Hello all,

It’s been a while since my last participation here at youngentrepreneur. Nevertheless, once in a while I stop by and read some posts just to check that this place is still moving and loaded with entrepreneurship minds!

Like some of you, I have a history of “working for others” and, despite the fact this way of living has its benefits, namely security and pay check at the end of the month, I always felt tempted by the entrepreneur spirit and the personal project dream. See what I mean? I am sure you do…

Ok, first the clichés
I have a business idea! Its been boiling in my mind for some time! I have a business plan draft with all the basic assumptions! I truly believe this can work and I am willing to put some effort on it!
That being said, some may throw: So man, take it to day light, clean the dust and step on it! Well, that’s easy to say… a bit more difficult to do.

Stage zero
This is exactly where I am, concerning not the theory, but the action. Mainly because I have some pre formatted thoughts regarding business development and some financial restrictions as well.

Regarding business development
As I said before, I have a business idea. Its all about a service, designed, developed and operated from scratch. Its presentation to the market will be based both on internet and direct sales force. It can be deployed internationally, directly by me or thru some kind of representation, franchise scheme or commission based models, as it will need local markets knowledge and experience.

Regarding financial needs
Not much to say about this issue. Project will need resources at different levels, I will call them the 5 divisions: IT , Content, Production, Marketing and Sales and Financial/Legal divisions. I would like to get the right and high skilled resources for each one of them, and that takes capital. Capital I actually don’t have. Simple as that.

So, what is this all about?
I know something about private equity, business angels, venture capital and how this players operate. The way I see it, these entities can join a project on a later stage of development, after seeing its potential, knowing its management team and check some figures… So I will not forget about it, I just don’t think it’s the right time for them to be considered.
What I want is to put in place a business organization, before the business development itself occurs. How?

1) Find the Team: Website creation, acting as partnership “recruitment centre”, presenting basic information regarding the project namely the working model proposition, current available positions and current status.
Set up a multi tasked team, with knowledge and professional experience on all 5 division areas. As there aren’t’ t big investors at this stage, team members may act as real shareholders of the project. (this concept must be discussed and developed). This way, I think a lot can be done without great investment, as team members will not be paid and will assume a shareholders position in the project.
At least, and using only “mind capital”, I think a beta version of the future service can be presented to the market.

2) Work and communication methodology: This issue is a must. As I expect to have people from different locations, things like communication, timetables, planning, designated tasks, goals and project status should all perfectly synchronize. I am considering to use some collaboration internet based tool, like huddle, secureoffice or hyperoffice.

3) This 3rd issue isn’t quite much regarding the way the project will be developed. Its more like on how this entrepreneurship adventure could be announced… Something like a blog with chapters with the project development, its goals, difficulties, showstoppers, lessons, etc. I am not sure if it may be some financial source, but for sure would be a motivation tool for all its team members…

I would like youngentrepreneur audience opinion regarding this 3 points as well as additional comments and/or suggestions regarding this approach to start-up development. Things like places where I may announce my intentions and look for candidates, positive critics to this model based on past experiences, new inputs and so on…
I thank you all in advance for the kind attention.

Regards