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How to start a small business during the credit crunch
Roberto Bell
If you are thinking of starting a new business then now is a good a time as any even if the credit crunch is in full swing.

Many small businesses that exist operate in small niches and offer specific solutions to consumer and b2b problems. If you have a look on the online business forums many people are asking if small business owners are experiencing a downturn and most report that business is as good as ever.

During tough economic conditions consumers are the first to cut their spending but other businesses are generally behind that trend. Businesses still need to survive and are still buying services from other businesses so we suggest starting a business in the b2b market.

The gold rush scenario still holds true in that the people that made most of the money where those who sold the picks and shovels rather than the prospectors themselves. So think about a service that helps others develop their businesses rather than trying to sell a particular product that you have to compete too much on price for.

Certainly companies that offer webhosting are still reporting great revenues although the profit margin can be quite low but web host companies are offering the "pick and shovel" service to others who are trying to sell items over the internet.

Above all though before you jump headlong into your business it's best to develop a good business plan. Even if you only produce a simple spreadsheet that shows you how many sales you need to make at a particular margin to make the profit you want will show you the volume you need to sell. At this point you may think it's the wrong industry to be in or believe that your idea is the one that's going to be a winner in your market.

Ask friends and family what they think and if they are your target market ask if it's the type of service they might purchase for their business.

Although businesses will start to cut costs normally it's marketing, training and recruitment that are the first to go. All companies still need various services to keep them going and some companies that are properly marketing led actually start to increase their advertising budgets.

There are other areas you might want to look for. For example, although the housing market might be at a standstill where people are just not moving house or teenagers aren't jumping onto the housing ladder people need to live somewhere and are now renting. This may be a chance to purchase a rental property or even start a letting agency business. Home owners will also begin to add space onto their existing homes rather than move up the housing ladder so local builders, decorators and conservatory companies also do well during recessionary periods.

More and more people will start to be made redundant as time moves on during this downturn so it's best if you start to think now. You can always prepare your plans and start in a low key way whilst you are still employed so you can begin properly once your business is set to go.

Whatever business you are thinking of starting there are some excellent small business start up websites online so take advantage of the free advice that's available and ask questions on the various business forums. Good luck!.

Source: http://easycontentpro.com

James writes for small business uk website and you can find more about starting a small business with these small business startup tips

"How to start a small business during the credit crunch"
written by Roberto Bell

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