Small Business Start-Up: Easy as A-R-T
Small Business Start-Up: Easy as A-R-T
The word art, according to Webster's Dictionary, is a "skill acquired by experience, study, or observation...a branch of learning...the conscious use of skill and creative imagination esp. in the production of aesthetic objects."
It is an act of creation--the physical production of a visualized work, or the process of achieving a desired outcome. Like composing a symphony, or painting a portrait, or baking a cake, starting and running your business requires the same combination of Action, Resources, and Timing, or ART.
Similar to the artist who sculpts a statue or writes a novel (action) using chisels or pen and paper (resources) in a specific sequence (timing), you apply certain techniques, using the tools of your own trade, in step-by-step processes, to start or grow your company. Every aspect of business essentially follows the same pattern, from start-up through expansion to retirement.
First things first. To realize any accomplishment in life, whether business or personal, you first have to define your goal. This may sound simplistic, but the reality is: You can't get there from here if you don't know where "there" is. You need to be specific. If you want to work with children, are you going to be a daycare provider, an elementary school teacher, or a pediatric nurse? If you want to expand your existing business, are you going to add a new item to your product line, or write a book on your subject, or start a consulting business to complement your retail operations? Use laser-like precision to focus on your true goal because your desired end result will dictate the ART needed to accomplish your mission.
Action! Once you decide what you want to do, you need to determine how you'll get it done. What actions or steps are necessary to make this happen? Do your homework--research what the specific requirements are so you can meet your milestones when you put your plan into motion. In business, some specific actions include obtaining licenses, finding financing, procuring supplies, doing bookkeeping, filing taxes, marketing and networking, producing your end product, etc. For major projects, like starting a new company, you may need to plot out several courses of action. Mapping out each course in a step-by-step fashion will help you assemble the necessary resources for each step.
Resources. Whether you're a service provider, a manufacturer, a distributor, or an Internet marketer, your resource supply includes not only the tools of your trade, such as raw materials, tangible goods, expertise and knowledge, but also human resources--the people and organizations who assist you in accomplishing your mission. Accountants, lawyers, bankers, government agencies, and mentors are examples of some of these resources. It is the wise entrepreneur who considers and procures all the resources necessary to efficiently and effectively implement their action plan.
Timing. Now that you've set your goal, plotted a course of action, and lined up your resources, it's time to execute your plan. The order in which you carry out each step--your timing--can be critical to your success. For example, if you've found a rental space that seems ideal for your company, you absolutely want to check first that the property is zoned for commercial use (or for your type of business) before you sign on the dotted line and hand over your rent money. You don't need the associated headaches that could result if you miss this step and the deal falls through. Let logic, research, and intuition be your guides. If you're unsure which path to take next, ask for directions!
Especially in the start-up phase of business, some steps must happen in a certain sequence before other actions can be taken. For instance, before you can apply for a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate, you have to first decide on a name for your company and find out if it's available for your use. You'll also have to decide on a business structure (sole proprietorship vs. partnership vs. corporation) before you can file the necessary paperwork with the appropriate governing agency, such as your Secretary of State's office. With a little preplanning, you should be able to follow your plotted course of action without having to retrace too many steps along the way.
Obviously, timelines and requirements will vary by state, county, and city, depending on the type of business, but most information can be obtained from local government offices. Check the blue pages of the phone book. Since most states don't have a centralized agency to provide all the information you need to get up and running, you might have to get creative in finding the appropriate agencies in charge of business-related activities. Be persistent--you're an ARTist! Your vision and ART plan will get you there.
Small Business StartUp Easy as ART - To learn more about this author, visit Carma Spence-Pothitt's Website.
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Starting a small business can be challenging, but it's easy to do if you look at the process as an art.
The word art, according to Webster's Dictionary, is a "skill acquired by experience, study, or observation...a branch of learning...the conscious use of skill and creative imagination esp. in the production of aesthetic objects."
It is an act of creation--the physical production of a visualized work, or the process of achieving a desired outcome. Like composing a symphony, or painting a portrait, or baking a cake, starting and running your business requires the same combination of Action, Resources, and Timing, or ART.
Similar to the artist who sculpts a statue or writes a novel (action) using chisels or pen and paper (resources) in a specific sequence (timing), you apply certain techniques, using the tools of your own trade, in step-by-step processes, to start or grow your company. Every aspect of business essentially follows the same pattern, from start-up through expansion to retirement.
First things first. To realize any accomplishment in life, whether business or personal, you first have to define your goal. This may sound simplistic, but the reality is: You can't get there from here if you don't know where "there" is. You need to be specific. If you want to work with children, are you going to be a daycare provider, an elementary school teacher, or a pediatric nurse? If you want to expand your existing business, are you going to add a new item to your product line, or write a book on your subject, or start a consulting business to complement your retail operations? Use laser-like precision to focus on your true goal because your desired end result will dictate the ART needed to accomplish your mission.
Action! Once you decide what you want to do, you need to determine how you'll get it done. What actions or steps are necessary to make this happen? Do your homework--research what the specific requirements are so you can meet your milestones when you put your plan into motion. In business, some specific actions include obtaining licenses, finding financing, procuring supplies, doing bookkeeping, filing taxes, marketing and networking, producing your end product, etc. For major projects, like starting a new company, you may need to plot out several courses of action. Mapping out each course in a step-by-step fashion will help you assemble the necessary resources for each step.
Resources. Whether you're a service provider, a manufacturer, a distributor, or an Internet marketer, your resource supply includes not only the tools of your trade, such as raw materials, tangible goods, expertise and knowledge, but also human resources--the people and organizations who assist you in accomplishing your mission. Accountants, lawyers, bankers, government agencies, and mentors are examples of some of these resources. It is the wise entrepreneur who considers and procures all the resources necessary to efficiently and effectively implement their action plan.
Timing. Now that you've set your goal, plotted a course of action, and lined up your resources, it's time to execute your plan. The order in which you carry out each step--your timing--can be critical to your success. For example, if you've found a rental space that seems ideal for your company, you absolutely want to check first that the property is zoned for commercial use (or for your type of business) before you sign on the dotted line and hand over your rent money. You don't need the associated headaches that could result if you miss this step and the deal falls through. Let logic, research, and intuition be your guides. If you're unsure which path to take next, ask for directions!
Especially in the start-up phase of business, some steps must happen in a certain sequence before other actions can be taken. For instance, before you can apply for a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate, you have to first decide on a name for your company and find out if it's available for your use. You'll also have to decide on a business structure (sole proprietorship vs. partnership vs. corporation) before you can file the necessary paperwork with the appropriate governing agency, such as your Secretary of State's office. With a little preplanning, you should be able to follow your plotted course of action without having to retrace too many steps along the way.
Obviously, timelines and requirements will vary by state, county, and city, depending on the type of business, but most information can be obtained from local government offices. Check the blue pages of the phone book. Since most states don't have a centralized agency to provide all the information you need to get up and running, you might have to get creative in finding the appropriate agencies in charge of business-related activities. Be persistent--you're an ARTist! Your vision and ART plan will get you there.
Small Business StartUp Easy as ART - To learn more about this author, visit Carma Spence-Pothitt's Website.
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Cheryl MatthynssensCheryl is a life skills coach, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a 20 year entrepreneur. Cheryl's dedication to achieving a life of balance led to her expanding her teaching from the simple managing of life's daily challenges to adding financial well being as well. A direct marketer with DrinkACT, she is gaining ground in the online community with her concepts of making sure business owners, entreprenuers and employees have well rounded life styles. She opened up a small affiliate site - The Balance Guide- to help others find resources for mental and emotional well being. Visit Cheryl's blog to see more of the diversity beyond business she has began offering online at www.thebalanceguide.blogspot.com - Visit Cheryl Matthynssens's Website |
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John AlexanderJohn has taught keyword research and SEO skills to small groups of business owners and Webmasters from over 80 different countries world wide since 2002. John is also the Director of Search Engine Academy ; Co-director of Training at Search Engine Workshops offering live, SEO Workshops with his partner SEO educator Robin Nobles, author of the very first comprehensive online search engine marketing courses at SEO Training Online and the SEO Workshop Resource Center. I look forward to hearing from you! - Visit John Alexander's Website |
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John BrennanJohn Brennan Ed.D. Dr. Brennan is President of Interpersonal Development, LLC, a training and development firm. Interpersonal Development has provided sales training and coaching to more than 3,000 sales reps from over 100 companies. A native of Australia, Dr. Brennan received his doctorate from the University of Rochester. His dissertation researched the effectiveness of Behavioral Modeling Technology in training people in interpersonal skills. While he has spent most of his career designing or delivering training, he was also a Vice-President of Sales of a training and development franchise with operations in 25 markets. Dr. Brennan has designed and delivered sales training in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. He has been a guest speaker at numerous national and regional professional conferences. When Microsoft wanted Best Practices articles on sales for their web site, they called Dr. Brennan. The results are at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX011387391033.aspx His firm’s clients have included Volvo, The Prudential, Merrill Lynch, Eastman Kodak, Gannett, Equifax Europe, the Economist Group and countless small businesses. - Visit John Brennan's Website |
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David BarrDavid Barr is the President of Venture Opportunities, Inc. David has been a professional business broker/intermediary since 1980 focusing on General Business Brokerage and Mergers and Acquisitions representing client transaction value from $400,000 to $20,000,000. Mr. Barr has handled the sale of over four hundred and fifty companies. David earned a university degree from the State University of New York majoring in economics and business. David holds the Mergers and Acquisition Master Intermediary and the Certified Business Intermediary designations from the International Business Brokers Association. He is also a Senior Business Analyst and a Texas licensed Real Estate Agent. For more information about David and Venture Opportunities, visit www.bizdealmaker.com. - Visit David Barr's Website |
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Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
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Casey GollanCasey Gollan, Business Coaching & Mentoring Programs. Add $1 Million to $10 Million in the next 1 to 3 years. Since 1996 Casey has to added hundreds of millions of dollars to businesses. Watch a free video see client results Business Coaching website. - Visit Casey Gollan's Website |
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Kim CastleWith nearly two decades in the advertising and design business, with clients like Domino's Pizza, General Motors, Direct TV, Pedigree, Wolfgang Puck, Higher Octave Music, Hollywood Celebrity Products, Disney, and Paramount, as well as thousands of entrepreneurs around the world define, structure, communicate, and position their business for greater profits, BrandU(R) co-creators Kim Castle and W. Vito Montone discovered that entrepreneurs could experience the same power that big brands command for a fraction of the cost with the world's only process-based results-drive Integral approach to business creation. BrandU(R) is helping entrepreneurs grow with the power of extreme clarity from idea...to brand...to market(TM) and helping one million entrepreneurs become successful and whole so that they can make a difference in the world. Are you one of them? If you want to experience clarity all the way to the bank(TM), get started now at http://www.brandu.com. - Visit Kim Castle's Website |
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Jeff FosterWebBizIdeas.com is a Minneapolis website design company founded to help people start an internet business by providing them with website, business, and internet resources that help foster the growth of successful online businesses and develop innovative Internet business ideas. We specialize in internet consulting & internet marketing. - Visit Jeff Foster's Website |
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