It’s 2012, a new year, and we’ve predicted what will happen in the world of search and tech. Our job will be to try and keep ahead of the trends and offer you the best and most up to date training available. What are your plans for 2012? How about starting a business? It may be the year the world is predicted to come to an end and we may be in the middle of a recession but that does not mean it isn’t a great time to start a business! In this guest post the author tells us how starting a business in the face of recession can be a good idea, and how to start the process. Starting your own business can be a daunting process, especially if you have no managerial experience. A great way to start would be to come on some of our courses and learn some new skills. It may not seem obvious but when starting your own business it is often better to have all the skills – Web Design, SEO and Management - rather than have to rely on hiring a freelancer or consultant. The more of your business you can do yourself, the more it will belong to you and follow your vision.

People often think that hard economic times are the wrong time to start a business, but many of the largest companies today got their start during the worst economic time in modern history: the Great Depression. During hard economic times, business patterns shift. People stop making their traditional purchases and look for something different. Companies that don’t adjust to this go out of business, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs with a clear vision for the future. Launching a business that succeeds during these times takes quite a bit of preparation but for those willing to put in the work, the rewards can be rich.

The first thing to do is clearly identify the product or service you’ll offer, the target audience, and your plan for success. Typically this is contained in a comprehensive business plan. A successful business plan considers every aspect of your proposed business, including products or services offered, projected prices, costs of operation, location, marketing, what need you’re filling (and the research to prove the need actually exists), business insurance, and more. If you’ll need a loan to start the business, a bank will require a copy of your business plan to evaluate your ability to repay the loan.

Just as the first three rules of buying a home are location, location, location, considering the placement of your business is critical. What other businesses are in the area? If you plan to open a cake decorating business, are there already two bakeries and another cake decorator in the area? What are the demographics of the area, including the income levels? What are the traffic patterns? Where does the public transport system run? All this and more should be considered when placing your new business, and the results of these findings should also be incorporated into your business plan.

Finalise the pre-work. This means that you obtain permits and licenses, if needed, and begin shopping for your actual location, if you’ll have one. Many businesses start from someone’s home, but there are other times you’ll want the credibility that a separate storefront gives you. If you will require a loan, now is the time to polish that business plan and perhaps even have an expert look it over before submitting it to the bank.

Once everything is ready, start interviewing any employees you plan to hire, purchase your supplies and equipment, and begin outfitting the space you’ll use to start your business. A website is critical. Whether you build it yourself or pay an expert, it must look clean, professional, and be easy to find. There are free website-design programs that can help you look professional and keep you on budget.

Once you’re open for business, make sure your products or services are all that you advertise and more, and put a premium on customer service. People remember a good experience they’ve had when shopping for a product or service. You want to be the business they remember with a smile, because that’s what will ensure your future success.

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advice for small businesses, how to start your own business, important steps to start a business, launching a new business, management training, setting up a company, starting a business

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