Don't Start a Business in 2014 Before You Read This

I spent much of the last week of 2013 planning for 2014. I own my own business and have for 8 years and it has become very clear to me that it's not for everyone. It takes tough skin, a need for achievement and the willingness to get better than you are today. And don't forget living a lot of your life outside your comfort zone.

Mashable published an article this month about the 7 questions to ask before starting a business in 2014.

These are important questions like "What's different about your business?" and "Are you willing to wear multiple hats?"

They missed the most important one, IMHO.

Do you want to do it yourself or do you want to follow a proven system?

If you are reading this it means you are probably already thinking about starting a business so let's assume you are leaning that way and that has led you to read this article.

I think the very first thing you need to look at is if you want to start on your own or plug into a proven system. Opening a start-up business based on something you are good at...or a great idea you have...is a lot like jumping from a plane without a parachute. You may survive but the odds are against you.

Most likely reasons for a start-up business to fail, according to StatisticBrain.com, include emotional pricing, non-payment of taxes, lack of planning, too-rapid expansion, no knowledge of financing. 

GOING SOLO

I started a business as a solo Real Estate Appraiser and found that I had all the headaches and none of the support. I was the sales department, bookkeeping staff, onsite professional and administrative support. I could have farmed a lot of that out but I was too busy doing it to have time to plan it...a pitfall for a lot of local business owners. I was lucky enough to have others in my industry that would offer support - will they help so willingly if you are their direct competition? I was also lucky to have continuing education training. Unfortunately, it didn't really cover how to run a business...although I was all too knowledgeable about ethics and standards. When the market changed and it became more competitive to get work, I teamed up with a company that had a staff supporting the work flow. It cost me 75% of my pay for that luxury. I had lots of training teaching me to be a successful appraiser - but none taught me how to be a successful appraisal business.

SYSTEMIZED AND STANDARDIZED
Some even say a system is MORE important than personal goals.

Franchising could be a good way to go - it's a system and has a lot of the leg work done for you. You are getting a track record, training, tracking and possibly even regional or national marketing. These priveledges come with territorial restrictions, franchise fees, strict expansion policies and more. But most challenging is a high price tag of tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

When I was a Real Estate Appraiser, I stumbled upon a new concept I hadn't heard of before. The Unfranchise. It takes the best pieces of a Franchise and improves on it. It's systemized, standardized and uniform. The marketing and media are managed for me. I don't have to hire support staff, technical staff or reinvent the wheel. 

It has a lot of the benefits of a Franchise without the typical pitfalls:

LIKE A FRANCHISE:

• Systemization, standardization, uniformity

• State-of-the-art management systems
• Merchandising and marketing tools

• Standardized training systems

• Potential tax advantages

• Growing visibility

UNLIKE A FRANCHISE:

• No franchise fees

• No monthly royalties

• No territorial restrictions

• Start part time with flexible hours

• Minimal startup expenses

• Little risk

As I said, this is only my opinion but if you see something that perks your interest, let's talk more. My goal this year is to help others create the LEGACY they choose so they can leave their mark on this planet before they leave it. That is MY legacy. 845-704-SHOP www.allthatinternet.net