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I for one would like another list. I have a couple I found laying around the net, but they seem to be missing one thing or another.
one more double check would be great.
stan

This is my first post or step in to this journey. Like so many, I've got hundreds of ideas but don't know where to start. At 54 I was just laid off in November 07 and swore if I worked as hard starting on my own as finding another "JOB" it would work. Well here I am thinking of the easy way out again, path of least resistance ya know and job hunting. Luckily I got started down this avenue tonight and with some help I'm sure I can get it rolling.

How do I narrow all my ideas down to one is the first step I imagine. What do you think?

Thanks in advance.....Scott

Hi Scott ND,

First - welcome, and congrats on taking the plung into "posting". Hopefully, you can tell...it's really just like writing a quick email. It sounds like you're trying to narrow a number of ideas to just one, or a few, to investigate further - what can you really form a business around?

1. What ideas are you really passionate about? What gets your juices going, lifts your energy? While running your own business can give you more flexibility and control than a job..it can also be lots of work. So finding something you are passionate about can keep you motivated.

Once you've narrowed down to a few ideas, try answering these questions.

2. Why would my potential customers buy my service or product from me, vs. the alternatives out there? Figure out a reason other than price.

3. What do my competitors do well? What do they fail at?
4. What's important to my customers when they are making a decision to purchase in this category?

Best of luck!

Eirene

A small business startup requires a great deal of planning. According to the IBS Business Development Program, there are specific personal characteristics necessary for starting a small business. Considering where you stand in relation to these charateristics bodes for some serious thought. These qualities after all, can be what makes or breaks the success of your business.

The following questions are recommended to review as a potential small business owner:

Are you a leader?
Do you like to make your own decisions?
Do others turn to you for help in making decisions?
Do you enjoy competition?
Do you have will power and self-discipline?
Do you plan ahead?
Do you like people?
Do you get along well with others?

These are questions that every small business could consider at whatever point they are in their business. Practising this type self-analysis will help you determine where you can improve as a small business owner. Answer these questions when you become involves in a new business startup.

I am planning to establish a small food and grocery supplying business. Can anyone give me tips as to where I should start? Thanks