6 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Business

Having your own business can provide you with tremendous freedom. You get to be your own boss and set your own hours. Without a lot of hard work, your business might not provide you with much income. Here are some questions to ask yourself before starting a business.

Have You Developed a Business Plan?

No business is likely to be a success without making a detailed plan. Write down all of your potential expenses as well as the ways you plan on marketing your product or services. It’s a road map to keep you on track enabling your business to turn a profit as soon as possible. Scott Sandell Daughter and company know the importance of having a detailed business plan in place. They recommend preparing this before approaching any lending institution.

Do You Have the Self Discipline To Run a Business?

Another question you should answer before going any further is whether you have the self-discipline to run your own company. Being self-employed can be challenging because you don’t have a boss breathing down your neck and making sure you do the work. If you tend not to get things done without some external motivation, you’re better off working for someone else rather than for yourself.

Does Your Business Fill a Niche?

Find a product or service that fulfills an unmet need and your business can survive any economic storm. The last thing you want is to have too broad a focus for your business. You need to be a specialist in your field, providing a service few others can. By finding your niche, you can be a big fish in a small pond and develop more revenue streams for your business.

Are You Able To Get the Funding?

You’ll likely need funds to get your business up and running. Taking out a loan will be difficult unless you’re able to contribute a good percentage of the funds yourself. Plan on saving up at least ten to twenty percent of your startup costs before applying for that loan. You can obtain other funds by applying to the Small Business Administration or through a crowdfunding platform.

Have You Found a Location for Your Business?

The location you choose, especially if you’re a food or drinks establishment or a shop, has the potential to make or break your business. Make sure you find a location that has plenty of parking and that is also adequately lit to provide safety for your customers and employees. If you’re opening a restaurant, make sure the bathrooms have sufficient stalls. Your building will also need easy access for your customers.

Will You Enjoy the Work?

Don’t choose a business simply because it has the potential to make a lot of money. Starting a business and then getting it off the ground will require hours of work, especially in the beginning, so make sure it’s a business that you enjoy.

Having your own business can be a great way to earn a living so long as you’re prepared and enjoy the journey.