6 Factors to Consider When Starting a Business

6 Factors to Consider When Starting a Business

Running your own business provides you the opportunity to become your own boss, gives you a more flexible schedule, and offers you a chance to monetize your passion.

Some people like the idea of running their own business and are excited about being the boss. Others love being the one to create a new product and make it better than anyone else in the world. Some people just want to take a chance and start a business without much of a plan. But starting a business takes time and planning.

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, here are six factors you must consider before launching your own business. 

Offerings

The first factor you must consider is your business offerings. Will you be selling merchandise or providing services? Do you plan to turn your interests into a profit-making venture? Even if you have a lucrative business idea, you need to ensure that there’s a demand for it. Consider what your business offerings can contribute to the community. Your products or services should also be unique and viable to be relevant to your target market.

Market

Another business element to consider is the market you plan to serve. Who is your target audience? Will you be offering your service locally or internationally? To ensure that your business thrives, conducting market research is essential. It can help you make informed business choices, determine potential threats, reduce investment risks, identify growth opportunities, and assist you in crafting an effective business framework that is customer-centric. You can also use social media and other third-party knowledge-based platforms such as AskHer to gain insights on your potential clients.

Legal structure

Once you have a working business idea and have determined your target market, you must now consider your business formation. There are many different types of business structures, but the most common are sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. Your business structure will determine essential legal elements such as your tax rates, personal liability, the paperwork you need to secure, and fundraising capabilities. While you can change your legal structure later on, this endeavor can be highly challenging, so carefully choosing the right one before registering your business is wise.

Location

Location plays an integral role in the success of a business. Depending on the nature of your business, you need to find a suitable location that fits your budget and works well for everyone. If your budget is limited, operating your startup from home can be a great option initially, but transitioning to a brick-and-mortar store should be a possibility in the near future. When scouting for the right business location, make it a point to choose an easily accessible place with high foot traffic if it is customer-facing.

Funding sources

Unless you plan to fund your business entirely, you must find alternative and sustainable methods of acquiring capital. It is critical that your financial resources get your business through the startup stage and, if possible, during the growth and expansion phases as well.

Staff

Without an efficient staff, it will be difficult for your startup to succeed. When sourcing for the right talent, be sure to exhaust all suitable recruitment tools. During the initial phase, consider outsourcing some of your non-core duties so you can focus on more critical areas. Depending on your budget, you can either hire freelancers or an offshore team to perform specialized tasks.

Starting a business can be challenging. Remember to take note of these business elements, and don’t hesitate to ask for professional help.