BUSINESS IDEAS AND TIPS

The only step between you and your success is just the plan and action to start, so with this ideas and tips, i hope you could start somethng being today.....

1. How do I know if I have a good idea for a business?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has put together 3 criteria for a successful business. You should be able to answer "yes" to at least one of the following: Does the product/service business serve a presently unserved need? Does the product/service serve an existing market in which demand exceeds supply? Can the product/service successfully compete with existing businesses catering to the same market niche?

2. Should I write a business plan?
A business plan helps one to organize all aspects of running the venture. It will help you answer all of the questions you need to in order to start your business with confidence.

The business plan should contain: a summary of what your business is; a brief outline on how you plan to sell this product or service; an overview on who your customer is; a budget; a financing plan; a strategy for getting publicity and generating interest in your product or service.

3. Will I need a lot of money?
The start-up capital you'll need will vary depending on what type of business you are starting. However, you should: figure out what it costs to make your product or offer your service, and then set a price. Once a price is set, determine how many units/clients you'll need each month to survive. Your monthly income should, of course, be greater than your expenses.

If your business is seasonal--firewood delivery, for example--figure out how much you need to make during your high season to sustain you through the dry months.

4. How will I know if my business is successful?
Success is rated in many ways. Picasso said that if one could see no line of demarcation between work and play, they had achieved success. Some measure success in terms of money, others in freedom and flexibility. It's up to you.

5. Do I have to dress for work even if no one will see me?
Many home-based entrepreneurs tell us that it helps to get dressed in the morning as though you are going to an office job, just so you feel more disciplined. We, however, go for the home-based blue jeans and t-shirt look, preferring to dress only for meetings with clients. After all, haven't you worked all your life "dressed" for work?

6. Should I work normal 9 to 5 hours?
The beauty of being your own boss is that you can now work from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. if you so desire. Obviously, you will need to be in operational mode when your customers are working so you can contact them. If you work on an engraving business, however, you can work on your projects at any hour of the day or night.

7. I'm easily distracted. Can I still work at home?
You'll have to muster up discipline to stay away from the refrigerator, the television, the pool or the nearby, the television, Court TV or the nearby shopping mall. If you have children, try and find someone who can watch them for a few hours a day so you can get some work done.


8. How can I achieve this level of discipline?
Focus. Focus. Focus. You must be disciplined enough to create your business and follow-through. This is the ultimate test for an entrepreneur. If you can't get focused and carry through, then you might be better off working for the other guy, and leaving it all behind you when the 5 o'clock whistle blows.

9. How should I pick a business?
Choose something you enjoy and then figure out how you can get paid for doing it. Pick a business you'll like, be cause you could be at it 24 hours a day. Make a list of your hobbies. Is there anything there that could be turned into a business?


10. Are there types of businesses that I can't run from home?
Yes, you'll have to get into a discussion with your local zoning commission, but you can't run a restaurant from most homes. There are many businesses, such as used car lot, quick lube service, that can't be run from home.