Small Business Start-Up - Easy As A-R-T

Starting a small business can be challenging, but it is easy to do if you look at the process as an art.

The word art, according to Webster's dictionary, is a "skill acquired by experience, study, or observation ... a branch of knowledge ... the conscious use of skill and creative imagination esp. In the production of aesthetic objects" .

It is an act of creation - the physical production of a work appears, or the process of achieving a desired result. How to compose a symphony, or paint a portrait, or bake a cake, start and manage your business requires the same combination of action, resources and timing, or ART.

Similar to the artist who carves a statue or write a novel (action) with chisels or paper and pen (resources) in a specific sequence (timing), to apply some techniques, using the tools of his trade, in step-by- process step, start or grow your business. Every aspect of the business essentially follows the same pattern, from start-up through expansion to retirement.

First things first. To realize any fulfillment in life, business or personal, you must first define your goal. This may sound simplistic, but the reality is: you can not get there from here unless you know where "there" is. You need to be specific. If you want to work with children, you're going to be a daycare provider, a primary school teacher, or a pediatric nurse? If you want to expand your existing business, you're going to add a new element to the product line, or write a book on the topic, or start a consulting firm to complete the operations of retail? Use it as a precision laser to focus on the real target because the desired end result will dictate the ART need to accomplish your mission.

Action! Once you've decided what you wanna do, you must determine how you did. What actions or measures are necessary to make this happen? Do your homework - research what are the specific requirements in order to meet your milestones when you put the plan into motion. In business, some specific actions include the issuance of permits, finding funding, procuring supplies, keeping records, filing fees, marketing and networking, producing the final product, etc. For large projects, like starting a new company, you may need to trace the various courses of action. Mapping each course in a step-by-step fashion will help you gather the resources needed for each stage.

Resources. If you are a service provider, a manufacturer, distributor, or an Internet marketer, the resource package includes not only the tools of the trade, such as commodities, hard assets, skills and knowledge, but also human resources - people and organizations that help you accomplish your mission. Accountants, lawyers, bankers, government agencies, and mentors are examples of some of these resources. And 'the entrepreneur essay that considers and provides all the resources necessary to efficiently and effectively implement their action plan.

Timing. Now that you have set your goal, drawn a line of conduct, and lined up the resources, it is time to execute the plan. The order in which to perform each step - your time - can be crucial to success. For example, if you are getting a rental space that seems ideal for your business, you definitely want to check first that the property is zoned for commercial use (or for your type of business) before signing on the line hatched and hand over the rent money.

You do not need the headaches associated with it may lead, if you forget this step and the agreement falls through. Let logic, research and intuition be your guides. If you are not sure which way to go next, asking for directions!

Especially during the start up of business, a few steps must be done in a certain sequence before other actions can be taken. For example, before applying for a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate, you must first decide on a name for your company and find out if it is available for your use. You will also need to decide on a business structure (sole proprietorship vs partnership vs company) prior to submitting the necessary documents with the appropriate government agency, such as your Secretary of State. With a little 'pre-planning, you should be able to follow the route mapped out for action, without having to go through too many steps along the way.

Obviously, deadlines and requirements vary by state, county and city, depending on the type of activity, but most information can be obtained from local government offices. Check the blue pages of the book. Since most states do not have a centralized agency to provide all information necessary to start working, you may need to be creative in finding bodies in charge of business-related activities. But be persistent - you're an artist! The Vision Plan and ART will get you there .......