Ideas
The first thing you need in order to start your own small business is an idea. Your best bet at success with a small business is by coming up with something that is unique and that will be used. Most people are looking for a product or service that they are in need of or that they will use on a daily basis. Coming up with the idea is probably harder than it sounds. If you're having trouble thinking of something then sit down and brainstorm some ideas on paper. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Is your service needed?


• Is it affordable to the general public?


• Will it make a profit?


• Are there a lot of other small businesses that offer similar services or makes similar products?

A business plan
Writing a business plan is one of the most difficult things to do in the process of starting a small business. Your business plan will offer others a way to evaluate your company. This part of the plan is usually fairly extensive. Here are some things to include in your business plan:

• Finding some investors or lenders to help you get the funding you need.


• Financial projections or how you plan on generating income


• Business strategies


• Marketing and advertising plans that will help promote your business


• What your goals are and how you plan to achieve them.

Find your financing
Now that you have your idea and your business plan ready to go you can start looking for potential investors, lenders, and loans. It is extremely difficult to start a small business with no capital so you want to contact as many people as possible; friends, family, banks, etc. There are several different options when it comes to finding capital for a small business. Some investors will want to play a role in the company while others will not.

Start working
So now you're set. You've got everything you need to start your own business, so go get started. If you're providing a service you will probably want to advertise and market to the public. A couple of great ways to get people's attention is to offer free items, discounted items, or a 50% off coupon. It's amazing at how many people love a good deal and if it's free they go crazy. It's a good way to get your name out there and let people know who you are.

This is basically an idiot's guide to starting a small business; clear cut and very attainable. The details of each step however can become complicated and many first time small business owners can't afford to wait it out. Be patient and good luck.