1) What am I selling?

2) How will it get placed in the market?

3) Will I have the time to execute this idea?

4) What price point is profitable?

5) What are the startup costs?

6) Where will I get the startup funds?

Each of these topics is an in-depth conversation in and of itself and is too much for one article. So for now, let’s start by making an income statement. You will touch on each area and quickly find out if it is profitable and worth doing.

For instance, I made a business plan for Dreamland Ballroom and found that the business model that income generates from booking weekend events does not generate enough income to pay back the renovation debt and meet monthly operating expenses. My heart said, “Yes, this is a great idea!” but numbers don’t lie. Be cognizant of not believing your own BS.

You can find an annual income statement worksheet by clicking here.

Think about your monthly sales and expenses, and then multiply by 12 months and fill in the blanks. I have added an expense line of 10% for miscellaneous. You always need a little cushion.
As I said earlier, people are always bouncing ideas off of me. I am pretty good at dissecting those ideas or questions and helping set it in a business context. If you are motivated enough to start a new business, then you are most likely pretty passionate about the idea. That is great and exactly what you need to get the job done. However, sometimes emotions can get in the way of seeing things objectively and you could miss something that, with a little front end projection, you might have avoided. I am all about being proactive and not reactive.

Want my advice? Post a question on my blog, www.bannerisims.com.

Forty years ago I started my business with $400. I have navigated Arkansas Flag and Banner through many different business models: door-to-door sales in the 70’s, telemarketing in the 80’s, catalog sales in the 90’s in 1995, I embraced the Internet with both arms. In 2001, I opened a retail storefront. If you are reading this magazine, then you know I am now dabbling in publication. So check out my blog bannerisms.com … I am a wealth of information. If nothing else, I am opinionated! (LOL)

As Gloria Steinem said, “Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” The future belongs to those that believe in the Beauty of their Dreams. 

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