So where do you think is a good place to start for business ideas / concepts?

[Seachange]

Hi everyone,

I have played with the idea of looking at starting my own business. I have been inviolved in the Government sector, I am very tired of all the politics etc.

I would appreciate anyones thoughts on where or how they started their journey to expolre a small business venture.

Thanks for any thoughts

[BrightBiz]

Hi Seachange,

I am currently at the very start of beginning my small business adventure. It can be overwhelming and exciting all at once.

For me it was a choice of freedom. You need to look at your skills, strengths and weaknesses and decide if they are useful to you in starting a business.

Of course if you are going into a retail environment etc, it can be a large financial strain to get going also, so you'd need to put alot of effort into ensuring you had enough start up capital.

For me, I looked at what my strengths were, why I wanted to start this business, and what competition there is (locally especially).

Once i had looked at those basics I was happy enough that this could well be a successful venture for me.

One thing I did have to overcome was my "fear" of business. There's definitely lots to learn but now I've realised that it's ok to take it step by step and start small, and that's what I'm doing. (having 3 kids under 6 at home sort of makes any other way impossible) lol.

What type of business are you considering? I'm sure there are others here who will have more detailed advice for you... good luck

[Angela, communic8 design]

[QUOTE=BrightBiz;590]Hi Seachange,

For me, I looked at what my strengths were, why I wanted to start this business, and what competition there is (locally especially).


Hi Seachange,
I agree with BrightBiz, the first place to start is with you. What are your strengths, what have you learned from your time in government that could be taken into a business of your own?

Don't feel you have to be literal with this, a great brainstorming exercise is to write down ALL the things that you've been doing in your role, everything from managing a team to seeing the links between disparate pieces of information.

Hopefully a pattern will appear that will help to guide you towards your ideal business.

You may want to get out and attend some small business networking functions too, have a look at what other people are doing and get some ideas.

Good luck with your journey, I'm sure you'll love running your own business, it's the best job in the world!

[Seachange]

Originally Posted by Seachange

Hi everyone,

I have played with the idea of looking at starting my own business. I have been inviolved in the Government sector, I am very tired of all the politics etc.

I would appreciate anyones thoughts on where or how they started their journey to expolre a small business venture.

Thanks for any thoughts

Angela and BrightBiz,

Thanks so very much for your comments and encouragement. I have skills in HR, Training and Business / Community Development. Guess that will be the framework i will start my "navel gazing".

[Sophie Andrews]

There is also a great weekly newsletter you can subscribe to that will send you information on innovative business ideas from around the world - they research businesses that are fairly new and successful - great for getting you thinking about possible avenues - you can subscribe at www.springwise.com

Sophie
The Accounts Studio
Sydney - Boutique Bookkeeping Agency
www.accountsstudio.com.au

[Lisa Murray - Biz Coach]

Hi SeaChange
I understand about government - all that bureacracy and BS can certainly get you down!! I had a lucky escape from a semi-govt organisation myself and life just keeps getting better!!

As well as springwise, you can also look at the following sites to spark ideas - all are good for different reasons.

Explore eco-friendly ideas at Worldchanging, test drive the day’s hottest stories at Technorati and focus on free insights from the Shaping Tomorrow newsletters. A great trends resource is TrendWatching - I can get lost there for hours if I'm not careful!!

Also, if you'd like to sign-up on my website, I offer a free report which covers over 20 ways to find great ideas - for promotions and businesses.

I always advise my clients that it's important to find your 'big idea' first and then to build a business model around it that will work for you in many ways (ie cashflow, time, skills etc). Remember you can always outsource some of the skills you need - don't make the mistake of thinking you need to be everything to everyone!!

Feel free to contact me if you'd like some coaching - I have done quite a bit of work helping people transition from job to their own business and I have experienced the transition myself, so have a few tips to share!!

cheers
Lisa
www.ReviveCoaching.com.au

[Seachange]

Originally Posted by Sophie Leborgne

There is also a great weekly newsletter you can subscribe to that will send you information on innovative business ideas from around the world - they research businesses that are fairly new and successful - great for getting you thinking about possible avenues - you can subscribe at www.springwise.com

Sophie
The Accounts Studio
Sydney - Boutique Bookkeeping Agency
www.accountsstudio.com.au

Thankyou Sophie for the information. I have just subscribed to the site

[Seachange]

Originally Posted by Lisa Murray - Biz Coach

Hi SeaChange
I understand about government - all that bureacracy and BS can certainly get you down!! I had a lucky escape from a semi-govt organisation myself and life just keeps getting better!!

As well as springwise, you can also look at the following sites to spark ideas - all are good for different reasons.

Explore eco-friendly ideas at Worldchanging, test drive the day’s hottest stories at Technorati and focus on free insights from the Shaping Tomorrow newsletters. A great trends resource is TrendWatching - I can get lost there for hours if I'm not careful!!

Also, if you'd like to sign-up on my website, I offer a free report which covers over 20 ways to find great ideas - for promotions and businesses.

I always advise my clients that it's important to find your 'big idea' first and then to build a business model around it that will work for you in many ways (ie cashflow, time, skills etc). Remember you can always outsource some of the skills you need - don't make the mistake of thinking you need to be everything to everyone!!

Feel free to contact me if you'd like some coaching - I have done quite a bit of work helping people transition from job to their own business and I have experienced the transition myself, so have a few tips to share!!

cheers
Lisa
www.ReviveCoaching.com.au

Thankyou lisa for the information. I have bookmarked sites.

[BB]

The secret to starting your own business is to 'find your passion'.
As we all know - "if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life".
Good Luck with the Journey!
B.B.

[Ric Willmot]

3 Things:

1. Market Need
2. Competency
3. Passion

Where is there a market need, or you can create a need for your offering?
Do you have the competency to deliver to that market need, and will you be perceived by the "buyers" as being competent?
Are you passionate about it?

Good luck.
Rgds,
Ric