Starting your own business
Congratulations! The New Year is fast approaching and you are ready to get out on your own as an entrepreneur. Whether the reasons are to get out of the corporate setting with its business politics or to provide additional household income (with current gas prices who can blame you), the decision to start working for yourself has great rewards.
Before you give your all to your resolution for 2008, consider the following:
1. Are you committed to running a business? This is the most important evaluation to make, because your dedication to the service or product you’ll provide will make the difference between business success - or just another broken resolution.2. A rose by any other name…. Think of McDonald’s, Michaels or Starbucks. These names don’t describe the product but you can already picture what they are most famous for without my saying another word. Whatever name you choose, just be sure that you deliver the best. Consider your audience and give them what they most want and you will be well ahead of the game, even with a name like Smuckers.
3. What’s your niche? Don’t try to be all things to all people. Whatever your product or service, try to discover what is unique about your particular business. What sets you apart from others in your field? Is it your premium location? Exemplary customer service? Your hours of operation?
For example, if you are a pet sitter that can provide evening hours, then offer a “Doggie Parents Night Out” on Friday nights. Or make use of your party planning skills for dog birthday celebrations. Hey, why not? This can help to distinguish your business and offer fun and attractive options to your clientele.
Many people joke and mock those who make resolutions because it is rare that anyone keeps them. What will make this year’s resolution different from last year’s which fizzled out by March? The difference is you alone.
We all reach a point in our life experience where the decision to do something new and adventurous is set before us.
Start today with the basics. Get to the courthouse and register your business name as a Christmas present to yourself. Research all the dynamics associated with starting your new company. Go to the library, look online, and do research. Each day committed to doing something is one step further to making your dream a reality.
By the time January 1, 2008 comes around, your resolution will change to “I want to do more for my business,” rather than to simply start one. I wish you much success in the upcoming New Year. Cheers!
- Candace Runaas is a writer, speaker and owner of Runaas Resources, a company that helps small businesses and non-profits by providing public relations and business support services. Visit www.runaasresources.com to read testimonials and more information.