Do you have the desire to start your own business? Perhaps you have a great idea, but unfortunately, that’s not enough. In this article, we will provide you some advice and recommendations to consider in the process.

1.”Why”

Start by defining your “why” because it is the heart of everything. It will help you determine the values of your business, identify your target audience, and define the goals and the underlying idea of what you want to do. Do not underestimate this crucial step because it will be the foundation of everything you do and fight for. Your “why” is also what will impress and retain your potential customers.

2.Values

Once you have defined why you chose to create this particular business and what its purpose is, it’s time to think about values. Many people overlook this aspect and believe that it can be addressed at a later stage, but that’s not the case. Core values not only guide your personal life but also your professional life because they help shape your future business decisions. For example, when you are at a crossroads and unsure which decision to make, if you have clear values, the answer will come to you. Values also help you attract and hire the right people for your business. Additionally, write down all the qualities you would want your potential employees to have and the requirements you would have for them. This will also help you find the right people.

3.Audience

We have emphasized many times how important it is to identify the right target audience for your business. This is crucial not only for adapting your product or service to the specific potential customers but also for marketing and branding your company. Identifying your target audience helps you create various forms of communication tailored to the interests and behavior of that specific group of people. Ideally, your perfect customer is someone who strongly resonates with the values your business supports and the answer to your “why.” When identifying the group itself, it is essential to consider where you want them to be located (city, country, online), their age, interests, and problems. Other factors to consider include gender, education level, profession, and income level.

4.Competition

Analyzing your competitors is essential to understand what sets your business apart from others in the industry. What does the analysis entail? To start, identify the companies that are your direct and indirect competitors. Learn about their products or services, investigate what their customers say about them through their website or Google reviews. Examine their communication on social media in detail and analyze their customer service strategy. It is also crucial to pay attention to the prices your competitors offer, so you have a clear idea of what price you can and should provide. Once you have gathered information about these aspects, it’s a good idea to create a list of potential clients, suppliers, and the entire network of potential partners. Think about the relationships and conditions you will have with them, which, of course, must align with your business values.

5.Budget

Determining a budget is extremely important because it will show you the amount that separates you from achieving your dream. Consider all the expenses you currently have and will have. Once you have an idea of the approximate amount, it’s time to think about financing. It may include personal savings, help from your family and friends, a bank loan (personal or business), or special financing from different projects. Our advice is to dedicate enough time to this step because incorrectly determining the budget leads to many risks that can be detrimental.

6.Marketing Strategy

Developing a marketing and branding strategy is crucial to the success of your business. It will help you build the overall vision of your brand, choose the right channels to reach your target audience, and most importantly, communicate the right message to them. Branding strategy also includes important elements such as the name, logo, and color palette for your brand to be distinct and memorable.

7. Documentation

Researching the documents you will need for your business to operate legally is of utmost importance. The necessary steps/rules for obtaining specific licenses, permits, or certificates vary depending on the country, industry, product, or service. It is essential to consider everything in advance and consult with the right people. For example, find a suitable accountant or accounting firm and consult with a lawyer who can help you with all the legal aspects you need to know at the beginning. Another important aspect to consider is insurance. Research the types available and which ones you can benefit from to secure your business in some way.

Once you have completed each of these steps, gather them and describe them in detail in your business plan. With the help of a proper marketing strategy, you will be able to announce the launch of your business appropriately, and the information will reach the right people through the right channels. And remember, if you need a marketing partner throughout this entire process, we are here to assist you.

Antoana Bakalova – Copywriter