I'd like to start my own business. What's the first thing I should do to help me get started?

It is helpful to begin with a business plan. A business plan is a blueprint of every aspect of your business. Sales, Marketing, Advertising, Promotion and Location are just some of the aspects of creating a plan. Click on the following link to the US Small Business Administration http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/planning/basic.html
to find a tutorial on how to create a business plan.

Choose a business structure.

* Sole Proprietorship http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98202,00.html
* Corporation http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98240,00.html
S Corporations
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98263,00.html
* Limited Liability Company
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98277,00.html
* Limited Partnership
* General Partnership
* Limited Liability Partnership (if in your state)
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98214,00.html
Your next step will be to file your tax and employer identification documents. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html. You must check with your state to make sure you need a state number or charter. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99021,00.html

Most businesses require licenses or permits in order to operate.
.

Before starting out, list your reasons for wanting to go into business. Some of the most common reasons for starting a business are:
You want to be your own boss.

You want financial independence.

You want creative freedom.

You want to fully use your skills and knowledge.

Next you need to determine what business is "right for you." Ask yourself these questions:
What do I like to do with my time?

What technical skills have I learned or developed?

What do others say I am good at?

How much time do I have to run a successful business?

Do I have any hobbies or interests that are marketable?

Then you should identify the niche your business will fill. Conduct the necessary research to answer these questions:
Is my idea practical and will it fill a need?

What is my competition?

What is my business advantage over existing firms?

Can I deliver a better quality service?

Can I create a demand for your business?

The final step before developing your plan is the pre-business checklist. You should answer these questions:
What business am I interested in starting?

What services or products will I sell? Where will I be located?

What skills and experience do I bring to the business?

What will be my legal structure? (see overview below)

What will I name my business?

What equipment or supplies will I need?

What insurance coverage will be needed?

What financing will I need?

What are my resources?

How will I compensate myself?

Your answers will help you create focused, wellÂresearched business plan that should serve as a blueprint. It should detail how the business will be operated, managed and capitalized.

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Types of Business Organizations

When organizing a new business, one of the most important decisions to be made is choosing the structure of a business. Factors influencing your decision about your business organization include:

Legal restrictions

Liabilities assumed

Type of business operation

Earnings distribution

Capital needs

Number of employees

Tax advantages or disadvantages

Length of business operation

The advantages and disadvantages of sole proprietorship, partnership and corporation are listed below.

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Sole Proprietorship
This is the easiest and least costly way of starting a business. A sole proprietorship can be formed by finding a location and opening the door for business. There are likely to be fees to obtain business name registration, a fictitious name certificate and other necessary licenses. Attorney's fees for starting the business will be less than the other business forms because less preparation of documents is required and the owner has absolute authority over all business decisions

First decide what kind of business you want to go into. Then, do some research about products, availability, demand, etc. You will have to have a place for your business whether it be out of your home or somewhere else. You will also need capital or money to start off and get inventory. You will have to apply for a business license in your town and a tax number from the state for sales tax purposes. E-bay has a lot of good information on their site about starting businesses online, etc. and I am sure there are internet sites that would give you some good ideas also. Good luck to you in your adventure.

Put your thoughts in paper. You are gonna have to convince a lot people about it and it's best to have a well described plan to show.

Make sure to include details like mission and vision of the company, market segment, price range, product description, organisation chart, estimated sales, finance options, etc.

Remember, the best business in the world have been started with some one elses money

Research the best market and solutions for advertising which will get you the exposure that you need. Sometimes word of mouth with a good reviews is easier and faster than actual advertising. Get a web site professional constructed with easy maintenance options for you to perform instead of having to pay someone else every time you need to update it.

DEPENDS ON WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS YOU WOULD LIKE TO START.

Identify the industry in which you choose to build a business. Decide whether or not you are into working12 to 15 hour days, paying the taxes, all benefits, etc., that you Employer would typically take on. Discuss with family and friends. If you are still wanting to start your own business, the create a business plan, this process alone will weed out those that have the "idea" to start the business, and those that have the commitment.
Good luck!

know what you r doing.

The first thing I would do is research the city you want to start your business in. Location is the single most important thing to consider. I would also check to see what the success rate is of the type of business you are thinking of starting up. There may be a high investment to get into this business, are you prepared to loose all you are about to invest? Many businesses don't last through the first year. Check the demographics of the area in question. Can your prospective customers afford what you are offering? Is there a demand for your product where you want to go?

do some research - plenty of books on the subject

theres a book i saw the other day called everything you need to start a small business

you'll need a lawyer, an accountant (to set up your corporation of tax purposes, a business bank account, capital (possibly a loan), a good idea, adverting/website, an exit strategy (if things dont go well or you want to retire) and lots of bravery. be prepared to take a hit when you initially start.

get some advise from people you know who own their own businesses.

good luck!

have some backup capital and a plan that the banks will like to loan u more.

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