You’ve got great skills and a wealth of experience, and now you’re ready to leave your corporate job reporting to multiple management levels and become your own boss. Entrepreneurship can be a great way to balance earning a living with quality of life. But what does it take to get a business started? Businesses have come a long way since the local shop could hang an “OPEN” sign on the door and just wait for curious passersby to come and see what’s for sale. In today’s global, fast-paced business world there are some essential tools that you need for a successful business. Here are three basic but essential business tools that you need to get your new business up and running:
1. Office Space
Every business needs an address, so where will you be working? Before you decide upon office space, you need to ask yourself some questions about your space usage. Will you need space for:
- Yourself and a computer?
- Other employees?
- Client meeting space?
- Storage?
- Other needs unique to your business?
If you are like many startup businesses, then you may not need much space right now, but you can’t accurately predict what your needs will be in six months or a year. If this sounds like your situation, then check out the shared office space options at YourOffice Ballantyne. We have small spaces to get you started, short-term commitments, and the flexibility you will need as your business grows. And to sweeten the deal, we are currently offering two months free rent!
2. A Website
Almost as important as your real address is your virtual business location, i.e. your website. You should consider your company website the virtual “front door” to your business, as it will likely be the first thing a potential client sees about your business. There are many companies out there who can help you build your website. Before deciding who to hire, have an idea of what you want your website to accomplish. Do you want potential clients to be able to contact you through your site? Do you want to post previous work? Do you want to be able to sell products or services directly from your site? Once you decide what you want to achieve, get quotes from several different website builders before making your decision. Your website is important, so don’t be tempted to get it done fast; do your homework and get it done right.
3. A Solid Business Plan
You may have heard the quote “a dream without a plan is just a wish.” Plenty of people dream about starting a business, but to make that dream a reality, you need a solid plan. How can you get started with your business plan? One great resource to help Charlotte business owners get started is the Small Business Center at Central Piedmont Community College. The Small Business Center offers business counseling, courses, seminars and workshops specifically geared for small businesses. Topics range from basic accounting to business networking. Check out the current calendar to see which events are coming up soon!
There are about a million and one details that need to fall into place to get a business started. From business cards to your answering machine message to the ergonomic chair that you sit in while you work…but don’t get bogged down with the details until you first address the three essentials. When you start with the right work space, a welcoming website and a great business plan, you give your new business the best chance at long-term success.
