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Brionna Kennedy

Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn't writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking.

Brionna Kennedy has written 4 articles for SB Informer.

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Looking To Start A Business? 6 Tips To Get Your Company Off The Ground

Brionna Kennedy

January 15, 2014

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It can be exciting to think about starting your own business. Then you look at the steps needed to start it right and the fear kicks in. Don’t be overwhelmed because businesses start up every day. These steps will help you get started in the right direction so you can turn your passion into a successful business experience.

Identify the Need

Whether you have a recipe for the world’s best chocolate chip cookie, or you want to be an online watch repair service, you need to determine if the need exists and you can fulfill that need. If the market is saturated or there is no demand, your business has little chance of succeeding. You need to make sure that you are offering something better or different then what is already currently offered.

Do Your Market Research

This can be as simple as asking people “How do you like my idea?” or doing a survey on the street of people passing by. Find out how similar products or services are doing in the market, how extensive the competition is, and the price point. Many small businesses leave out this step. They fail because their product can’t compete within the existing market.

Start Your Business Plan

With your market research completed, you can now start your business plan. This is the document that will guide your actions throughout your startup phase. It also serves as a communication tool for investors you approach for funding. It should get people excited about your business idea, show them that you can make it happen, and make them want to participate.

Don’t Do It Yourself

Small business owners and entrepreneurs often try to do too much themselves. Leverage your network of skilled resources. Tap into online resources such as the Small Business Administration. Identify those areas where your knowledge is weak and find someone to fill the gap. You may want to contract a bookkeeper or even hire a virtual assistant to help with the administrative details.

Set Yourself Up To Succeed

Make sure you are set up to do the business you are proposing. If you are selling the world’s best chocolate chip cookies, you’ll want professional quality equipment. Research a professional stand mixer on sites such as MendingShed.com and budget for it in your business plan.

Be Flexible

In all phases of your business startup, expect things to change. The business model you come up with when doing your business plan may look very different than what you had in mind. Flexibility means you continue to adapt your business to what will make it successful. An idea for which there is little support is doomed to fail.

These suggestions will help you down the path of starting your business. Take it one step at a time and do your best in each phase. A lack of attention in any phase will show up and be magnified when you stand in front of investors. Be flexible and persistent in each step and you’ll turn your passion into a successful business.