7 Steps to Start a Successful Business

I firmly believe that deep inside of every person is the desire to be an entrepreneur. We all envision the possibility of owning our own business and being in total control of our destiny. However, few of us ever take the time to consider what it would take to turn this fantasy into a reality. Others halfheartedly start only to stop when we meet our first bit of resistance. What separates the successful entrepreneur from the wishful dreamer? I have pondered this several times throughout my entrepreneurial journey. This book is the result of 20 years of observing people succeed or fail in entrepreneurship coupled with my own business ups and downs. I have discovered there are some common traits that determine success. These traits are discussed in detail in Chapter 1 - Are You Ready? Once you have determined that you are ready then it is just a matter of following the process of planning and developing a successful business. It is a process, no different than building a house. If you don't start with the right building material the business may not survive in its environment. Imagine trying to build an ice igloo in the desert. Chapter 2 - What Type of Business Are You? helps you to determine what business type best fits you. Armed with the right building material you now need to have a detailed plan, Chapter 3 - What's Your Plan? teaches you all the elements of Business Plan Writing. Before you start building your plans have to be approved by the local government, Chapter 4 - Stay In Business, And Out Of Court helps you to ensure that your business is legally sound and protected. Chapter 5 - You And What Army? covers finding, hiring, and keeping the right employees to help you build your dream business. Building and maintaining a successful business requires MONEY, Chapter 6 - Where's The Money discusses financing options. Once you have started your business you will need consistent cash flow so Chapter 7 - Ready, Set, Sell helps you to determine how to market and sell your product or service. This guide does not guarantee business success; it does however give you the framework to be successful. Your individual success will be determined by your diligence and tenacity. I can give you the steps but ultimately YOU have to work the steps. If it was easy everyone would do it. But if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and commit to success the sky is the limit. I will start each chapter with encouragement from the Master Builder himself, GOD. There is no success without GOD. Everything that has happened to me that was good, GOD did it. The principles of running a successful, ethical business are all biblically based. So as you read each chapter, pray that GOD orders your steps as you start on the path to entrepreneurship. GOD bless Arthur Milton Porter III