The current economy is driving more people to start their own business and rightfully so. Business ownership signifies that you have taken the reins of your own destiny. The unfortunate aspect of this decision is that many people are not prepared for what it takes to be a business owner. You’ve read the articles through media blasts and other sound bits. Start your business in as little as three days. Earn more by working for yourself. Take control of your life by working for yourself. Spend more time with your family and friends. The list goes on and on and on. Although there is a great deal of truth to this but let’s be honest. Business ownership is not as glamorous as the media portray it to be. If you decide to take the plunge into business ownership I personally guarantee you the rewards far outweigh the temporary setbacks, delays and pitfalls. I’ve been a successful business owner since 1987 and believe me if I would have known about “how to” do anything in business Warren Buffet and I would be entrepreneurs co-mingling. I learned through “trial and error” which is very time-consuming and incredibly expensive. Thankfully, your business will not start out dysfunctional. Listen, learn and duplicate what is already established and functioning properly.

1. Decide if you want to be in business. This will shave off 10 seconds of your precious time within a 24-hour window. This is very important because most people in business missed this point. They started doing something without thinking or planning and one day all the pieces did not fit into the puzzle. And those missing pieces goes back to the drawing board called decision. Our thoughts dictate the outcome. Think about it, did you start reading this article out of boredom your where you thinking about starting a business? I think the latter answer is correct or you will probably be somewhere else.
2. What type of business? You know what enjoy doing so why not turn it into a profitable business. Now before you take the bull by the horns make sure this business is something other people need and want. Never assume what you like is something other people will pay their money for. Always see from the prospects lenses. If they like your product or service duplicate and legally protect it as quickly and accurately as possible. What you have done is taken a hobby, thought or idea turned into a profitable business.
3. Location. Do you want a home-based business, store front or virtual business? See why I started off with question #1 and you thought I was being a smarty. These are the kind of decisions only you can answer. Although each of these businesses are somewhat similar each one functions differently. Here’s what I mean. Home-based businesses is operated from your personal dwelling; therefore, no overhead costs unless you build onto the existing structure. Let’s keep this simple! Either location will require some type of license to operate your business. a.) For home-based businesses check with your municipality for city or county business license requirements; b.) Store front locations will definitely be required to have a business license among other permits, etc. Again, check with your city or county municipality for requirements and; c.) Virtual business licenses can be tricky. Since you are not physically operating from a physical location or home-based a license is probably not required; however, whenever filing taxes you will either use your social security number or obtain an employer identification number (EIN). If you choose the later and use a company name then you must obtain the proper licenses and or permits to operate your virtual business. Note: An occupational license may or may not suffice to operate your business. Again, check with the municipality in your locale for business license and or permits. » Read more: Laying Your Business Foundation – Part One