There is so much small business information available today that it’s easy to get bogged down by the sheer volume of information. Where does one start? Well, it’s safe to say that not all information you’ll receive will be of equal value. Therefore, it is important to be perceptive when thinking about applying any suggestion to your new business. In many cases, you’ll find some suggestions that don’t match your type of business, management style, budget, or industry. This could lead to wasted money spent and lost time. Therefore, learning how to research and gather information will be key to developing a plan that is tailored to the needs of your business.
What I suggest is a basic, methodical approach to starting your business. No matter what the industry, in most cases these two initial steps will always be the same.
- Take a crash course in small business. There is no better place to start than http://sba.gov. Not only will you find dozens of free business planning and management tutorials, but you’ll also find important information about legalizing your business with respect to your location and industry. Plus, you’ll find links to other leading small business sites and resources. Visit the site and remember to bookmark this page. Try to develop a schedule and visit the site regularly to familiarize yourself with small business ownership and all related issues, regulations, requirements, and rewards.
- Network with other small business owners. Join community websites specifically geared toward small business owners so you can find solutions to common problems like time management and finance. It’s also the best way to build a support system as you plan to launch your business. Some entrepreneurs give up because they feel like they’re doing it alone! But there are many other people who are going through the same challenges and are more than happy to help you.
Don’t let your confusion or the amount of available information overwhelm you to paralysis. Once you’ve gained knowledge on how to become a successful entrepreneur, don’t stop there. Every day try to work more and more to formalize your plans. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, you have a lot of work ahead of you, but these first two steps will ensure that you don’t go into the venture ill-prepared.
