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Topic: Advertising/PR

Meet New Business Creator ...

Posted by Anonymous on 11/11/2008 at 4:11 PM ET 250 Points
I would like to meet the needs of people who want to start a new business. Before registering a new company, they have to prepare a business plan. How would be the best way to target those people and adress their needs ?
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  • Posted on 11/11/2008 at 6:11 PM Member
    I think the worst thing you can do for someone who wants to start a new business is to prepare a business plan for them. Although it it may be a painful experience, it is the best way for them to do a "reality check" about the fiesability of the business in question, learn much more about the industry, the challenges, and the competition, if they suffer through doing it themselves.

    That's my opinion, I could be wrong, but I am very, very right.
  • Posted by Peter (henna gaijin) on 11/11/2008 at 7:13 PM Accepted
    I agree with blewis that the entrepreneur should be the one who does the business plan, but that doesn't mean you can't be there to guide the process.

    I would recommend connecting with a local junior college, small business administration, etc.and offer your service to teach a class on some area of entrepreneurship. Your goal is to teach a class where the students are prospective customers for your business. Of course, the class has to be meaningful on its own, even if they do not hire you.

    Similar, local newspapers also may be interested in running articles on the subject, which can get the word out that you are the expect (and have byline that lets them find you).

    There are often entrepreneur groups in your area also. If you have any, get out and network.

    On a side note - I do focus on small companies.. One challenge you will have is that small companies are always so strapped for cash that it is hard for you to get someone willing to pay you.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 11/12/2008 at 11:22 AM Accepted
    Note that your competition (SBA/SBDC/SCORE) is providing similar services for free.

    As for finding people thinking of starting a new business, there's not a simple way to find them. They can be moonlighting, or re-entering the work force. A simple ad in your local paper (Thinking of starting a business? Talk to me first!) may be your best path. Also, don't forget a Craiglist ad - if it's used in your community.
  • Posted by Paul Kemper on 11/13/2008 at 8:46 AM Accepted
    Maybe you can use the Chamber of Commerce as a jumping board. There's where a lot of people register their small business, many probably before they have a sound business plan. You might also work with local banks that might be interested to get good business plans (instead of mediocre ones) that they can base their investment decision on. These possibly organize info evenings as well.

    One thing that might actually work even better, once you have some contacts: start a workshop type class on creating business plans, where the attendees will work together in small groups to write their business plan there and then. benefit to the attendees: they immediately can start bu8ilding their local network.
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