Starting a business of any kind can be a tough undertaking — especially if you’re not properly focused and prepared. Many people think they should run out to the office supply store and gather together lots of neat office supplies. . . you know. . . pens, file folders, copy paper, staplers. . . all that good stuff. Others might rush to the county clerk’s office to immediately file the necessary legal documents to “start” a business. Although these types of tasks have to be addressed, the single most important thing you can do to get your business started is to decide that you are going to start your own business and that you are NOT going to let anything or anyone get in your way! OK. . . what’s next?

I know. . . that sounds so simple. But wait a minute….not so fast. This is a very important step in the process. I’m not talking about that basic attitude of “I’ll give it a try and see what happens.” We all know how useful that attitude is. I’m talking about getting FIRED UP

on the inside about what you have decided to do. I’m talking about looking yourself in the mirror and watching the “soon to be” successful entrepreneur stare right back at you. It’s only then can you begin to focus on the specific activities and tasks relative to getting your business off the ground. You should understand that you are embarking upon a journey that can yield extraordinary rewards in every aspect of your life. A winning attitude is the first thing you have to acquire, and, just think. . .you don’t even have to get out of the chair to do that.

Once you have conquered the attitude thing, it’s time to move forward with the second most important thing you can do when you’re starting a new business venture. Dig in and do some RESEARCH! I can’t stress this enough. Do the research so you will know exactly what you’re getting in to. Understand your product and services well. See what others are doing in the same business arena. And last, but certainly not least, spend an unusual amount of time understanding THE CUSTOMER BASE THAT YOU WILL BE TARGETING. Who are these people that you will call customers? Can you imagine them in your mind? What do they like to do? Where do they like to go? What types of reading material interests them? And most importantly, how will your product or service help them get what they want?

If it won’t get them something they want. . . you’re finished. That’s right. . . cancel it all. . . it’s over. . . unless you know them initmately inside and out!

Hey, wait a minute you say,. . . this could grow into a pretty long list. Yes, I’m afraid so, but let me tell you, these things are critical. You must know the habits and specific tendencies of your customers very well. How else can you fulfill their wants and needs.

Yes…I said WANTS and needs. Many people buy things because they WANT the benefit that is received by purchasing the product or service. If you’re lucky. . . they may also NEED to make the purchase as well. How many times have you spent part of your budget because of something you WANTED, but didn’t really NEED?

Know your customer…if you can find groups or niches that tend to be comprised of your target customers, I strongly advise you to observe and understand in detail what really seems to keep the attention of these people.

Do this right. . .sure, it could take a while, but I promise you, it will be well worth your time. Learn their “language”, the terms they use to describe their interests.

The information gained by studying your customers will create a virtually fool proof road map for what you need to do as you begin brainstorming about various elements of your business plan. Oops! Did he say business plan? Yes…sorry…that’s business plan, my friend!

And NO. . . I’m not talking about that stale coffee stained notebook where you keep all of those grandiose business ideas that you plan on getting around to when the “time is right” — no. . . no. . . no . . do it NOW! You’re losing money with every second that passes!

I’m talking about a WORKABLE business plan – a DOable business plan. One that works for you and you can truly use. One that is dynamic in nature and can be used both as a planning tool and a tool to measure progress. Make it real — and whatever you do, build flexibility  into your plan. As you learn more about your business, you’ll want to change some of your plans; however, having a specific document where you can see the big picture as it develops will surely help as you pound out good ideas and discard the rest. Several workable tools are availabe for this. Grab some mind mapping software if need be. This is a great planning tool.

Ok…now you can go out and gather together your office supplies, business cards and that leather chair you’ve always wanted for your home office. But remember, the most important things to address within those critical first 30 days are mostly within YOU.

Hey, this is getting better already. . . you don’t even have to get out of your chair! Understand this… “Desire is to want something, Passion is to refuse to live without it”

Now, that’s what I call “preparing for your future business success”!

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