Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Starting a Business During a Recession

By Laura Nelson-Smith

Many people consider a recession as the worst time to even consider a business start-up. This manner of thinking is where errors are made. Cut-backs and penny-pinching aren't necessary steps to take for your business to be successful, even in these times of economic uncertainty. There are many companies who are now household names that began during recessions.

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.

Outline your business plan with specifics. These may vary depending on the business, as well as the location you choose for partaking of the various activities or steps needed for this new endeavor. There are questions to ponder before jumping in with both feet, as they will be of great assistance to you throughout this process of starting a 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.

Your next step would be strategizing around the specific details in your outline. Depending on the goods or services you intend to provide. Variations with pricing strategies could be higher prices to fewer people, or discounting and receiving a larger client base. Tracking the aspects that can bring you the desired clientele will allow you to create an overview permitting a larger success for your new business.

Consider the funds you have available and create your plan and goals from within this level of capitalization. Your beginning goals may be smaller now due to economic standing, but you want to ensure that any funds are well invested. By creating a mindset of this manner will result in you being less inclined to go overboard with spending, especially if that money is obtained from your clientele.

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.

Marketing your new business is a step often overlooked or possibly even forgotten. In a period of recession it's paramount to get the word out every way you can about your business and what you can offer the public. By advertising in as many ways possible will undoubtedly give your business that little boost of attention it needs. Speak to managers of other small business, as well as those larger businesses in your area. These people have probably been where you are at this time, and will gladly help by including a flyer in their customers' packages at the checkout line, or post one on their bulletin board as well as their break rooms. Also turn to local newspapers and magazines, which may have inexpensive packages available for the advertising of new businesses in your area. Take the time to construct a web page for your business, and don't forget to email your contacts with the address to your web page, inviting them to share it with friends and family.

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.

Recessions can be frightening experiences. By taking the time to properly and thoroughly plan your business venture, as well as making your clientele feel appreciated you are well on your way to a pleasant and successful new business. - 16036

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