need to write a business plan.

Business plan advice:
http://www.home-business-expo.com/8142006_BusinessPlans.asp

http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/planning/basic.html

I would suggest after you have started to put together a business plan and answered some of your basic questions you schedule a meeting with a local business attorney. Good luck!

Answer 4

You are eligible for free entrepreneural counseling from the organizations listed below. Don't put it off and look back in the future to say, "I wish I would have...." ... Click on both of the sites below and see what they have to say and what they have to offer.