How to Start a Business?

Consider how different business fit into your lifestyle and your interests. For example, do you want to work part time? Or do you want more career opportunities and the chance to build your own business empire? Think about these points:

1If you have young children and want more time with them, do you need to create a business that offers you flexible hours, or that you can run on a part time basis?

2If you have high financial ambitions, does your business have plenty of growth potential?

3If you live far from the city centre, and customers will have to visit you at home, would it be more economical and practical to rent or share a small office closer to your customers? IF they do visit you at home, can you provide a separate office space and live with some disruption at home?

There is no point throwing yourself into a demanding seven days a week business if your real ambition is to have a part time business so you are more free to raise your new baby! No one will be happy. Finding the right business module makes it easier to be excited about your work. And when you're excited and believe in your business, it's no longer just work, it's a rewarding part of your life.

The First Big Steps

Opening up your own small business can bring a host of benefits - more freedom, flexible working hours, more career opportunities and many of your dreams realised. But the sad truth is, there are more closures than start ups every year. In the US, 95 out of 100 fail within the first five years.

The good news is that statistics show small businesses started by women have a greater chance of success - experts think it's because women plan more, and take things step by step. A recent study on factors influencing career success conducted by Accenture, a global management consulting company, found that women feel juggling family support, planning and ambition is important for them to advance in their careers.

Why is planning important? Because we all know a great business starts with a great idea. But there's so much more. Often, would be entrepreneurs get so excited about their idea that they forget to find out whether it's viable or not.

"Researching your idea or talking to a neutral business advisor keeps your goals on track", says Shumita Chaudhury, 38, who owns the thriving online wedding registry, www.mychocolatemousse.com.my " When I first started, nothing happened so I got impatient. But Richard Branson's book Losing My Virginity was inspiring, as he stuck it out and found opportunities where others said there were none."