I have an idea for a service/business. How do I get my idea "up & running" for profit?

Answer 1

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 2

The very first thing you must determine is whether or not there is a market for your service/business. You may think it is the greatest thing since sliced breat, but no one else cares about it. Thus no sales!

Believe me, I have gone this route too many times and spent way too much on advertising/marketing before I came to the harsh reality that it was a great idea but no one else thought so.

Since you do not say what the service/business is, test it out on family, friends, and most importantly, other people you do not know. Strangers will provide the most objective feed back. You will have to "beat the streets" or "sit on the phone" to determine if you really have a viable idea.

One thing to remember is to always be honest. You might say something like:

Mr. Business Owner (or consumer), I have developed a (........) and would like the opportunity to come by and discuss it with you. This is not a sales call since the service is not even up and running yet, but I value your opinion since you are one of the most respected (............) in (....whatever industry...). I promise to be brief and concise. May I meet with you tomorrow? Or..................

That should get you some input. Stress when you have the meeting that you want them to brutally honest with you. Tell it like it is. Tell you why is will work and why it won't work.

That's your first step. After you have done that and determined it is truly a viable product/service/business then post another question.

Oh, you should meet with at least 15 individuals who are not your relatives or friends. Get moving. Don't get discouraged, just get moving.

Answer 3

According to Brian Tracy, the first think you should do is home work on your products and services. Test them out in the area where you will start your business.

Answer 4

Any business starts with 1% inspiration followed by 99% perspiration!