Go it Alone: Start your Own Business

Starting your own business can be a pretty daunting endeavor, often seeming like an insurmountable mountain requiring extra terrestrial skill sets. This is why many people only venture into the entrepreneurial world after years of experience in their industry – head chefs branch off and start their own restaurants and copywriters become freelancers. Even then the decision can be a difficult one… why risk a comfortable job and decent salary on a dice role? The truth is that starting a business is not nearly as complicated or ‘over there’ as many think. It takes creativity, drive, meticulous planning, expertise and, of course, an ability to sell a product. But, if you have these abilities even in a small amount, then the door is wide open and the possibilities vast.  So why wait? Why not start your own business, today?

The economy

We know the economy is in a bit of a state, and frankly it isn’t changing anytime soon.  By hanging around and waiting for the country’s finances to improve you could be wasting valuable time that would be better spent marketing your fantastic new business idea.

Your idea

So, what’s your idea?  You need to make sure it’s a viable one – one that will ensure you are successful and turn a profit.  How do you do this?  There are several ways.  You need to come up with something unique – this will be the hook that will attract customers.  Take advice from family and friends, and expert advisors if necessary.  Look at your skillset and don’t be tempted to open a business in a sector you know nothing about!  Carry out some market research and draw inspiration from other businesses running in the industry you want to break into – if you want to open a coffee shop, spend your days (and nights) eating and drinking in local coffee shops, but try to focus on the business aspect of your visit rather than sampling every cake in sight!

Your plan

Writing your business plan is the first step towards making your business dreams a reality.  Your plan lays out every detail of your proposed business, and it’s the first thing investors or banks will see when you apply for funding.  You need to really sell your business, be passionate about what you do and come across as an enthusiastic professional with a wealth of experience.  If writing isn’t your strong point, you can hire professional business plan writers to do this for you – of course you’ll still need to provide them with your ideas and business information.

Why not make 2017 the year you do what you’ve always dreamed of doing – starting your own business!  With a little know-how, a lot of research and some serious hard work, your dream could soon become a reality.  Just remember to be confident and believe in your idea – oh, and make sure that you have enough money saved in the bank to support you through the first (sometimes difficult) year; nobody wants to live on beans on toast.