Written by: Chelsea Lamb
Starting a business is an excellent way to forge a fulfilling career for yourself. But to be successful, you must go about each day with determination, perseverance, and motivation. You also need to take practical steps to start strong and set yourself up for long-term growth. 1-800-2SellHomes exists to help people progress to the next chapters in their lives, which is why we’ve listed some essential tips for anyone considering starting a business.
Hone in on your business idea
One of the first things you need to do is determine what kind of business you want to start. You may have several ideas, or you may have none. Either way, it’s essential to research the market (local, national, global, etc.) to determine the demand and needs for your product or service. Think about your interests, passions, and skills, and work toward identifying a niche.
Write a business plan
Having a well-written business plan is critical for securing funding for your startup, but it does much more than that. Making a business plan teaches you about the competitive landscape, industry structure, and your business itself. It will reveal what kind of funding you need and what adjustments are necessary to ensure short-term and long-term success.
Pick a structure
Too many entrepreneurs overlook the importance of choosing the right legal structure for their business. However, your business structure will determine your liability, the taxes you pay, and the funding you’re able to secure, among other factors.
If you want to keep your personal life and your business separate in the eyes of the government, then forming an LLC is your best bet. It will protect your personhood from liability, provide several tax benefits, and require less paperwork than forming a corporation. Using the right resource when establishing an LLC can make the process much less stressful.
Start researching financing options
The amount of money you will need for a healthy start will depend on the type of business you’re starting. For instance, if you want to work out of your home as a consultant, you may only need a few thousand (or less) to begin building your brand and reputation. If you want to open a retail store downtown, you might need to secure north of $100,000.
Once you determine exactly how much money you need, look into financing options, such as:
- Crowdfunding
- SBA loans
- Bank loans
- Microloans
- Angel investors
- Venture capitalists
Build your team
Early in the process, begin determining what kind of workers you will need for your business to start strong and thrive. This is where hiring an employment agency can prove worthwhile. Instead of having to do the legwork of finding qualified workers as your business grows, an agency can do it for you, leaving you more time to spend on other areas of your business.
Set up your space
The kind of space you will need for your business will also depend on the type of business you’re starting. Evaluate the needs of your business, as well as those of your employees and clients. Do you need to rent a space somewhere? Evaluate your budget, research the available spaces in your area, and consider hiring a tenant broker to help in the process.
If you plan to work from home, make sure you create a workspace that motivates and enables you to work productively day in and day out. Invest in making an office space that aesthetically (and physically) separates your work and personal life. Get any equipment you need to work comfortably (e.g., an ergonomic chair, a quality desk, attractive storage solutions, etc.). And invest in tech tools that can help you communicate with others, track your time, manage your finances, and perform other essential duties.
If you plan to start a business, don’t skip any critical steps. Along with considering the tips listed above, keep researching how you can lay a stable foundation for success. The more thorough you are, the greater your chances of building a successful business.