Business Owner: Make the Dream a Reality

By Camille Macchio, Realistic Alternatives

It never surprises me that people who are about to jump into being business owners haven't even taken the first steps; that is, thinking about all the reasons to start their own business and putting a plan with a solid foundation to paper (Business Plan). I can hear you sighing already, thinking to yourself that you know plenty of people who started their own businesses without all the planning I'm talking about. I would be willing to bet that it took most of those people a heck of lot longer with much more angst and worry than if they had done the planning before the business was started. You can start your planning right now with some basics:

Identify Your Reasons
A first and often overlooked step is to ask you why you want to own your own business. See if any of these apply to you and add others that you might think of:

• Freedom from the 9-5 daily work routine
• Being your own boss
• Doing what you want to do
• Boredom with your current occupation
  

Personal Characteristics
Certain characteristics are helpful when planning to own your own business. Give serious thought to your personal characteristics. It's your future that is at stake.

• Are you a leader?
• Do you like to make your own decisions?
• Do you like people?
• Do you have will power and self-discipline?
• Are you good at problem solving?
  
  

Personal Conditions

• It is possible that a business could require 12-16 hour days, six days a week and maybe even Sundays and holidays depending on the business. Can you handle that?
• Are you prepared for the possibility that your standard of living will be lowered until your business is firmly established?
• Is your family prepared to go along with these changes and the resulting strain they, too, may have to bear?

Personal Skill & Experience
There are critical skills needed for a business to succeed. You don't have to possess all of them, but you do need to be aware that you may have to hire people with the skills you lack. Have you identified the skills you possess and those you lack? Do you have the skills you need in these areas:

• Writing a business plan?
• Knowledge of human resource issues?
• Marketing strategies?
• Account systems and record-keeping?
  
  

These are just the very first steps-just a small part of the due diligence that's needed to start a business. I can help you complete the process and avoid a lot of heartache and disappointment by finding out everything you can about owning a business. Don't be blindsided by the dream. Make that dream a reality. Call me today at 732 247-7535 or 732 322-4284 or send me an e-mail cmacchio@RealisticAlternatives.com for a complimentary session and to learn more.

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Phone: 732-247-7535 or
E-mail: cmacchio@realisticalternatives.com