Brightest Idea
Your perfect business could be just a work sheet away.
Starting a business isn't rocket science. Of course,
it's not easy to begin a business, but it's not as
complicated nor as scary as many people think. It's a
step-by-step common-sense procedure. So take it one step at a
time.
First step: Figure out what you want to do. You may have several
ideas you'd like to pursue, but assuming you only have the time
and money to start one, it's decision time. Too hard to choose
just one? Start whittling down your ideas with the work sheet
below. Most important, make sure you're pursuing a business
that's in line with how you live your life and what you want
out of it. If things work out well, you could be in this business
for a long time. So choose carefully.
Once you have your final idea, talk to people to find out what
they think. Ask, "Would you buy (or use) this? How much would
you pay?"
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Understand that many around you will not encourage you to become
an entrepreneur. Some will envy your courage; others will resent
you for having the guts to actually do something. To succeed, you
can't allow these naysayers to dissuade you, to stop your
journey before it even begins.
One of the most common warnings you'll hear is about risk.
Sure, starting a business is risky, but keep in mind, there's a
difference between foolish risks and calculated ones. If you
carefully consider what you're doing, get help when you need it
and never stop asking questions, you can mitigate your risk.
You cannot allow the specter of risk to prevent you from going
forward. Ask yourself, "What am I really risking?" Then
assess the dangers. What are you giving up? What will you lose if
things don't work out? Don't risk what you can't
afford. Don't risk your home, your family or your health. Ask
yourself, "If this doesn't work, will I be worse off than
I am now?" If all you have to lose is some time, energy and
money, then the risk is probably worth it.
Determining what you want to do is only the first step.
You've still got a lot of homework to do, a lot of research in
front of you. Most important: Do something. Don't sit back year
after year and say, "This is the year I'm going to start
my business." Make this the year you really start it.
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