Quit Playing Games: How to Start Your Business (A Boy Band Inspired Guide to Starting a Business)
Remember those carefree days of blasting Backstreet Boys while imagining your future? Well, for us Millennials, that future is now (or at least, overdue). But unlike our teenage selves, launching a business today requires a little more strategy than a fistful of confidence and a Lisa Frank trapper keeper.
Fear not, fellow nostalgic entrepreneurs! This guide will equip you with a boyband inspired guide to starting your own business.
Quit Playing Games (With Your Heart or Your Future):
First things first: Is this business idea just a fleeting fancy or a fire burning deep within your soul? Consider your experience, knowledge skills and talents, the financial commitment you are willing and able to make, and how much item you can commit to the business. By considering these factors, you can get a good sense of whether your business idea has substance.
Everybody (Needs a Business Plan):
Forget relying on fleeting inspiration alone. Craft a solid business plan that outlines your goals, target market, marketing strategy, and financial projections. Think of it as your roadmap to entrepreneurial success – no room for “Larger Than Life” dreams without a plan to make them reality.
As Long As You Love Me (But Also Do Your Market Research):
Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, their needs, and your competition. A strong understanding of the competitive landscape will help you position your business for success. Remember, even the Backstreet Boys had competition with other groups like NSYNC and 98 Degrees.
I Want It That Way (But You Need Funding):
Be realistic about your financial needs. The process of funding your small business will take time, even for credit-worthy applicants; so don’t wait until the last minute! Explore funding options like bootstrapping, loans, or seeking investors. Be sure to carefully consider all of your options and choose the one that is best for your business.
Show Me The Meaning of Being…Your Own Boss:
Building a business takes hustle, dedication, and the ability to wear many hats. There will be setbacks, but perseverance is key. Channel the confidence of your favorite boy band member and never give up on your vision!
The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center is here to help! Our team of experienced consultants can provide guidance on goal setting, business plan, and research. Visit www.pasbdc.org/scranton to request no-cost business consulting.
With a little planning, dedication, and maybe a Backstreet Boys playlist for motivation, you can develop your business and tell the world, “I’ll be the one!”
Boy Band Bonus Track: Download our Quit Playing Games, Start Your Business Worksheet to kickstart your entrepreneurial dreams!
