So you wanna start your own business? Blog 3

So I do hope that someone who is reading this Blog is interested in starting their own business.  I wanted to share with you steps that have really helped me along the way.  My personal business planning model is:

1. Have a dream or vision that you want to make a reality.
2. Can you afford to go into this business?  To start a business you must have cash on hand, credit or someone silly enough to fund your dream (usually the later ain't happening)
3. Research and Plan.  Is the capital that you have enough to fund your dream?  You also must become an expert in what ever business your are pursuing.  Don't open then learn to become the expert.  Your customers deserve your best from the start.
4. Seek out professional help for advise and consultation (that sometimes cost, but you get what you pay for).
5. Make a decision if you should stop or go full steam ahead in your business plan.
6. Implement your plan.  Remember the plan is just that, a blueprint for you to follow not just a paper weight.
7. Now that you are executioning your plan reflect on how well you are following the plan and make note on where and why you have had to deviate from your original plan.
8. Decide on what to maintain in your business and what changes need to be made.  This process will be complete by making sure that you really pay attention to step 7, reflection is critical.
9. Make sure you are seeking professional development.  Keep your tools sharp!

Most cities have small business development centers.  They are full of free resources.  Take advantage of their services and resources.  You cannot learn too much.  It is better to plan, trust me.  One mistake in Juan-Michele (besides lack of capital) was my failure to plan.  I did not plan, I know that I did not answer the hard questions that are necessary in planning and opening a business.  It was so instrumental in my failure. 

If you live in the Dayton area you cannot use the following link to learn more about starting your business:
http://www.tecdayton.com/

Outside of Dayton checkout the SBA website:
http://www.sba.gov/

Happy planning to ya!