Are you thinking of starting your own business and wondering where to start?

Keep it simple and do not start spending your money or your family and friends money until you collect objective data that demonstrates three things:
1. There are enough willing customers for your product or service
2. The business will be competitive enough to operate at a profit
3. You have what it takes to reach potential customers and deliver a product or service they will buy at a profitable price

Most small business experts will tell you that the first thing you need to do is write a business plan!
You should have a written business plan before you start your business and it will need to be regularly updated if and when you need a bank loan. However, the first thing you need to do is answer these questions, the answers will position you to collect the needed data and write an effective business plan.
· What are your personal goals?
· What is the source of your inspiration?
· In 25 words or less, what is your business idea?
· What is unique about your idea, or what is your twist of an old idea?
· What companies will be your three toughest competitors?
· What geography do you plan to serve?
· What is the demographic profile of the customers you plan to serve?
o E.g.― age, gender, income, race, occupation, marital status, children, ethnicity, religious affiliation, home ownership, recreational interest
· Who is going to produce the product or service?
· What will keep someone else from duplicating your business?

Once you have the answers to the above, make an appointment with a SCORE counselor to help you do the market research and write your business plan. http://www.score.com/