What are the things you need to do when you are starting a new business?

[rock3tcat]

Hi my name is Mustafa and I am currently living in France, and I would like to startup a software enterprise to create small business applications. But since i have no experience what so ever i thought to ask you what the things are to look for when starting a new company, I mean; business plan, finance, employees, etc.

[Aletheides]

Demand for the product/service, what the competition is doing, and how I can do it better. It's all about adding value then marketing your advantages.

[dontheinfoguy]

I agree with aletheides, It's best to find out what people want, then create/or sell a product that meets the demands. I know for me as a business owner I like software to be easy and quick to use.

You also want to think about How you will finance your idea. Loans, Grants, Partners, Friends, Family, Savings, Credit Cards. You want to do your homework and find out exactly how much you will need for equipment and operational cost.

The biggest thing will be your Marketing Plan. If you don't have a system in place to keep customers coming then you don't have a business. If your selling a software application there are tons of ways market. Most of it will be dependent on your budget and your time invested.

You definately want to go thru all the legal documents to establish a real business. Such as getting a business name, opening up business accounts, business phone, business credit, the whole nine yards. My tax advisor tells me that It's best to keep business activities seperate from personal activites, such as purchases, lunch, and equipment use.

I could think of some more things but I'll let some of the other members who may be more seasoned to give some great advice.