Starting a business: The key questions you need to answer

  • Before you start, ask yourself what you want to do and why
  • To get a business off the ground requires planning, passion, people and practicalities
  • Have a vision for your business: "begin with the end in mind"
  • Do your research! Use sites like HMRC, BusinessLink and UK Business Forums

Business coach Julia McDaid poses some fundamental questions for those who want to start their own business.

When someone decides to set up and run their own business, what does it really mean to them? There's a lot to think about: the impact on lifestyle, the time devoted to it and what they want to achieve.

Do entrepreneurs really know? I hear from quite a few people who have decided to run their own business or work from home but don't actually know what business they want to be in. If this is you don't worry – you're not alone. Some 80% of new businesses don't survive. So how to you give yourself the best chance? In the box below are some of the key questions you need to ask to clarify your objectives and get you started. Once you know what you want to do and why, you've got a better chance of getting it right.

Starting out: Key questions

● What do you enjoy doing?

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