Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Sounds like you need organization. I would start by taking a business plan template (so a file with the headings of a basic business plan) and start filling in what you know, and questions you need to answer.

If you had just asked about the marketing side (name, logo, web, etc.), I wold have had you focus on that. But because you are still questioning what the product is, you may want to start from the beginning.

If just the marketing side, start with your company name and look to see if any domain name close to that is open. If not, you may need to find domain names that talk about what you do (but in reality, you may want to consider changing the company name to something that you can get a domain name for).

You may also want to read a book called The Small Business Startup Guide by a Peri Pakroo. Well worth the read for anyone looking to start a business. You can prevent a lot of potential issues by reading this before you get too far into starting the business. Oh, this book does have the basic info on business plan, on top of much more.

I suggest you begin by writing a creative brief or concept development summary. You seem to have some conflicting goals which will need to be resolved before you can move forward with a solid foundation, i.e. business strategy.

Perhaps this link can help -
https://www.dontdrinkthekoolaidblog.com/how-to-write-a-creative-brief/

Steve

Peter-You're right I feel pulled in a thousand directions. I'm taking my licensure exam in a few months, I'm writing a book based on my counseling practice and trying to set-up a website...I will read the book. I might be trying to rush the process. Thanks, er

Phil, I'm getting the message loud and clear. I'm trying to do too many things too fast. I see that if I don't put more thought into this process and want to make a decision in one day, then I'm not helping myself, but I'm being more harmful. FYI- I was asking my friends if they liked my business name/logo because I didn't know who to ask...Thanks, er

There are a ton of resources out there for you to get started (some good ones mentioned above). One additional one you may want to check out is https://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-busines...

It actually does a surprisingly good job of walking you through a logical process for start-up.

One thing you may want to think about is investigating 8(a) programs designed to help historically "disadvantaged" businesses (i.e. minority and women owned businesses... I'm assuming you're a woman based on your handle).

In terms of just the naming piece, one of the most useful resources I've found has been Igor:

https://www.igorinternational.com/process/igor-naming-guide.pdf

But that's for after you've gone through the process of developing your b-plan.

Most business fail for lack of funds. That concerns me when you say you don't have anything to spend. You don't need to spend P&G-type money to get a good logo design and website. (you can post that project over on the right)

A formal business plan is great even if you don't run to a bank for financing. it helps you think thru the process...without emotion....the way a banker would, i.e., if I (we) invest money in this venture, can when can we expect a return?

Failed at this several times so speaking from experience.

Michael

The previous commentators are absolutely right on about the priorities. Assuming you´re further along, back to your website question. At the risk of stating the obvious:

1) Go to the library and check out some books on it. Be aware of the issue of transferring domain names (a nightmare at GoDaddy, easier at Namecheap, etc.)

2) Start doing your own website on Google´s free service to experiment and "learn by doing." Then look at the excellent services of www.homestead.com and www.webnode.com. At both you can start off with a free website and gradually upgrade to the premium services you need.

The previous commentators are absolutely right on about the priorities. Assuming you´re further along, back to your website question. At the risk of stating the obvious:

1) Go to the library and check out some books on it. Be aware of the issue of transferring domain names (a nightmare at GoDaddy, easier at Namecheap, etc.)

2) Start doing your own website on Google´s free service to "learn by doing." Then look at www.homestead.com and www.webnode.com. At both you can start off with a free website and gradually upgrade to the premium services you need.

All of these suggestions have been so helpful. I did not know about many of these ideas. Thank you everyone! I have a lot of work ahead of me. Thanks, er