As an entrepreneur aiming to launch new business you can create a checklist based on this idea to launch your next business. This includes both online and offline model of businesses
1) Idea – Many of us think the fundamental element of any business is money.This can be true to some extent. However, idea is the key for any business. If you have money you can think about investment options like stocks, fixed deposits, CD’s, real estate to name a few. If you have an idea you can think of starting something on your own. Basically any business is built around a simple idea. IF you have both idea and money you can expand the business real quick. Money comes as supporting medium and byproduct of your hardwork. Have confidence and launch your idea today even if you are running out of resources
2) Write up – Write the steps to be followed to launch your business. This can include brainstorming sessions with your close friends, family etc. When you write the tasks to be completed you get it right most of the time
3) Prioritize – Once the steps are in place the next step is to prioritize them. This can include steps like launching business website, choosing site, pr marketing, hiring and setting up team to name a few
4) Plan – Create a plan after setting priority. This can include steps like looking for best hosting provider for your business website. In project management terms the work to be done is broken down and the work breakdown structure created in this
5) Execution– This step follows planning. The real business action starts now. This is often toughest portion of any business. Your hard work, 100% commitment, perseverance come into role in this step
6) End Result – Output of any good business is the expected end result. This usually comes in form of turnover, revenue you name it
Business launch is a process. This process can be organized with proper checklist of items that makes this process easy, simple, less complicated. Here is a template on business launch checklist
Business Name - Every language starts with alphabet. The first thing needed for a business launch is a business name. This can sound simple at first but is very important and has very big impact in long term. Here are the generic pointers you can keep in mind while deciding business name : Your business name should reflect the purpose of business - This takes into consideration product, service etc that the business is tying to accomplish. Take an example of our business name Website that talks about making a business very successful. Always remember that this business can become brand and will live for decades. Choose a name that is easy, simple, powerful that talks about the purpose you are trying to accomplish
Business Entity - To show the authenticity of your business you can make your business a legal entity from day 1. In addition to protection this will project your professional outlook in front of customers and clients. Talk to your auditor who in most cases can help you with legal business entity registration
Business Logo - You can create a simple graphic with your paint. For professional logo reflecting your brand hire freelancer logo creators to save money
Website
Each and every business demands online presence. Now-a-days a branded website has become the online face of any business. It takes you beyond horizons, lets you showcase your product (or) service across the globe at the click of a mouse. We can help you with this process
Newsletter - This is a component of email marketing which falls under digital media marketing. A simple form (or) button that will pop-up as part of your website will help you collect email details of current adn prospective customers. All the updates,news, happenings, to be launched products can be communicated properly via newsletter
Digital Media Marketing
Once the website is up and running you should start adapting proper marketing strategies to position yourself among zillions of website. Here comes digital media marketing strategies starting with content creation, content marketing, email marketing, SEO,PPC, SEM, youtube marketing, social media marketing etc
Business Card - Physical cards that you can carry in your wallet will help you project yourself, showcase your business with each and every person you come across. Always carry atleast 10 business cards with you to grow your network
Toll Free Telephone Number - In my opinion simple google voice number is a cheapest option you can think of. This is 100% free within USA and even international calls are dead cheap. If you prefer your customers to leave voice mail setup your mailbox in phone, add some tools to website. We will talk more about this in coming posts
Official Email - Though you have an email account with generic extensions like gmail, yahoo, ymail etc official email is something that projects you in professional band. As soon as you create a website, create an official email address soon. This can be easily manages using your gmail account as mail client. I'll talk more about this in separate post.
Notepad and pen - An entrepreneur is a goal setter, go getter. Goals when charted clearly can be accomplished easily. Always have small simple notebook and pen/pencil in your workspace
