Starting a Business | SEO & Google

Business Development Advice

With any new idea, we naturally want to do as much as we can on our own, but being too proud can lead to disaster. Look for others who offer good advice for free; if you don't, your competition certainly will.

Look to experienced business development organisations for advice, and read serious technical books about corporate finance and investment decisions. Business is one area where theory really does turn out to be applicable in practice.

LETTING GO

There should be an element of secrecy involved in setting up a new business. The fewer the people who know the finer details, the more likely that your idea will not be hijacked by another individual or company. But you also need to build awareness of your business right from day one. You will not divulge sensitive information to random members of the public, you will be entering into discussions with professionals who are either paid or volunteer to offer advice to businesses. There is an important difference between the two!

WHAT'S ON OFFER?

Depending on where you are and the nature of the business you are planning to launch, you may be able to obtain anything from a cash grant, tax breaks and access to qualified staff to financial advice and moral support. It is your responsibility, as the person driving the business, to research every option and, if possible, meet as many potential helping hands as you can.

FROM WHOM?

A search on the internet is your best place to start. Very quickly you will begin to appreciate the myriad organisations out there that exist solely to support businesses. Some are for profit and some offer their services gratis. What you pay for may not necessarily be more valuable to you than what is given for free. In the UK, a few searches to start you on your way should include 'business link' 'DTI' 'Chamber of Commerce' 'British Embassy [name of country you are planning to trade in]' 'British Council' 'Business Learning & Skills' and your local government website.

WHY?

So much of setting up a new business comes with a price. It may feel strange that individuals or organisations are prepared to be so benevolent - but remember they receive funding from somewhere (usually from the government through taxation) and therefore in a roundabout way you have been paying for this assistance for years; you'd be crazy not to 'cash in' now. We can also become a little blinkered about our own abilities. Whilst it is good to be confident and passionate about a new business, involving a third-party can mean even more good ideas are thrown into the mix. Why not give your business an even greater chance of success?

Make a point of contacting at least one organisation in your local area and setting up a meeting to determine how useful they could be in helping your business achieve its goals. During your half hour chat you will probably be given sound advice and the contact details of individuals or organisations who will also help you move the business forward.


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