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 Starting
your own business is quite easy. It is challenging. You must
organized your thoughts and steps to make your success.
Think of your everyday life. If your hobby is writing
articles then create a publishing business or create your
own book and let your colleagues sell it. If you love
programming then create your own software development firm
or web development firm. You need to know what things you
like then it's very easy to run your business. It's like
playing.
You have fun doing it and at the same time
you are earning money on it. You need to plan your business
for you to track down what will happen in the future. Follow
your dream of owning your own business.. and you're the
boss, because it's yours.
To start your own business you must make a list of all
skills you possess then decide to choose the best on your
hobbies or skills. The bottom line is start what you are
doing enjoyable to you. Concentrate on that area of your
interest and start from there. Here's the list of steps for
your guidance:
1. List down all your skills and hobbies.
2. Select from that hobbies or skills you enjoy most.
3. Research what is the most adaptable business to your
skills or hobbies or experiences.
4. Research your area if it is fit on your business.
5. Find the specific area that is most suitable on your
business.
6. List down your start-up cost. You may need to get some
licensing, transportation expenses, office supplies,
computer, printer, phone service, softwares, website, mobile
phone and a fax machine.
7. Budget your money because you have to feed your family.
8. If something happen to your budgeting where can you get
financing? Who will support you?
9. Make a marketing plan. Create your business cards,
brochures, advertisements, website portfolio, awards,
schedules, budget, proposals for different industries,
receipts, strategies, networks of friends and previous
clients, referrals, and other things that may help you in
your business.
10. Will you need to hire a staff to answer your telephone
calls and some business works or work alone? Think of taking
your mother, brother, sister or wife's time to do it for you
while you were assisting clients or customers when you start
your business.
11. Always make a list of everything and frequently check
it.
12. Will you decide to work fulltime or part-time? Think and
make a strong decision after you create your business plan
if you will quit your job. Many of the starters are not
quiting their job, they continue to run their own business
and at the same time they earn as steady income while
employed. Think of number seven and eight.
13. Think of your Trade Name and Apply for it (ex. here in
the Philippines this will cost you P300 plus stamp of P15
then ask then what's next after this. Always ask twice to
different people. Apply for Mayor's permit, insurance and/or
SEC if corporation). For our Trade Name "Ask4Help
Information Technology", we choose it because we are
consultants handling services related to I.T. like software
and web development. We choose "Ask4Help.Net" for our domain
because it says what we are. When choosing a name it must
easy to remember.
14. Decide if you want it a sole proprietorship, partnership
or corporation. I suggest you use corporate because there
are many issues about it, ask your lawyer friend. But it
will cost you more.
15. Decide if you will apply for a loan or not. Most
businesses use their savings and lend some money to his/her
friends or brothers/sisters.
16. Keep all your purchase a low cost as possible. If you
can get second hand things then buy it but beware to buy a
second hand Computer....Ask the expert on everything you
purchase.
17. Do you thing advertising can cost you much money? That's
wrong. You have a computer then print your brochures,
business cards, flyers, etc. Or use
your fax machine or photocopier to make more copies of your
flyers then use your family members and friends to post in
the area you are targeting. Use the local market, church,
shopping malls, telephone booths, post offices, schools,
plaza, jeepneys, taxis and even calesas (in Binondo). Let
them spread it. You will know the impact of word of mouth.
18. Post you business, contact numbers and website address
at the telephone directory. Study how your competitors put
their ads in the Yellow Pages, then add a unique one like
saying we conduct FREE seminars or free consultancy on how
to select a web developer if you are web developer or saying
FREE consultancy on how to select a Computer Consultant if
you are a computer consultant... always put the word FREE
because everyone wants FREE.
19. Select your target customers at Yellow Pages. Ask
friends or colleagues the names of decision makers they know
on those list.
20. Use your telephone, fax machine, computer and mobile
phone. Fax a proposal or letter of setting up a meeting.
Texting is best when you saw a mobile number because mostly
it is the decision maker's number. Collect old and new
magazines and newspapers because you can get contacts there.
Cold calling is hard at the first time but you can get it
easier in practicing all words and phrases of your sales
call script. Remember to write a script. Concentrate on what
customer is saying. Make sure to let the customer do the
talking because you can get more information on what the
customer is saying. Keep your language simple and
understandable. Use simple words. Be patient. In cold
calling, say you name name and company name, then go
directly to the decision maker. If the secretary filters
you, you must give less information and always make an
action to go directly to the decision maker. Use your friend
as an example, write a script then ask it to your friend and
portray as a client. Always improve your communication,
marketing and negotiation skills, select a book or two in
the bookstore then filter the content before buying it.
Study your favorite movies and actors, with them you can
discover techniques to negotiate well. Portray like an actor
in selling. Before the film rolls try to know what is the
best approach before you do your best to do it in action.
21. If you think your own garage is fit to your business
then make it comportable but be sure that your office garage
is accessible to your clients. Or rent an office space with
enough parking space near to your target market. Then setup
your office. Make sure you have a drawer, table, chairs,
telephone, fax machine, printer and office supplies. Make a
list of everything on your computer and set-up your
softwares.
22. Set your working hours and be sure to stick to them. Let
your family and friends knows your schedule so that they
can't bother you on your working hours, practice it and make
it a hobby. Remember business is business.
After you do the 22 steps. Make yourself flexible and be
serious about your business. All things must be well
written. Plan ahead. Research. Change your plans if
necessary. Buy books or CDs or use your computer to research
in the Internet for freebies. Your Business Plan is your
guide so please make it your diary.
About the Author
Ross Dalangin
Software Developer Since 1991
Computer Instructor Since 1994
Web Developer and Consultant Since 1995
Database and Network Administrator Since 1996
Search Engine Optimizer Since 2000
Web Publisher Since 2001
http://www.webquartet.com
http://www.cbjunction.com
http://www.recordname.com
http://www.dalangin.com
http://www.systemempire.com
http://www.instant-weight-loss.com
Written By: Ross Dalangin
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