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Questions to ask yourself when selecting a business

Guest post by: Rene Truter

Article Overview: If you're thinking about starting your own business, there are a few points you have to ponder before you can even start the process.

Free Download - Some pointers when choosing a business partner By Rene Truter
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Questions to ask yourself when selecting a business

If you're thinking about starting your own business, there are a few points you have to ponder before you can even start the process.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Can you afford to start your own business?

The first step is to look at how much money you have available. If you do not have money, consider how and where you will access financing.

Will the business yield adequate income?

Calculate how much income you will need for the month and ensure that your earnings will cover your expenses. In the first few months, be prepared to make some sacrifices.

Does it suit your personality and lifestyle?

Does your business idea reflect your hobbies and interests? Doing what you are passionate about has a higher success rate as you will be more inclined to see to the needs of clients because you understand your target market.

Do you have the necessary skills and experience

Your qualifications or prior work experience should be considered. It is wise to capitalise on existing experience and skill, rather than to diversify into something completely different.

Are the hours satisfactory?

Depending on the type of business, you may have to work long hours for years.

Does it coincide with your morals and values

Successful entrepreneurs align their personal and professional values. It is therefore advised to consider cultural and moral values.

Do you have the support of your family?

Go into a business where you will be able to share and enjoy your profits with your family. In general, aim to run a business that is profitable - but that you will enjoy. Seek synergy in terms of what you have to offer the business and what it can offer you.

Copyright© 2010 Business Partners Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Home > Starting-A-Business > Rene Truter > Questions to ask yourself when selecting a business >
Article Tags: buying a business, questions, starting your own business

About the Author: Rene Truter
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The SME Toolkit is a project of the Small and Medium Enterprise Department of the World Bank Group and is available in multiple languages through local partners, such as South Africa, around the world. Business Partners Ltd, leading risk financing company for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), has made the online Toolkit available for all entrepreneurs in South Africa.

The Toolkit is a joint initiative between Business Partners, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and IBM, offers easy access to information, resources and online training relevant to SMEs in a large number of industries and business sectors.

The SA SME toolkit provides how-to articles, business forms, financial tools, online training and information resources developed by leading experts, and free software tailor-made for SMEs. All aspects of business set-up and management are covered, from business planning to accounting, financial management, human resources, import /export, legal and insurance matters, marketing, sales, operations and information technology.

The site also offers a range of self-assessment exercises and tools, aimed at enabling entrepreneurs to take control of problem-solving in their companies, and even to proactively implement strategies to avoid potential problems.

Users have lauded the SME Toolkit as a one-stop shop for almost any piece of information needed to run their business. Register on the Toolkit today to start receiving the monthly newsletter and grow your business knowledge and skills.



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