But before you take the leap to begin your journey as a business owner, it is necessary you ask yourself these 5 questions, the answers you get will help you decide if you’re prepared or if you need to do more on the drawing board before starting your business.
This is because many entrepreneurs claim to have it all figured out when it comes to starting a business. Starting a business is certainly not a small feat and an aspiring business owner ought to be prepared for the hurdles ahead.
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Top 5 Questions To Ask Before Starting Your Business
Let’s dive straight into the top core questions every aspiring business owner must ask before starting up a business.
How To Create Or Carve My Niche?
Understanding your competition is one thing, becoming the competition is another. For this to happen, there has to be sauce! To carve a niche is to create a USP – (Unique Selling Point) for your business. It is what sets you apart from the competition and makes you a competitor.
Your USP can range from an upgrade in quality or functionality of the product or service; to the pricing, the marketing or branding strategy, or customer service. It could be anything that gives you an edge over competitors. As the business grows and expands, your USP might evolve, but never start a business without identifying your niche.
Does My Product Or Service Solve A Problem?
Wigs are the rave of town once again, simply because they serve a purpose; transforming your look in an instant with the hours wasted at the beauty parlours. Think Google Maps, Washing machines, Mobile phones, and Dishwashers, these cater to different basic needs and have made life easier for all of us. It’s no surprise that the demand for these products never diminishes. So, what does your business bring to the table? Have an answer? You’re on the right track!
Can you specify what problem you aim to solve with your product or service? If not, this article is definitely for you. It is imperative that your product or service caters to a need, solves problems, or makes life easier.
This determines the value that will be attached to your business.
Who Are My Competitors?
It is folly to enter a battle without studying your opponent. You can’t play the game to win if you are not conversant with the player’s tactics. Do your research!
Understanding your competitors and how they achieved success. Researching their core values, frequency of sales, distribution channel, weaknesses, and every other important detail. Keep reading!
Do I Have A Business Plan?
A business plan can make or break a small business. A strong detailed plan provides a clear road map for the future and forces you to think through the business idea and can give you a greater understanding of your business’s finances and the hurdles ahead.
A business plan details your goals and how you aim to achieve them in the near and long term. In the case where you need extra funding, the business plan makes it clear. It shows you’re prepared or at least ready to take the step. The plan is followed through to see good results and this is highly possible when you’re consistent with it.
How Much Capital Is Required?
Prior to starting a business, it is important to know how much it would require to set it up, and this is tagged “Capital”. The amount required largely depends on the type of business. Some are capital intensive and others, not so much.
For someone looking to establish a restaurant, it is important to understand everything that is required – the cost of gas, foodstuff, electricity, maintenance, security, staff, and other logistics – because this will help determine the capital. Eventually, you might realize that you have to place business needs over wants.
Afterward, you can raise capital by reaching out to investors. Applying for Lions’ Den also gives you a chance to meet investors who will back your business idea for equity. However, this is conditional on your business meeting the necessary requirements.
“A small business is an amazing way to serve and leave an impact on the world you live in.”
-Nicole Snow
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