Venture into the business world from the booming metropolis of Oklahoma City–do you consider yourself an aspiring entrepreneur who dreams of starting a business? Buttress your business ideas with the right knowledge, planning, and execution. Preparation boosts your chances of securing a bright future for your thriving establishment.

What do I need to start a business?

Every startup needs physical, financial, and human assets. To start and sustain a prosperous business, you need resources like:

• Knowledge
• Capital
• Labor
• Equipment
• Support

Explore the five essential resources required to start an Oklahoma City business in greater detail below.

Business knowledge: Start by educating yourself

Begin by understanding your industry dynamics. Along with grit and determination, you need to know how to run a business. Knowing your competition and identifying the challenges you face will prepare you for everything to come.

Choosing your business idea

Review your interests and monetize one of them through your new business. Centering your business around something you enjoy boosts productivity and keeps you motivated. Your plan may take shape in the form of a convenience store, boutique, pet shop, or beauty salon. It all depends on what you prefer to do in your free time and whether that can generate profit.

Developing your business plan

Start your OKC business through careful planning. Ask yourself which aspects of your business you can handle. Assess your skills and brush up on the subjects you have not thought about for years. You can also seek outside help for tasks beyond your skillset. You may need to learn about:

• Staff management
• Marketing, promotion, and sales
• Product curation
• Business logistics

Naming your business in Oklahoma

Connect with your customers by choosing a relevant business name. Obtain additional information by researching Oklahoma’s guidelines on business names. The state’s business naming rules guide LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other business organizations.

Capital: Fund your business

All businesses require funding, however even if you have no money there are ways you can secure funding. Inadequate resources result in the failure of many new ventures. Calculate your startup costs before you secure monetary aid. You can fund your business by exploring several of the options listed below.

Personal savings

Many new business owners put their personal savings and current income toward their companies. Your assets may include severance pay, pension funds, credit cards, and mortgages. The idea behind investing your own money in a business involves recovering your investment once your business sustains itself and starts profiting.

Business grants

The State of Oklahoma provides capital for enterprises through small business grants. Such monetary assistance does not require repayment from its recipients. Business owners who seek aid can contact several financial agencies to complete the application process. Keep in mind that the state will require that your business meet specific ongoing criteria.

Family and friends

Many budding entrepreneurs lack sufficient financial resources when they first start their businesses. One common solution involves finding investors among friends and family members. You can request a certain amount, provide valuable collateral, and seal the deal with a written agreement.

Business loans

You can meet your financial demands by applying for small business loans via banks or financial institutions. This method covers your startup costs, provided you fulfill its repayment within the stipulated time.

Workforce: Build a strong team

A reliable team of skilled employees fosters growth for almost any organization. As such, the recruitment process plays a crucial role in your company’s overall success. Hiring new graduates with high potential may prove equally beneficial to employing experienced professionals.

Before you recruit your first employees, consider:

• Checking your finances so that you can afford their services
• Deciding the number of employees for specific positions
• Creating a job description with a list of duties
• Planning an interview process for shortlisting the best candidates

How do I hire employees for my startup?

You can hire employees by posting a job description on social media platforms. Explore options like staffing agencies that specialize in finding recruits for your industry. Another method includes using informal means, like referrals from trusted individuals in your business network.

As you build your team, look for candidates with similar ideas and goals. You can also run a background check of shortlisted candidates to verify their credentials and root out any potential problems. Ensure that you comply with all legal responsibilities while receiving new employees into your company.

photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Location: Find your ideal workspace in OKC

Investing in physical resources is an integral part of starting a fully functional firm. Do you plan on starting a home-based business or a brick-and-mortar enterprise? Your location may factor into whether you can acquire a specific trade license and permit. Also, finding a strategic area for your company’s premises will boost sales and growth.

Oklahoma City provides various options for business owners who wish to rent or purchase workspaces. While virtual workspaces prove efficient for a tight budget, a physical office comes with lots of perks. As your company grows, you may need room to meet the demands of your workforce. An ideal workspace attracts customers and new employees.

Your company headquarters should include all the necessary equipment, including computers and communication systems. Setting up your infrastructure requires a sizable investment. Therefore, you should examine all potential needs before purchasing any property and working materials.

Support system: Stay motivated

Emotional resources have a profound impact on the mental health of business owners and employees. A solid support group keeps your morale up and boosts productivity. This group may consist of family, friends, and mentors from the industry.

Operating a new business comes with a great deal of pressure and stress. A supportive partner or spouse provides the motivation you need to overcome the odds in your professional life. Your partner may also provide financial contributions or free services. Such assistance reduces the company expenses and gives you a much-needed pick-me-up.

You can further draw emotional support from business communities. Joining a network of like-minded industry professionals puts you in touch with people who face similar struggles. Putting together a solid support system with knowledge in your field will prepare you for most industry challenges.