While starting your own small business will take more effort than just reading an article, we’d like to set you up with some pointers.
From business idea to customer contact necessities, think of today’s blog as a list of the essentials. The ideas and tasks that, when you’re starting from nothing, your small business creation journey can’t live without. Let’s get to it.
Have a Business Idea
It should go without saying, but you need a core idea on which to start your own small business. While it can be tempting to say, “I want to control my own destiny,” it could be a disaster if you quit your day job without a plan.
Maybe you want to create a new smartphone accessory or a piece of innovative software. Find the problem in the world that you want to fix. Ask yourself how the world can be made better, and examine your business idea in that context.
Can you improve the lives of others in some way? If so, your product or service may have a chance to succeed.
Create a Business Plan
Do you know who might purchase your product? Adults; teenagers; women; people older than 50?
How about the type of market your product will target? Local; state; national; global?
Or what about the daily functions of your business? Will your initial days of operation focus on product development or customer service?
These are the types of questions you should answer in a formal business plan. Although there are many types of plans you can follow, including this helpful guide from the Small Business Administration, your document will only match your needs, your customers’ needs, and the demands of your market. It will be a unique document.
Spend some time thinking about how your business will function on a daily basis. Consider how you will start and, in the coming months and years, where you want to end up.
Connect to Your Customers
This is also a great time to think about how you will reach customers.
Do you want to use a chatbot or stick to a Business Phone System? Or both?
Think about how you want to have a presence in your market. If you will start a small business from home, it’s likely that your online presence will require an online chat service. A chatbot could help you get off the ground and help your customers reach online troubleshooting articles.
Starting a small business from a brick-and-mortar shop will probably need voice presence. You can take inbound calls from customers at your shop – starting with just one phone in a personal office or front desk.
Further Reading for Starting a Small Business
We’d also like to point you toward an Inc.com article that addresses how to get through administrative hurdles (getting a license, obtaining permits, and filling out forms). Entrepreneur also goes into depth about the topics we’ve addressed above and several other steps like obtaining financing and getting feedback.
Make sure your research is thorough. When you’re ready to take your business live, we’ll be here to help you pick an affordable Business Phone Plan that matches the minutes and features you need to be successful.
