Why start a standard summer job when you could put your creativity and passion to work by creating your own summer business? Starting a company is a great learning experience and addition to any resume. Who knows, it could even become your lifetime career. Here’s our advice on starting your business to make it a summer success.
Offer a Solution
When deciding on a product or service to offer, think of what problems you see in a society that could use a solution. It will be easier to convince people to purchase what you are offering if it could truly better their lives than trying to convince people to purchase something they don’t need.
Determine the Market
You cannot force a need where there is none. For your business to succeed, you must first determine if there is a market for it, and if so, who are your target consumers?
For instance, if this business is only meant for summer, you might think of everyone going on vacation or who have large yards that bloom with weeds throughout the season. This would mean there is a large market for yard work. Determining the market will determine if your business will be needed and if it will succeed.
Determine the Competition
Your business will likely not be the only one of its kind, so it is important to know who else is around with similar services or products who might pull away potential consumers. This step is as simple as checking online and community listservs for similar businesses in your area. If there are many, you may want to change up your services to cater to a different market. You should at least try to differentiate yourself through quality, services offered, or price.
Plan Your Business
No business has succeeded without proper and diligent planning. Decide what your business will offer, the target market, and the money you need as well as where your funding is coming from. If you need some prompts to plan your business, take a look at this planning worksheet.
Budget and Funding
Starting a business can be pricey if you want to advertise in many places or have lots of production costs. Figure out the money you have and the money you could acquire from donors. Then, calculate the number of clients you can take on or products you can start out offering. There are many ways of funding your small business, from family and friends to government loans, but it won’t go far if you don’t create a budget that works.
Listen to Others
This includes others in the industry as well as friends and family. All advice and feedback are worth considering, even if you don’t agree with it. If it is about your product or service, it is important to know how potential consumers may view what you offer. This can help you make your product more valuable to the market. Creating a straightforward business is also not a step-by-step, clear-cut process; listen to those who have been through it for tips on how to make your business succeed.
