If I have an idea for a business where do i start?

[fayme]

So if I have just the idea for a business...Its a shop selling certain goods dont want to mention it. Where do I start? I have no business plan, NO wholesale contacts, nothing just the idea. But I have no clue what so ever on where I should start with building it.

Maybe someone can help me, or someone who started a business before what there first steps were...

Thanks,

[Kaidea]

I am exactly where you are! There are some certain products that I want to buy wholesale but I can't reach the companys... When I call they don't know and they transfer me to another stupid person!

[RealEstateInvestor]

Dear fayme,

A business plan is a crucial part of any business. It helps make your idea clear and helps identity the strengths and weaknesses of your project. In addition, the business plan shall be of utmost importance if you need to secure finance from banks to start up.

You can find wholesale contacts on Alibaba.com and other related b2b websites like aliexpress.com but however, traveling to China (especially during trade fairs) shall guarantee you more competitive prices than what your will get through online portals.

You should also well plan your business license and reporting requirements in your country. Most probably you need a business license to start importing and will have to pay for customs taxes and duties. As such, you should well research business laws in your country.

It is usually better to find a local business consultant to help you plan your business before you start.

Best of luck for your future venture.

[Bugman]

Try to get a business plan to get everything organized in your head. Put your projected costs down on paper as well as projected sales estimates. Expect your costs to be higher and your sales to be lower. Get some marketing ideas together and budget those costs as well. Then figure out how much money you will need to start the business and keep it running for at least a year even if you don't make any money and then acquire that much capital.

[kevinkllewis]

The first thing I would suggest you do is get some education. Take a course in small business management or entrepreneurship. These courses will teach you all of the nuances of running a business including how to write a business plan.

[JKansas]

I'm with Kevin. Your local SBA and SBDCs will offer free courses that can be really helpful. Check out sba.gov. There is a wealth of info online too. I would start with that before you start spending money.

[GrowStats]

^I agree with JKansas and Kevin.. It would be to your advantage if you took education pertaining to business.. Only then can you learn the processes that may best suit your profession.. And it may be on this time on when or where you can decide putting your business on..


If you have plans on going through with your business.. I advice you be thorough with your plans.. Think twice, and weigh down the options..

[willim]

Hi.
i think you make a plan, you should do SWOT and PEST analysis after that you make a strategies like marketing strategies 4ps and
4cs