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75 Startup Secrets
Many people who have always wanted to start their own business never do, simply because they're overwhelmed by the process and unsure of what specifically is involved. With a to-do list that includes everything from writing a business plan to coming up with a name to hiring employees, startup can seem daunting.
A solid plan can help you start off strong and stay that way.
1-Before putting pen to paper, research resources and tools that can help.
2- Back up your concepts with numbers.
3- Be realistic when making projections.
4- At minimum, include monthly cash-flow projections for the first year.
5- Pay special attention to marketing.
6- Don't assume.
7- Find the perfect match.
8- Identify different segments.
9- Use free market-research tools.
10- Service, service, service.
11- Think marketing.
12- Scan the competition.
13- Get brainstorming.
14- Check for negative connotations.
15- Check for trademarks.
16- Consider your appetite for liability.
17- Consider access to capital.
18- Think about your tolerance for paperwork.
19- Know the tax implications.
20-Think ahead.
21- Account for it.
22- Bundle up.
23-Narrow them down.
24-Build a relationship.
25-Consider self-financing.
26-Try stakeholder financing.
27- Look to friends and family.
28- Look to suppliers.
29- Include your landlord in your financing plans.
30-Wait until you have some operating history before you approach banks.
31- Know your market.
32-Gather some data.
33-Think like the competition.
34- Take to the streets.
35-Ask questions.
36-Start with a network.
37-Get dedicated internet access.
38-Get anti-virus protection.
39- Back it up.
40-Don't buy your computers piecemeal.
41-Buy printers that meet your needs.
42-Know when to get outside help.
43-Plan for the future.
44-Ask an expert.
45-Think about the kinds of risks you'll be exposed to, such as property loss.
46-Carefully consider your liability.
47-Shop around.
48-Don't become complacent, even if you have insurance.
49-Stay alert for new threats or possibilities you may not have considered.
50-Do the paperwork.
51-Know what you're looking for.
52-Deepen your talent pool.
53-Know how to interview people.
54-Orient and motivate.
55-Give them a reason to believe.
56-Articulate the message.
57-Choose the message before the medium.
58-Testing, testing.
59-Plan for the long term.
60-Know yourself.
61-Celebrate the "nos."
62-Find out why.
63-Plan for cycles.
64-Educate the customer.
65-Educate the customer.
66-Do a cash-flow projection.
67-Open a checking account for your business.
68-Seek professional assistance.
69-Start a relationship with a bank, even if you don't yet need or want a loan.
70-If you plan to sell your business someday, take extra care to keep good records.
This creates a private checklist in your account.