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What do you need to become an entrepreneur?
I'm referring to knowledge, and physical objects or resources.
I'm looking for a more practical answer, not any mindset or attitude answers.
#entrepreneurship #business #business-management # #entrepreneur
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6 answers
Updated
David’s Answer
Great for you. My advice would be to get started. Anyone can start a small business mowing lawns or other service industries. Once you figure that out, try to expand and hire employees. That will teach you the skills to operate a business. Then you can leverage that to do whatever business you want.
There are plenty of resources online for any aspect that you need to learn more about. There are challenges, but you can do it!
There are plenty of resources online for any aspect that you need to learn more about. There are challenges, but you can do it!
Updated
Doug’s Answer
I think this really depends upon the type of entrepreneur you want to become. Are you making and selling a product? Offering services? Will you have a physical location, or will it be 100% online? Will you be traveling to your customers? Will your customers be traveling to you? Will everything be done remotely, or is no engagement required with your customers?
Typically, the most difficult thing for a small business is cash flow. This refers to your ability to collect your revenues/income in a timely manner and be able to meet all of your obligations (expenses). Lots of small businesses have failed even though on paper they look profitable (i.e. they have more assets than liabilities) because they aren't able to meet their expense/liability obligations. Lending institutions are often reluctant to offer loans or significant amounts of credit unless you have secured assets you can put up as collateral, or you have a long-standing history of a successful business.
However, the fewer assets and expenses required for your business, the less of an issue cash flow becomes (if you don't have to make payments on a loan or purchase inventory or component parts, for example). Digital solutions (web page, mobile app, etc.) can offer a low barrier to entry for your business, provided you don't require a robust eCommerce system to sell your products or services.
As well, depending upon the type of business you are starting up, you may need a business license, a minimum amount of insurance coverage, certifications, or similar requirements. Some things to consider:
* Start with a business plan. Not only will this help you organize your thoughts and get prepared, but it will be required if you apply for a loan. There are lots of different templates online - look for one that closely aligns with your type of business. Be sure to focus on what value your business offers your target customers.
* Legal business name. Does someone else have a similar name? Protect the name you create if it provides value.
* Are you starting the business by yourself? With a partner?
* Do you need a logo?
* Do you need a website? Is the URL you want available? Can you develop the content yourself, or do you need to hire someone to help you?
* Will you be a sole-proprietor or will you need to incorporate your business? There are legal and tax consequences for both of these and there will be costs involved if you incorporate.
* Search up any of the licenses required or restrictions that may be in place at your local municipalities' web site
* Budgeting is key (related to cash flow above). Remember to include taxes that you may need to pay.
* Keeping accurate records and bookkeeping can be an important part of a business, and one often overlooked. These can help when it comes to budgeting, preparing your taxes, managing your cashflow, managing inventory, etc. Programs such as QuickBooks can be a huge help.
* Will you need to hire any staff? If so, what skillsets will you need? How much are you able to pay them - does it correlate with market rates for other similar jobs? How will you onboard or train staff? Do you need to have any documentation in place (dress code, expectations, hours, etc.)?
Create a business plan
Research rules, regulations, and available resources for small businesses from your local municipality
Typically, the most difficult thing for a small business is cash flow. This refers to your ability to collect your revenues/income in a timely manner and be able to meet all of your obligations (expenses). Lots of small businesses have failed even though on paper they look profitable (i.e. they have more assets than liabilities) because they aren't able to meet their expense/liability obligations. Lending institutions are often reluctant to offer loans or significant amounts of credit unless you have secured assets you can put up as collateral, or you have a long-standing history of a successful business.
However, the fewer assets and expenses required for your business, the less of an issue cash flow becomes (if you don't have to make payments on a loan or purchase inventory or component parts, for example). Digital solutions (web page, mobile app, etc.) can offer a low barrier to entry for your business, provided you don't require a robust eCommerce system to sell your products or services.
As well, depending upon the type of business you are starting up, you may need a business license, a minimum amount of insurance coverage, certifications, or similar requirements. Some things to consider:
* Start with a business plan. Not only will this help you organize your thoughts and get prepared, but it will be required if you apply for a loan. There are lots of different templates online - look for one that closely aligns with your type of business. Be sure to focus on what value your business offers your target customers.
* Legal business name. Does someone else have a similar name? Protect the name you create if it provides value.
* Are you starting the business by yourself? With a partner?
* Do you need a logo?
* Do you need a website? Is the URL you want available? Can you develop the content yourself, or do you need to hire someone to help you?
* Will you be a sole-proprietor or will you need to incorporate your business? There are legal and tax consequences for both of these and there will be costs involved if you incorporate.
* Search up any of the licenses required or restrictions that may be in place at your local municipalities' web site
* Budgeting is key (related to cash flow above). Remember to include taxes that you may need to pay.
* Keeping accurate records and bookkeeping can be an important part of a business, and one often overlooked. These can help when it comes to budgeting, preparing your taxes, managing your cashflow, managing inventory, etc. Programs such as QuickBooks can be a huge help.
* Will you need to hire any staff? If so, what skillsets will you need? How much are you able to pay them - does it correlate with market rates for other similar jobs? How will you onboard or train staff? Do you need to have any documentation in place (dress code, expectations, hours, etc.)?
Doug recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Neha’s Answer
With reference to knowledge, and physical objects or resources, you would need -
- A registered business
- Employees
- Funding to start/buy equipment/pay employees
- Maybe, an office space - depending on the nature of your business
- Internet Presence - whether social media or blogs or website
- Knowledge - of course you will need basic skillset to start a business in the area of your choice. You can either read up online, or join a school, or ask for help from someone with an experience in the area.
- A registered business
- Employees
- Funding to start/buy equipment/pay employees
- Maybe, an office space - depending on the nature of your business
- Internet Presence - whether social media or blogs or website
- Knowledge - of course you will need basic skillset to start a business in the area of your choice. You can either read up online, or join a school, or ask for help from someone with an experience in the area.
Updated
Gonzalo’s Answer
Hi John - I would recommend informing yourself via reading the following 5 highly recommended entrepreneurship books: https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/299927.
Joe Molina National Veterans Chamber of Commerce
CEO - National veterans Chamber of Commerce
1
Answer
Updated
Joe Molina’s Answer
The best way to start a business is by aligning your passion with your Skill Set with the needs of other people.
This can be as simple:
1) Find out what people are "willing to pay for" "What people need or want"
2) Once you find it
3) Start Small and slow and just do it. Testing your idea/concept is important and the best way to test it is by trying it in a small scale
If you find that many people want what you offer, then connect with a business advisor to formalize your business. Business mentors like SCORE https://www.score.org/
Will be able to help you with the step by step of the process
Good luck!
BUSINESS MENTORS: SCORE https://www.score.org/
This can be as simple:
1) Find out what people are "willing to pay for" "What people need or want"
2) Once you find it
3) Start Small and slow and just do it. Testing your idea/concept is important and the best way to test it is by trying it in a small scale
If you find that many people want what you offer, then connect with a business advisor to formalize your business. Business mentors like SCORE https://www.score.org/
Will be able to help you with the step by step of the process
Good luck!
Joe Molina recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Geoffrey’s Answer
I agree with other answers. But, I'll boil it down even further:
1. A great idea for a good or service
2. Perseverance
3. Capital
4. Initiative and the courage to try and fail.
5. If you do fail, understand why and then try again because each failure is only one step closer to success.
1. A great idea for a good or service
2. Perseverance
3. Capital
4. Initiative and the courage to try and fail.
5. If you do fail, understand why and then try again because each failure is only one step closer to success.