Should I start a small business…?

By Matt Johnson

Blue Sky Window Cleaning Inc – [email protected]

I recently wrote an article about small businesses.  As I finished it, an article about how to actually start one might be useful.  And as I was writing, a question kept forcing itself to the surface.  How does one go about deciding whether or not to create their own firm? I decided to write an article that will help an ambitious window cleaner make up his or her mind on whether or not they want to do this.

Before you begin your journey down the road to entrepreneurship, it might be a good idea to find out what you are getting yourself into.  Most people think they will control the business they are creating, and to a degree, they are right.  But as things start to get going, the business gradually consumes their lives and starts to control them.  Business owners must make everything happen.  They must find customers and answer to them.  They must train, equip, and lead personnel.  They will have to deal with taxes, insurance, sales and marketing, operations, scheduling, and a million things I’m sure I’m leaving out.  It will seem as if the weight of the World will be on your shoulders.

If I haven’t scared you off, which is not the intention of this article, and you insist on going out on your own, then the first thing you need to do is to formulate a business plan.  If you are going to finance your startup through a bank or a venture capitalist, they are going to want to see one.  Get a book on how to create one, even if you are not dependent on outside financing.  No plan is a plan to fail.

I assume most who read this article didn’t attend a university and get a business degree.  So, night classes at a community college on how to run a business might be a good idea.  The Small Business Administration can be of invaluable assistance.  They have a program called SCORE (Special Committee of Retired Executives)  that can offer advice and mentoring.  If you qualify, the SBA may help with loans.

Starting and running a business is an enormous undertaking.  Before taking the plunge, you need to know what you are up against.  Getting windows cleaned will be the easiest part.  This will be one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. The risks are great, but so are the rewards.

Matt Johnson

Formerly of Blue Sky WC, INC

St. Louis, MO