Question: I’m eager to start my own business and have a good idea, but I’m not sure what my first step should be.  Can you point me in the right direction?

Answer:
The first thing you should do is take a deep breath and understand that starting a business is a serious venture and can involve substantial risk.  Some call it a “blind leap of faith.”
Next, realize there are steps you can follow to reduce that risk and enhance your chances of success.

Education and experience
You should seek to acquire business knowledge through hands-on, work-related activities, research, educational courses, an analysis of market trends, and other industry information.  Success comes through preparation, experience, and perseverance.  Follow your strengths and interests; they will sustain your enthusiasm as the business will have no built-in momentum in the start-up phase.

Planning
If you can anticipate the potential pitfalls that you will encounter, you can design plans to overcome them before they occur.  As they say, “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.”  Create a business plan to prove through studies, analysis and research that there is indeed a documented demand for your product or service.

Outside Advisors
One of the biggest advantages for people who want to start a small business in this market is the availability of professional assistance, resources and the pro-business attitude of Charlotte.  Use outside advisors who can help you make decisions based upon fact, not wishful thinking.  Consider:

Be patient
Take your time deciding.  A legitimate opportunity will not disappear overnight.  Think long-term and do your homework.  A business needs a firm foundation, realistic expectations and a total commitment to succeed. 

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