The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It’s as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer.—Nolan Bushnell, entrepreneur 

On Tuesday, December 4, two members of the finance team at Singapore American School, Matt Rogers and Angela Wylie, offered some amazing guidance to students interested in starting a business or raising funds for a worthy cause. What did they have to say?

Top 10 Tips for Starting a Business

1. Ask yourself what you’re good at or passionate about. What are your strengths? 
    
2. Identify the problem or improvement. What Problem are you trying to solve, or what existing product or service can you improve/do better?
    
3. Make a plan. Preparation is important, but don’t let it prevent you from DOING
    
4. Stop ‘waiting’ and get started. This is often the toughest part: Know that it’s okay to not have all the answers before you start (take the first step, and you will figure it out!)
    
5. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t forget to also learn from the mistakes of others! 
    
6. Remember the world’s most precious resource. TIME! Recognize the difference between being “busy” and being “productive”.
    
7. Listen to your customers. But don’t worry about pleasing everyone. It’s okay that some people will not be interested in, or won’t like what you’re doing. Often it is better to find a ‘niche’! 
    
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You will need the help of others. It is extremely difficult to do everything yourself; ask when you don’t understand how to do something, and listen to the answer. Use other people’s ideas, expertise, and energy. 
    
9. Stay flexible. Look for opportunities along the way. Take action when you have an idea of how to adjust and improve. Think about Apple and Amazon. Where did they start and where are they now?
    
10. Have fun along the way! Don’t let ‘ultimate success’ be the only motivator for yourself—enjoy the process of your inquiry and work! 

More TRi Time resources on starting a business can be found here!