By Tom Polanski

So you’ve decided to start your own business - that’s great news!  Now you’re probably asking - “What’s next?”  There are a lot of different paths you can go down to help build your business success, but the very first thing you’ll want to do is lay out a marketing and start-up plan for yourself!

This can be as simple as jotting down notes in a spiral notebook.  It should be something you can keep with you as you work your day-to-day business tasks. Don’t worry - you don’t need to submit the answers to the bank for a loan.  These are just designed to get you thinking about how to make the most of your small business marketing plan.

1. Define what it is you do.  How will you earn money?  What’s your offer?
2. How will you distribute or sell the product?  Will you have partners? A retail storefront?  Internet-only?
3. How many other businesses are out there like yours? What are they doing that you can do better? What do they do that you can’t do (yet)?
4. How much will you invest in having a website created? You should do this even if you aren’t selling directly online as it gives customers a way to learn more about you before they buy.  There are websites for every budget - but remember that what you save in money, you may lose in features or functionality.
5. Do you have all the necessary documents you need such as your business plan, tax ID, trade name registration (also known as a DBA)?
6. Where will you work from? Home? Office? What’s your workspace like?  I’ve included this question to get you thinking about your productivity as your office “space” has much to do with how you get done.
7. What kind of skills or talents do you need to operate the business? If you don’t have them - how will you find someone who does?
8. Do you have everything you need to manage your income and expenses such as accounting software and tax forms?
9. Do you know what people are talking about in your industry? Are there any trade organizations or business conferences you could attend?
10.  What is the outlook like for your particular type of business? Is the market strong, stable or weak? 

If you can confidently answer these 10 questions, you’re well on your way to having a thriving business that gets results!  If you’re unsure of any point mentioned above, consult your local Small Business Administration office or your chamber of commerce.  There are many departments and organizations that can help you get together all the resources you need to start your business quickly and easily.  Go for it!