Some enthusiasts claim that there is no better time than now to own and run a business. It may be more prudent, however, for potential entrepreneurs to write down, research, and address exactly what it is they wish to do before they begin – as well as examine what starting a business will involve and how the process will be tackled. Without this knowledge (which can take six months or longer to accumulate), the entrepreneur will probably not be ready for business ownership. Just as important, critical outside obligations (e.g.: the onset of medical treatment, college tuition payments, financial problems, unresolved crisis, personal dilemmas, and so on…) should be taken care of beforehand to avoid distractions. The understanding and support of partners, spouses, or children is equally as crucial because many experienced practitioners insist that entrepreneurs do not have much time to spend with their loved ones during the first few years of a new business venture.
The most obvious answer to this question is where there are plenty of customers. But one must also take into account the specifics of the area or region where prospective customers are located. For example, if you’re planning on setting up a business in a part of the world that you’re only partly familiar with (perhaps because you fell in love with it while on vacation), do plenty of homework first. According to the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), entrepreneurs planning on starting a business in a foreign country or unfamiliar area should first ensure that the following situations exist:
- There should be a low number of rules, regulations, paperwork, and licenses so the business and its activities can be made legitimate in a timely manner.
- The business owner should be able to hire and fire employees with relative ease.
- The business owner should have the capacity to draw up and enforce a legal contract.
- The business owner should be able to obtain credit or borrow money.
- A low number of steps and procedures should exist so that the business can either be closed down – or bankruptcy can be declared – with relative ease.