Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Starting a Business During a Recession

By Laura Nelson-Smith

With our economy's present state, most people think it's a bad time to start new businesses. That couldn't be farther from the truth! Many businesses begun during a recession are still thriving today. It isn't necessary to start cutbacks or becoming overly frugal.

There are a multitude of businesses and ventures easily adaptable to various states of the economy. With many well-known large businesses such as CNN and Hewlett Packard having kicked off their enterprise during uncertain economic times, this is a time you can consider your own kick-off as well.

Start by conducting careful research on the type of business you dream of starting. During times of recession the needs people have don't just suddenly disappear. By considering the goods or services that can help people during this troubled time, you have a better chance of your new business becoming a success. Whatever your choice is for a business venture, careful planning is paramount to a successful experience.

Be specific when outlining your business plan. There are many varying aspects to consider, depending on the business itself as well as where you will be fulfilling the various obligations needed for your business endeavor. Ask all the questions necessary consider all the aspects involved and enter this decision as informed as possible. This process will be of endless wealth to you while starting your new business.

Costs may be lower in reference to your start-up fees, simply because we are in a recession. It just happens to be a buyer's market for real estate at this time if you need a location outside the home for conducting business.

Next, start tracking the aspects of your new business which will be bringing you clientele. With the different types of business you might be starting, consider selling higher priced products or services to a smaller client base. Or maybe by discounting your product prices you are able to get a larger clientele. Work with all of your specifics and create for yourself an overview of various strategies available to you for this new business to be a success.

Your goals may be smaller at start-up of your business due to present economic state. Establish the level of funding available to you and create goals or plans within the same level. Ensure that your available funds are well invested, and thus creating a business mindset of responsible spending. When you create this mindset, you are less likely to over-spend; especially once your clientele's money is involved. By creating a level of capitalization based on your own financial contribution, you are protecting not only your business, but your clients as well.

Establishing this mindset permits you to move ahead by setting achievable short and longer term goals. Any feasible short term goal would be the milestones you wish your business to achieve during the first six months to a year. Once these goals are planned out, you can start considering longer term goals; those achievements you aim to reach at some point within the first five years of business. It's recommended that you give both your business and yourself a minimum of two years to show profitability. There are many businesses that don't make a very large profit in the first two years, especially during economic times that are not at on optimum state.

Creative marketing is always a plus, but is even more essential in times of recession. You need your marketing strategies to make potential clientele focus upon what you have they might need, rather than going to your potential competition. Advertise online, in local newspapers and magazines, or even something as simple as putting up a flyer explaining your services on the bulletin board at the exit of a store or market. Speak to the manager of these places ahead of time to make sure this is allowable. You may find yourself with a manager who understands how difficult the start of a new business is, and he or she may be open to the concept of adding a flyer to customer's packages at the checkout counter.

The need to hit your target audience at just the right time is great for your new business. Consider for example a line of Valentine's Day gifts and services. Revealing your product line too soon can leave you with clients still dealing with holiday expenses, meaning they aren't looking to spend money right then for a special day that is a month or two away. Instead, start advertising your Valentine products the 1st of February so your potential customers have recovered from Christmas expenses, but still close enough they remember to stop by.

There are uncertainties for everyone during a recession. By thinking things through, planning and brainstorming as well as treating each and every customer as a gem are ways for you to go that extra mile getting yourself that much closer to having a successful business.

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