Starting and managing a business takes motivation, desire and talent. It also takes research and planning.

Like a chess game, success in small business starts with decisive and correct opening moves. And, although initial mistakes are not fatal, it takes skill, discipline and hard work to regain the advantage.

To increase your chance for success, take the time up front to explore and evaluate your business and personal goals. Then use this information to build a comprehensive and well­thought­out business plan that will help you reach these goals.

The process of developing a business plan will help you think through some important issues that you may not have considered yet. Your plan will become a valuable tool as you set out to raise money for your business. It should also provide milestones to gauge your success.

Getting Started

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?

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, well­researched business plan that should serve as a blueprint. It should detail how the business will be operated, managed and capitalized.

Whatever your reasons, we here at American Phone Networks will guide you through some of the issues you have to deal with when setting up a virtual office. We’ll also discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of operating solely in cyberspace.

As the possibilities created by new technology shifts the focus of business away from the traditional office building and toward a more free-form virtual office system, it’s important that you take the time to consider whether a virtual office might be able to help your business flourish in the twenty-first century. If you aren’t familiar with the term, a virtual office is a form of collaboration among self-employed individuals and those who work from home or just about anywhere. This collaboration allows these virtual officemates to share a virtual network of services. Our “Virtual Service” technicians will arrange and perform the same tasks and services that a standard office can, but without the undue stress and it’s associated expenses.

How to Establish a Virtual Office

In order to set up a virtual office, you should begin by making sure that every office member has an internet-ready computer, a fast Internet connection, and the software to fax, copy, email, and other professional services. Create a mail drop for any mail that the virtual office would receive. The Virtual Office becomes a “hub” of your office environment. The distribution point of technology based information, a consistent “stream of information” and data that you and your virtual sales team informed and ready for action

American Phone Networks can help you start your Virtual Office – Contact Jeff or Lisa at 973-265-2802 for more information or visit our website at www.americanphonenetworks.com