Test the market by starting part time
Lots of people have an ambition to run their own business. A large proportion of these people have a very good idea what they would like to do but many never become an actual business as it is just too big a step to take.
It does n’t have to be a big step. One way to reduce the risk is to test out your business idea on a part time basis, possibly while holding down a full time job.
One way to do this is with a virtual office and virtual receptionist service. Office Answers Ltd has been providing these services to people with new business ideas for over ten years. “We can give you a telephone number for your business with calls answered in your company name by our receptionist team” says Clare Marshall of Office Answers. “The receptionists will politely inform the caller that you are not available at the moment and will send you the message immediately allowing you to call back when you are free, perhaps at a coffee break or over lunch if you are working”.
This service helps create the impression that you are operating a professional full time business, even if in reality you are operating only in your spare time. Using your mobile number does not look professional and people may call you at inconvenient times. A landline number with calls answered by a live receptionist will create a much better impression and allows you to confidently give the contact number to suppliers, partners, even the bank.
“We have seen people run like this for just a few months before making the commitment to an office and more staff” adds Ian who runs Office Answers with Clare, “and some business ideas allow the owner to continue with a virtual office for years as they never need the expense of an actual office”.
Not all businesses take off, but with a virtual office service you can close it down typically within a month and cut your losses, whereas a rental agreement on an office is usually a commitment to a year or more.
Create a simple website
At some stage in your business you will want a very impressive website that handles ecommerce. However, to test your business idea you only need a simple website to get your business idea started. If you are not scared of technology and have the time there are plenty of website building applications where you can get a domain name, build a website using simple tools, all for under £10 per month. Try 1and1 for example.
If you are not sure about this approach then find someone to create a simple website for you. People Per Hour is a great resource for finding freelancers who will do all kinds of activities for you. People are offering there services to create a five page website for under £200.
Use Adwords Vouchers to get your first customer
One you have a website you can use Google Adwords to advertise your business. These are the adverts that appear down the right hand side of the page when searching for something on Google. The good news for a startup business is that Google regularly provide vouchers to encourage you to start advertising, typically giving £50 or £75 credit if you deposit a smaller amount to set up a new account. If you are not confident with this approach then use someone on PeoplePerHour who will help you set up and advertising campaign and even obtain a voucher. Search on their site for Pay Per Click