Do you want to start your own business, but don't quite know where to start? We have made an overview of some important points to help you get started!
Research
First and foremost, it is important that you have done your research and gained the insight you need. It will be useful to carry out a market analysis, so that you can find out whether your idea is viable or not. Find out what the market is like, check out competitors and see what they are doing. What makes your idea better than the competition? Is there a demand for what you offer? By finding out as much as possible about the market and acquiring expertise in the area, it makes you well equipped for the road ahead.
There are many schemes for entrepreneurs, both in terms of advice and financial support. Many municipalities have a business manager you can contact to find out which schemes can help you. Get in touch with your municipality, they will refer you to an incubator or an entrepreneur's house in your municipality.
Business plan
Once you've acquired the insights you need, it's time to create a business plan. This is a document that describes your business and how you intend to run it. Having structure and order in the business is important. The business plan is primarily a management document for you, but it will also be useful to have when you go out on the market to raise capital. An important tool here is the Business Model Canvas , which consists of 9 building blocks that will help you map out your business.
Economy
Finances and financing are often the biggest concern of new entrepreneurs. How to raise capital, calculate costs and not least how to get in touch with investors and find the right investor. When it comes to finances, it is important that you have full control over vouchers and receipts. There are many good solutions for managing finances, but if finances are not your strong point, it may be a good investment to get an accountant.
Once you have found out if your business idea is a good idea, the next step is to register a company. You do this at altinn.no. There are various choices of company form, so here you have to make a choice based on your business idea. It can be difficult to know how to register the company, which company form to go for and understand the framework conditions. Here, our partner Sparebank1 has created a simple overview. If you are unsure, contact someone who can!
Read also: How to find the right investor?
Build networks
Tell us about your business idea! Don't be afraid to ask for help or contact other entrepreneurs and people in the business world. When you talk about your business to others, it is often easier to see which areas of your idea are working and where improvement is needed. Expertise sharing and networking are important elements in a startup, so don't be afraid to make contact with others. In the initial phase, it can be scary to share as you have no finished product to show, but remember that feedback helps to build a stronger product.
Office
Many ideas are created in the home office, but in order to grow it can pay to find an office community or entrepreneurial environment. There are many advantages to working in an office community, including you become part of a social community, access to advisers who guide and support you throughout and various tools that are good to have as an entrepreneur. Who knows, maybe you'll find a business partner or a new team member? In Kobben, we have seen several cases of this.
By following these steps, you are well on your way to starting your own business. Fancy some guidance? We at Kobben are happy to help you further on your journey. Get in touch for a no-obligation chat.
