Have A Great Business Idea - Want to Own A Business?

Have people told you:
… that's a great idea/product… you should go into business. I bet you'd make a fortune!
… You provide the best service/product… Why don't you go out on your own instead of working for this company?
… Everyone would love to have (your product)… I bet it could be put on one of the TV shopping channels. You'd be rich in no time!
… Life is short! Do what you want to do… Owning your own business gives you that freedom!

Have you ever thought?
… I should be boss, I know how to run this company better than he/she does!
… I'm tired of working for someone else and not making any money. If I had my own company, I could be a millionaire!
… If I had my own business, I could take lots of vacations and do what I want to do, instead of working for this company.
… I need to find some other way to make a living, my company will be downsizing and my job is threatened. Owning a company will be just the way to do it!

While many successful businesses have started with at least one of the comments listed above, not everyone has what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

It takes drive, delivery and determination:
Drive to get the business started.
Delivery to get the product/service to the customer.
Determination to keep the business running successfully, on track, and achieve goals.

Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur - Take this self-assessment test to see if you are ready to be an entrepreneur.
http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/startup/guide1.html#foryou

Before you start a new venture, be sure to research, plan and get outside assistance with your business product or idea.

Preliminary Checklist

Each business has its own unique characteristics and startup steps, so the items listed here are a general description of the startup process. Check with your local SBDC for specific steps.

• Assess your entrepreneurial potential
  
• Research the business opportunity
  
• Establish startup costs
  
• Determine financial feasibility
  
• Write Business Plan
  
• Discuss business structure, potential liabilities and obligations with professional accountants and attorneys
  
• Apply for funding
  
• Apply for licenses, identification numbers, and any other required permits
  
• Develop daily operations procedures, marketing materials, business identity, supplier relationships, and other pre-opening requirements
  
• Open doors

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration www.sba.gov

See also:
Owners Checklist for Starting a New Business -The downloadable file contains a checklist for all the steps you should take before you start a new business. It's a "to do" list for starting a new business in much the same way that a grocery list is a "to do" for grocery shopping.
http://www.toolkit.cch.com/tools/strtch_m.asp

Business Startup Checklist - The business start-up checklist below is meant to remind you of the tasks you may have to perform when starting your business. Not every small business will have to complete each step. http://www.businessknowhow.com/Startup/checklist.htm

Business Startup Checklist - The checklist below is meant to help new business owners by providing a list of the most common start-up steps. Depending on your particular industry, additional steps may be required for your particular business. http://www.bizfilings.com/toolkit/startup.asp

For more information about Writing A Business Plan, click here.

For more information about Funding Sources, click here.

For more information about Local Resources, click here.