Top 5 Questions You Should Ask Before Starting a Business

[Michelle Waters]

Top 5 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Starting a Business

When people dream of starting their own business, very often they think of the Donald Trumps and Bill Gates of the world: successful business people who have reached the pinnacle of success and who are wealthy beyond imagination.

But how exactly did these two business figures actually reach this kind of success? We see the outcome of their success but not many of us are aware of the blood, sweat and tears successful business owners endure before they make it to the top.

Before you throw in the corporate towel and follow your path to riches, you need to think long and hard about a plan of action. Following a dream to be self-employed is admirable but without a plan and a support system, you will set yourself up for failure.

These are the top 5 questions you need to ask yourself before starting your own business:

1. What target market or niche do I want to serve? Choosing your target market first is important because to become successful, you must know your customers’ likes, dislikes and needs. Think about what target markets you belong to yourself and how you could fulfill a need or provide a service. Whatever niche you choose, be sure that you enjoy and care about the people in that target market.

2. What product or service should I offer? As you acquaint yourself with your target market, you will discover certain needs that aren’t being fulfilled. Or maybe your chosen group needs the next best product you have to offer. If you want to offer a service, ask yourself if you have enough training to do this for a living or do you need to take classes.

3. How will I fund this business? Home-based service businesses are relatively easy to start with limited funds. However, if you open up a storefront or manufacture a product, financing becomes much more important. Decide how much you can afford to invest from your personal finances, ask your banker if you qualify for any loans, or seek investors.

4. Can my family survive financially until the business turns a profit? Very often a small business will not turn a profit for at least one year, sometimes two years. What is your plan for feeding and clothing your family during that time? Do you have enough money saved to pay your rent or mortgage during that time? Do you have a nest egg to pay for unexpected emergencies?

5. Do I have the time and determination to make this business a success? You wanted to be your own boss so now you are the one solely responsible for all the marketing and sales. Are you ready to commit to 12-16 hour days? How will this affect your family? Is your spouse supportive of your efforts?

As you can see, our list can probably expand to over 100 questions you should ask yourself. Once you think one issue is resolved, other questions arise. This is not meant as a discouragement but merely a way to help plan for your business success.

Michelle Waters helps work at home moms and small business owners sell physical products online. She is host of Product Seller's Talk Radio, and offers services through her site at MichelleWatersOnline.com.