Should Anyone Start a Business Now?

[Rob]

One of my blog posts today features a survey by Orange SMS Business (http://www.smallbusinesssuccess.biz/forum/blog.php?b=153) which looks at what's great and not so great about running a business today.

It seems 36% think that the UK is not a great place to run a business while 32% think it is - so, a divided opinion there (I'm not sure what the remaining 32% think as the survey doesn't reveal that!).

So, whilst some of you reading this are not based in the UK, do you think your country is 'the' place to run a business or the 'pits'? How is your country dealing with the current financial problems - supporting small businesses or leaving them hanging out to dry? Should anyone even consider starting a business now?

[cliann13]

The only way out of this recession is going to be Entrepreneurship in its most holistic definition.
The reality is everyone is at zero, so the only way out is up. If you as a start up can can get going in a recession then will fly when the market takes off.
The mantra is lean, keen and customer focused.
Know the customer demand based on Need, Motivation to buy and Ability to buy.
Cheers
Cliff Bradshaw

[Rob]

Cliff,

You're right - entrepreneurship is certainly one of the key ways out. The problem is so many of the new business owners are going to be 'forced' into business via redundancy etc. To be successful you have to start for the right reason - is starting a business because you have no other option the right component to make a successful business?

Respective governments are also going to have a part to play here by upping their game on business/entrepreneurial training. It's all well and good instructing banks to support businesses by lending more but banks today are even less interested in supporting start ups than before! So that's bit of government 'assistance' is not going to help.

Governments need to pitch in and teach budding entrepreneurs the basics before they encourage them to take on debt!

[great]

The basic principle of starting the new business is Do what you love. You’re going to devote a lot of time and energy to starting a business and building it into a successful enterprise, so it’s really important that you truly deeply enjoy what you do, whether it be running fishing charters, creating pottery or providing financial advice.