"I have a great idea for a business, but have no clue how to start?" I lost count of how many times I have been asked this question. As a business teacher specializing in classes of entrepreneurship and management, I have on many occasions come to understand how a doctor, lawyer or accountant might feel when acquaintances in a social setting learn of their area of expertise. Most time, the person seeking advice wants the starting a business for dummies response in verbal form in 5 minutes or less. If only starting a business were that easy.
My response is usually something like this. "Before you quit your day job, understand that business ownership is not for everyone. Not all great ideas do successful businesses make."
First, honestly assess if you have what it takes. Do you have the commitment, the drive, the time, the energy -- any financial resources at all, and the support of your family and friends? If you would like to consult on this further, do you have a business plan? (Heck, I'd be happy if most people had a rough outline of their concept?)
If you answer yes to most of the above, you have already completed the first steps to starting a business and are ready to move on to the next level.
In reality, I rarely hear from the questioner again, which is sad because I've heard some great ideas.
If your curious about the source of picture in this posting, this was the logo designed by one class that started a business to provide a line of school apparel. They were one of my most successful groups to start a business in a high school classroom setting. Classes like these with students full of ideas and ambition are my personal inspiration.
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