I have many small business ideas, more than I have time to build, how do I choose?
Perhaps one day they will all be done, perhaps I need to focus on the best? How do I pick which venture to start first? My gut tells me to start with the easiest projects first, and see where they go. Any advice from other ambitious small business owners?
Expert Answers
Sort by Date
Sort by Votes
Dec 17, 2014
Start with three factors. Passion, Niche and Low Overhead Cost.
So which business idea best expresses your passion. What you love doing and thinking about 24/7 day and night? You will most likely never tire of building on your passion.
Of those business ideas that represent your passion which have their own niche in the market. A profitable portion of a market that you've identified as having some special characteristic and that's worth marketing to.
It order to breath life in the business it must be funded and have a reliable revenue based in order to grow. Unless your wealthy or can afford to get in debt consider among your passion, market niche ventures those that have the lowest overhead costs.
Next, visit a business plan depository and select the plan that more closely fits your business idea. Download it, edit it, tweak it until you believe your have a working plan for your company. A specialty of ours.
Dec 17, 2014
It can be overwhelming at times to figure out how to start. One thing that seems to hold true in almost any start up is this. How soon will you start seeing a return on your start up investments. Find out which one of your ideas can start generating income. Once that is established then you can move on to the next, Make sure that you have money coming in before you jump to another idea. I am sure you might have heard ," Jack of all trades and master on none."
At the end of the day, have a solid business plan and get started on the on that can put money in your pocket. Cheers.
Dec 16, 2014
Someone once told me that most millionaires average 7 forms of income. I guess that means they have learned to delegate, and leverage their time, and money.
I've put too much faith in the economy or into businesses that were paying me 6 figures, and seemed invincible. I've regretted being too dedicated to one business at a time.
Now, I believe I need 1 income for regular living expenses, one income for fun and travel, one income for future security, and at least a couple of residual incomes just because I can. Some people multi task better than others.
Dec 17, 2014
That's the general idea here Dawn. I am not sure they are businesses or just income streams yet. Some might turn into something bigger, most won't. I already have a small amount coming in to get them off the ground, and my specialties are Internet Automations (Time Leverage), and web development, so while the Web seems daunting to some, its just another day in the park for me. It is not like the Matrix where he says "All I see is blondes, brunettes" .. I just see money floating around.
Dec 23, 2014
There is nothing wrong with multiple income streams. In fact, I hate the idea of "having all my eggs in one basket". Today's economy is out of our control, so it's good to hedge our bets...IMHO. Give your biggest effort to your "bread and butter" income stream, and chip away at others, that can be time leveraged with using someone else's time, or good advertising, or both. I get paid by several small businesses, and some are just on "auto pilot" due to having leveraged my time by sponsoring downlines, or developing autoship buyers. I also get paid by a website, that offers tools for those who want to sell online. They can use it for free for 7 days to check it out, and also offer it to others during that time, because referrals create income to use it for free. That is www.onlinesalestutor.com
Dec 16, 2014
I have the same issue, one business is something I'm trained in and the other is for the love of music.
Dec 16, 2014
I'm coming at this from a non-profit perspective, so my response is going to be a little bit different. When you have something that offers the best value to the public (in this case, your customers/clients), the profits will come. Personally, I would hold off on the financial projections and all that jazz. Instead, this is where I would start:
1. What sort of impact do you want make? In other words, how will society be a better place with you in it? What sorts of activities, services, or products do you believe will help you to make that impact?
2. What are your core values?
3. Take some time to work through a comprehensive SWOT analysis. What are your strengths? What resources do you currently have to pour into a successful business? Time, money, talent? Who do you already have access to who will come alongside you and help you find success? What technologies do you already have to support your growth? Etc...Weaknesses: What are you lacking? Where do you need more training? Etc. Opportunities: What needs currently exist in the market that aren't being met? What are investors investing in? What are some potential pools for seed money? etc. Threats: Who is already doing what you're doing, and what is their competitive advantage over you? etc.
You can easily google "sample SWOT questions" to pull up lists that will help you to ensure that you are comprehensive.
4. Go back to the original problem that you are hoping your business solve (e.g. people never seem to have enough time to get things done.) Then ask yourself but why and document all of the possible reasons for this problem that you care so much about. For example, they don't have enough time because they have poor time management skills. And because there's not good personal time management software on the market. And because they have more responsibilities than they can handle. Then ask yourself "but why" for each of those responses. E.G. "But WHY do they have poor time management skills? Because they never learned. But WHY didn't they learn? No one was willing to teach them. But WHY isn't there good software on the market? Because no one has designed it. But WHY hasn't anyone designed it. Because they lack the knowledge and money. But WHY do they have more responsibilities than they can handle? Because they are juggling the workload of 2 people. But why? Because there is no one to help them.
If you do this, then you have identified the root causes, or prospective products/services, which in this case are:
a) No one is teaching time management
b) No one has designed good time management software, and
c) There is a need for more personal assistants.
After you have identified all of the root causes of your problem, go back to your vision, your core values, and your SWOT and ask yourself:
1. Which of these paths will most likely allow me to have the impact on society that I desire to have?
2. Which of these paths aligns with my core values?
3. Which of these paths do I currently have the resources and opportunities to invest in?
This is how I would go about determining which business venture to pursue first.
Dec 16, 2014
Jarret...it is both a curse and a blessing to have multiple ideas that your gut says can make money. So the next question to ask yourself is - which business idea am I so passionate about that I am willing to work hard, sacrifice greatly, and do the things that are needed to start, manage and grow it. Online businesses are NOT as easy as putting up a website and hoping folks will come...it is getting them to find you that is time consuming, requires great creativity and costly - I don't care what anyone tells you - or what you believe. Been there and certainly have done that.
Also...the easiest one may not be the one you are passionate about - therefore just because it is easy...doesn't mean it will be easy for you to do it successfully. Just like any money is not good money...just because someone is willing to pay you, doesn't mean you should take their money (and make them a client) ...And, even if you think you can - start with one, allow that one to be your test and learn idea...do everything you need to, not that you have to wait for huge profits, but enough learnings to start another. It is better to do 1 thing really well than a lot of little things half assed (sorry).
Lastly - from a business management perspective - read E-Myth Revisited. It provides great and simple steps to moving from a person with a job to really being a CEO / business owner.
I regularly use with my clients the following (adapted from that book) -
Create an organization chart of all of the core business functions, any business requires. Fill in the names of the person(s) that will work on that function. If it is ALL you - then put yourself in EVERY box.
Your job as a CEO of your business (from day 1 you should act as a CEO)...is to replace your name with experts who can do each of the functions - whether you hire, contract or barter the skill set.
Your job is NOT done until you are only sitting in the CEO box...or even off of the chart completely and you have sold or passed on the business.
Dec 15, 2014
The number one reason to start a business is to make money. With that said, which of your business ideas has the real potential to make the amount of money you want to make? Also, which business ideas do you have the knowledge, skills and resources to establish. (If your a chef who wants to open a restaurant but you don't have enough money, you may want to start by catering or establishing your own food truck.) Another criteria is which business idea are you most passionate about? There are many things to consider, but if you do your research, the appropriate business will reveal itself.
Dec 16, 2014
I think they all have the potential, as what I would be asking them to do is very minor to start (couple hundred or less a month a piece). All they require is web skills to start, but I guess what I lack is the business end.
At which point do I start enlisting others to fill out the things I lack? Trade services to start?
Dec 15, 2014
I think the "Lean Startup" and "Four Hour Workweek" are good starting points. You may also want to read "The Blue Ocean Strategy." I've worked with many small businesses and the most important advice is just do something. Then use agile testing to validate or disprove your idea. You can also use Google Ads to test your hypothetical idea, create a landing page and see if anyone is interested in it. Then go full force! Best of luck.
Dec 16, 2014
I have "Lean Startup" and was supposed to read it for a corporate Book Club, we never met up. I got through maybe the first chapter. Google ads might be a good idea, though I steer away from Google at all costs. But I have other traffic sources that do just as well. I am working on converting other passive incomes into investments into new ventures. So, creating landing pages (which the process is new to me but the ideas are not), and driving traffic to that might be a good experience. Guess I should revisit my library, thanks.
Dec 15, 2014
Say Jarret, I'm one of those who strongly believes in going one step at a time. Lots of ideas but first one, then the next. Typically one's gut is a great place to begin. If your gut is suggesting start easy there is a strong possibility that it is the right choice for you. All we can offer is advice but on this one I suggest you listen to yourself.
I suspect you are going to be just fine. Keep us posted.
Dec 15, 2014
Jarret
It's not clear whether all these are actually separate businesses, or multiple ideas that could be offered by a single business.
You say they are one-off websites that could build passive income. My experience is that it takes a lot of up-front activity to generate passive income. So, one of your criteria should be how much promotion it will take to get one up and running and profitable. Other criteria that you can add to the list:
How much investment is needed? Where will that come from?
How much outside expertise will you need (that you must pay for)?
How certain are you that it will work? 80%? 50? 25?
How much competition is there?
How long will it take to make happen?
Which ones are complementary so that they could reasonably be co-promoted?
Dec 15, 2014
Until they are vetted out in writing with business plans and financial projections they are nothing but ideas. The answer to your question is to move forward with the one that provides you with the highest Net Present Value. But it all starts with real documented plans and projections. Without them you can not properly understand your options and determine your best course of action.
Dec 15, 2014
Hi Jarret,
A simple way to do this is to first identify the 3 most important parameters for decision. Eg: 1) Level of passion for an idea 2) Time to market 3) Projected Profits.
Then rate each idea on the scale of 1-10 on each of the parameters and build a bubble chart in excel on this data. You now have an visual aid to decide.
For example you may discover that one of ideas you are passionate about can give you more profits in shorter time compared to another idea which has a longer time to market. Additionally, for ideas which you are not strongly passionate about and has lesser time to market you may decide on a strategy of forming partnerships where need not be actively involved. This way more of your ideas get implemented.
Dec 15, 2014
This helps very much, thank you. Sounds so simple to start, but I guess I am in need of better planning. Thanks!
Dec 14, 2014
HI Jarret,
Adding to what Jyoti has shared in the thread below. You should qualify an idea with the final objective in mind. In how long do you want to exit the company you set up and how much do you wish to gain in valuation. or do you wish to continue and grow in the same business. This will determine the time span of your idea and then the way you should qualify them.
hope this helps.
Please visit www.scaalecapital.com to gain more insights.
Rakhi
Dec 15, 2014
I like this idea, mostly they are very quick "one off" websites to produce, which I hope to generate some passive income. At some point though, after the domains have aged, it may come to the point to sell. Like other have suggested though, they are all interrelated, and they are "service" or SaaS oriented, in which I may even use myself at one point or another, so they could be infrastructure items that "just happen" to build passive incomes.
Dec 14, 2014
Well, I guess here you need to clear things up like you have a number of ideas. Make yourself comfortable over the single idea study about it wisely like what you think you can achieve with that idea ! Once you get that idea loud and clearing you can step on for the next phase ! So, the key here is brushing up the ideas.
PS: All the best with bringing your ideas to life !
Dec 14, 2014
Usually they all fit together, when looked at from the right perspective. Follow your gut / joy and allow yourself to wonder.
Dec 14, 2014
Hi.. This is something that I had compiled a few months before. May be it helps you: http://www.slideshare.net/seffcon/take-your-product-from-concept-to-reality
interesting