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If you are one of
hundreds of casino or other local business workers who have been
affected by recent layoffs or downsizing, this may be a good time to
consider starting that small business you have always dreamed of.
The reason it is a
good time, is that you are probably collecting unemployment and
unlike many entrepreneurs, they carry a full time job while trying
to start their business. For you, a steady income from
unemployment, while it may be much less than you are accustom to
earning, may still be a foundation to lean on, while you travel down
the entrepreneurship road to success. The first step to starting a
business is research. Ask yourself two questions: “Do I love
this business idea, and without being paid, would I still do this
business?” if the answer is yes, then create a “pros” and “cons”
list for starting this business. I am sure you have heard business
people say: Location, location, location. Well as an
Entrepreneur, you must research, research and research.
So the next step is to complete the following pre-business startup
tasks:
 Purchase
a 3 ring notebook, call it your “Business Idea Journal/Log
Book”. Begin to log every task you complete for your
business idea. Keep track of expenses for the business startup
such as: mileage relating to business, business meetings,
contacts, events attended, create a section for support
materials such as this article, and other important documents.
Attach the receipts for any start up purchases toward the
business in your notebook. -
From this
minute on, think business and be aware of all of the business
tasks going on around you. Every time you go into a business
observe everything and pick up literature, especially business
relative to your idea.
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Begin your
research on the Internet, if you do not have access to a
computer, go to the library, but get a computer and an Internet
provider as soon as possible. That should be your first
investment toward the business. Search for local and other
areas who have the same or similar business. Their website will
give you plenty of information and ideas to get started. Also
check the yellow pages.
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Once you have
identified local business owners who are in the
same line of business as you aspire to enter, find out how they
got started, what mistakes they made, and what they would do
differently.
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Tell friends
and colleagues of your plans. Create a survey form and have each
one of those people complete the survey. Ask questions about
the type of business you want to start, and specific questions
that relate to you and your idea and get their feedback. Add
surveys to your notebook.
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Determine the
financial responsibilities that are required to start and create
a list of financial resources you can tap into to get started.
Add to your notebook.
 Go
to
www.tri-countyscore.org and click on new client
information from main page and complete steps 1 thru 4.
Also click on News to learn when our next seminar is scheduled
titled: “How to Start a Business”, as well as all other
April Events.
Be sure to look for next month’s publication, where our topic
will be: “Getting Started with your Business Idea” and where we
will feature a new start-up business and answer your business
questions. Email us at:
tri-countyscore@hotmail.com with your questions, comments and
future topics you would like discussed.
Thank you, Trina Byrd
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