Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Cayading: What a bright idea By Trinidad Cayading D'Biz News
SO YOU want to start a business. The problem is, you have no idea what venture to start, much less how to find one that is right for you. It may seem like you have been groping in the dark for the idea switch, only to realize later on that what you are searching for has been staring you in the face. You may have touched it, seen it, experience it or heard it several times before. In fact the idea may have been so obvious that when you finally recognized it, you wondered how in the world you failed to notice it.
Marketing expert Ricky de Vera says business ideas can come from anywhere. "What's important is that there is a clear focus on what you would like to engage in and avoid wasting time on non-essentials."
It is not really easy to begin a business but it's neither as complicated nor as scary as many people think. It's a step-by-step common sense procedure. You don't need to attend business school to be skilled in spotting business ideas and turning them into money-spinners. You can stumble into a business opportunity right where you are.
This column will explain you just that -- ways for you to discover a winning bright and good business idea by identifying which one can and will work for you, and how to narrow down your choices and evaluate the feasibility of your best options. All you have to do is be in an idea-spotting mode so you can mine every day-to-day experience for its idea generating potentials. Then figure out what you want to do. It's decision time. Most important, make sure you are pursuing a business that is in line with how you live your life and what you want out of it. A business idea that is closest to your heart, something you are fond of doing it and make you happy, and something that is of your interest. Business can also be started from a skill, or talent that you have.
Going into a venture that you are passionate about sets you up for success because you will have the enthusiasm, the drive and the persistence to make it work. Be realistic and start with something you believe you can do.
But before we go deeper into this topic, let us get one thing straight: Finding a bright idea is easy; what's difficult is having the determination to start and see the venture through to the end. Understand that many around you will not encourage you to become an entrepreneur. Some will envy your courage; others will not like you for having the guts to actually do something. To succeed, you can't allow these naysayers to dissuade you, to stop your journey before it even begins.
One of the most common warnings you will hear is about risk. Sure, starting a business is risky, but keep in mind, there's a difference between foolish risks and calculated ones. If you carefully consider what you are doing, get help when you need it, and never stop asking questions, you can mitigate your risks.
You cannot allow the specter of risk to prevent you from moving forward. Ask yourself. "What am I really risking?" Then assess the dangers. What are you giving up? What will you lose if things don't work out? Don't risk what you can't afford. Don't risk your home, your family or your health. Ask yourself, "If this doesn't work, will I be worse off that I am now?" If all you have to lose is some time, energy and money, then it is probably worth it.
Determining what you want to do is only the first step. You have still got a lot of homework to do, a lot of research to undertake. Most important: Do something. Don't sit back year after year and say, "this is the year I am going to start my business" say rather, "I will make this year the start of my own business."
