Top 5 five things you should do before starting your business

Starting your own business is both exciting and scary at the same time.

You may already have a business planned out or even taken the first step to making sure your business succeeds. Before proceeding further, you should do a bit of research and make sure your business idea will really work. Here is a list of things that every prospective business owner should consider.

1. Identify what will set your business apart from others

In order to start a business, you need to identify what makes your business different. The best way to accomplish this is by identifying your business’s niche. What sets you apart from your competitors, and what you do differently. Remember to ask yourself why customers should give their money to you instead of to your competitors. Answering these questions will help you find your target market and improve your marketing efforts.

2. Decide on your business structure

It’s necessary to decide what type of business entity you will be. Businesses are a legal entity that needs to be set up properly. Every structure has its own rules and responsibilities, and you should do thorough research about the different structures in your country and talk to an accountant to learn which business structure suits you the most. Examples of business structures include sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, or limited liability companies. This structure might have a different name in different countries. 

3. Choose a legal name for your business

Choosing a name seems like the fun part. However, when naming your business, you need to follow some rules, usually found in information provided by the organisation with which you will register your business. Your business’s name must be unique, and it is important to avoid using any other businesses’ names. After registering your name, you might want to register your name as a trademark as well.

4. Choose the location of your business

These days with the internet, location mightn’t seem as important, especially if you’re offering services online. However, keep in mind the cost of shipping (for businesses that offer products) can be high. Furthermore, setting up your business close to your target market makes you more accessible to your clients. This decision will depend on your desired location as well as the location of your competitors. The location of your business will factor into how cost-effective your business will be, and it will also affect your cost of doing business.

5. Identify your financial runway

Money is a crucial component of any business. There is initial capital your company will need to start up as well as funds for operating expenses and to fund any initial stock, tools, shopfront and other necessities. 

The amount of start-up capital will vary depending on the type of business. There are many ways to finance your business, including loans, investments, or bootstrapping. Do your research and figure out what will work for you. 

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