Looking for advice before I start up my company!!!

[SonnyMontana]

Greeting all! I'm a newbie here on this forum and while I've gained a lot of insight from reading behind the scenes, I'd like to hear some advice and constructive criticism as I try to start up my on company in the next month or so. I've been sitting on the idea (since 2001) of starting an online marketing and promotion company that caters to nightlife, music and entertainment;while also offering graphic design and event planning and hosting. I shyed away from the idea a few years back because of the oversaturation and similarity of other sites, but am finally ready to go through with it due to a overall shift in the business and also lack of creativity and present offerings. While I do have a logo, website, business and marketing plan, I have yet to assemble a team and have also been going back and forth as to wether or not I should get a government loan to help ease start up costs. It's definitely going to be costly in the beginning, but am wondering what are everyone's thoughts as far as generating revenue from advertising, if getting a government loan really worth it and any other possible mistakes or things that I should be taking into consideration before I start.
Any help would be great.
Thanks!

[Dragizzane]

Look, taking the next step depends a few things, if you know your location that you want to run business it will be a big step forward. However this will be very expensive and you may want to delay the purchase of a building until you are sure of the direction that your company is heading. Since the business you are thinking of running could start out as a completely online database, you may just be able to run it out of your home. Then depending on how far you take it, you can add locations and people as you go. One of the best ways that you can raise start up money (capital) is to put together a presentation for some local investors (yes there are people out there that look to invest in new businesses). Even thought we are in a economic downturn, it is a great time to start a business because small companies are gonna be the key to restoring our country's economy. Also just get your name out as much as possible, put up flyers at bars and nightclubs advertising your companies ability to ensure them a good time. I hope this helped you, if you have futher questions msg me back.

[karateguy]

you are your own team.. dont worry about hiring people.. do as much as possible yourself.. that way, you wont need the loan. If you ask for money when you don't need it, the terms will be better..

[bizdev]

Marketing, promotion, event planning, hosting and graphic design? I would rethink your plan and narrow it down.

You won't find government funding for an online business such as this. Check out my blog post for a discussion on the criteria required for an SBA backed loan.

The first thing you need to do is write a formal business plan so you can see the viability of your idea and pinpoint how much funding you will need. Then you might want to request funding at Preneuraholics.com (launching soon).