Do you want to own your own business?  Does self-employment (working at
 your own business) sound like 
a great life?  No boss will tell you what to do.  The only boss you have will be the customers!  Sometimes, a 
hobby may become a business.  In this lesson, you will write down your i
deas for starting your business
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO SELL? 
Think of a product or service to sell to customers. Small businesses wit
h money-earning potential include 
E-Bay Store, janitorial cleaning services, senior (older persons) serv
ices, mobile car washing, landscaping 
services, dog sitting services, dog walking services, computer repair or
 home entertainment set-up services, 
window washing services, fish tank cleaning services, home or office cleaning services, or other .  
Directions:  Use notebook paper as an answer sheet.  Write down your answers to Questions #1 to #15 
to help you get ideas — plan, organize, and think about self-employme
nt and starting a business. 
 
1.  What type of business will you start? 
2.  Describe the product or service that you will sell. 
MARKETING (OR SALES) PLAN 
3.  What is the name of your business?  
4.  List reasons why your product or service is "special" and better t
han
  the competition (what other businesses in your community sell). 
5.  Who are your target customers?  
  Describe the types of customers who will buy your product/service. 
6.  How will you advertise your business to your target customers?  
  List 3 different advertising methods you will use to let people know about your bu
siness.  
7.  How much will you charge for your product or service?
8.  Draw a picture of a business card that you will give to people to let th
em know of your business. 
BUSINESS PLAN  
9.  Will you work out of your home or will you need to rent an office or store?
10.  If you work out of your home, describe the items you will need in your h
ome for the business.  If you 
need an office or store, describe the items you will need in the office or store for the business.
11.  Will you need a vehicle for your business?  If so, describe the vehicle y
ou will need for your business.
12.  Will you need to hire workers?  If so, how many?  How much per hour will 
you pay the workers?
THINK ABOUT YOUR CHOICES.  In an essay of 25 words or more —
13.  Explain the reasons why you may enjoy starting this type of business.
14.  Explain the reasons why this business is needed in your community.
15.  Explain what you will do to make this business special and profitable (make money). 	
Starting Your  Business Activity
U.S. Work World
CAREER mini-lesson
College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.