| The fact that you're reading this article | | | | expertise?Don't get involved in a business if |
| says that you probably want to own and | | | | you know little or nothing about it. The |
| operate a business. In all likelihood you | | | | story related above is a true one ... and one |
| also have a good idea of what that business | | | | of many like it. When you have the necessary |
| will be. I'll give you some help to ensure | | | | technical expertise, you can ask the right |
| you've selected the business that's right for | | | | questions, make good business decisions and |
| you.Your business success will be directly | | | | assess other "expert" opinions.- Can I make |
| proportional to how much you love what you | | | | enough money in this business?First, your |
| are doing.Considering the amount of effort | | | | financial goals should be realistic. Then |
| you will need to expend as an entrepreneur to | | | | look around at similar businesses to see how |
| make your venture successful, the business | | | | they are doing. Talk to the owners. Most will |
| you select should be something you love. | | | | give you enough information for you to decide |
| There are lots of reasons why people choose | | | | if it's right for you financially. This will |
| to start a new business. At the top of the | | | | help you to pick a business that can satisfy |
| list is dissatisfaction with their present | | | | your financial goals.- Can I get the help I |
| job. If this is your situation, try to | | | | will need?If your business is not going to be |
| understand why you don't like your present | | | | a one-person operation, you need to find out |
| job. This will help you select a business | | | | if the right kind of help is available in |
| that will be right for you.Select a business | | | | your immediate area. Are there similar |
| because you have something to give, because | | | | businesses in the area? Also check with local |
| you understand the market and because you | | | | employment agencies.- Do I understand the |
| know you are going to do a better job than | | | | market?Will you be able to find customers? Do |
| anyone else. Don't pick one because you want | | | | you have the knowledge required to set prices |
| to make a quick buck or because the "deal | | | | appropriately? Will you be able to direct a |
| looks just too good to pass up." If your | | | | marketing program? (You might not do this |
| heart and soul are in the business, you have | | | | yourself, but you may have to manage the |
| a much better chance of being successful.The | | | | effort). is a Website that provides business |
| business you choose should fit with realistic | | | | owners with the information they need in |
| goals and an honest assessment of yourself. | | | | order to successfully start, manage, grow, |
| The following checklist will help you decide | | | | and sell their businesses.The site features |
| on a business that can be successful for you. | | | | over 3,000 articles and 60 guides on business |
| Bruce bought a fast food franchise because | | | | topics such as starting a business, financing |
| the opportunity looked too good to pass up. | | | | a business, sales and marketing, building a |
| It might have been, but Bruce knew nothing | | | | website, setting up an office, hiring |
| about the food or restaurant business, and as | | | | employees, and selling a business. The site |
| far as I knew, didn't even like fast food! | | | | also contains articles on legal and |
| Care to guess how successful he was? Or how | | | | accounting issues affecting businesses and |
| long it lasted? Care to guess what happened | | | | allows business owners and entrepreneurs to |
| even though "all the details are taken care | | | | get free expert advice from local lawyers or |
| of for you?"CHECKLIST: CHOOSING A BUSINESS- | | | | accountants. The site contains over 1,000 |
| Is this the kind of work I really enjoy?Look | | | | business forms and agreements that are |
| to your current interests. Many successful | | | | helpful to business owners and provides a |
| small businesses grow out of hobbies because | | | | business directory with over 1,700 merchants |
| a hobby is chosen for all the right reasons | | | | who provide services specifically for small |
| ... you enjoy the task, the challenge, the | | | | businesses.Eran Salu, JD,MBA,CPA is the |
| time spent.- Do I have the required technical | | | | Founder and CEO of TotalBusiness. |