In economics, business is the social science of managing people to organize and maintain collective productivity toward accomplishing particular, creative and productive goals, usually to generate revenue.

The etymology of "business" refers to the state of being busy, in the context of the individual as well as the community or society. In other words, to be busy is to be doing commercially viable and profitable work.

Starting and managing a business takes motivation and talent. It also requires a lot of research and planning. Although initial errors are not always catastrophic, it takes extra specialization, discipline, and hard work to gain advantage.

Beforehand, there must be enough time allotted to exploring and evaluating the business that you are interested in pursuing. These information would be needed to build a comprehensive and contemplative business plan that will help you achieve these goals.

A business plan is detailing a blue print, foreseeing the future of an endeavored enterprise, usually designed to attract capital investment and profit. This is the first tool to be developed by thinking through some important issues that you may not otherwise consider. Your plan will become valuable as you set out to raise money for your business, and it will provide milestones to gauge your success.

There are many important issues that need to be considered when going into business. First, assess your reason for wanting to go into business. Next determine the right and suitable business, contemplating the technical skills possessed; specializations; activities involved; time to be allotted; and marketability of interests. Then, identify personal business niche. The final step before developing your plan is the pre-business checklist which encompasses skills and experience, legal structure to be used, maintenance of business records, insurance coverage, resources, location, compensation and financing.

It is also vital to decide on what form of business entity to establish. The most common forms of business are the (1) sole proprietorship—unincorporated, (2) partnership—two or more persons carrying out a trade, (3) corporation—prospective shareholders exchange money, property, or both, for the corporation's capital stock., and (4) S corporation—an eligible domestic corporation. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a relatively new business structure allowed by state statute.

There are four distinct sections in a business plan body. These are the (1) description of the business, (2) marketing, (3) finances and (4) management.

The business plan is a tool with three basic purposes: (1) communication—used to attract investment capital, secure loans, convince workers to hire on, and assist in attracting strategic business partners; (2) management—helps you track, monitor and evaluate your progress; and (3) planning—guides you through the various phases of your business.

In order to keep a business alive, proper management should be applied. One should ensure adequate financing, knowledge and planning. Marketing wise, the enterprise must attract and retain a growing base of satisfied customers. It is also vital that proper strategic planning and advertising is applied.

Copyright 2007 Ismael D. Tabije