It is decided, you will build your business ! You are young, inexperienced , you have little money, but you have ideas and energy ! Be aware that the road to success can be long. To put the odds on your side, Laurence Piganeau , PACE gives you advice to get started .
1 . Ask yourself what are your strengths and weaknesses
When creating a business, it must proceed in stages. The first thing is to make a personal assessment . What are my real motivations ? What are my strengths and weaknesses? I qualifications and know -how ? Am I a good business ? Will I convince him? Am I a good manager ? A good technician ?
Once this analysis is completed, if you have identified gaps , ask you how to fix it , said Laurence Piganeau , responsible and legal expertise service PACE ( Agency for start-ups) .
2 . Rate your financial situation well
Before you start creating business , study your financial situation. You probably can not pay you in the first year of creation. If you still live with your parents, so it is best to stay a little longer !
If you are in office, you can request a part-time entrepreneurship. This can be a solution to keep a portion of your salary.
If you have no income and no one can accommodate you , do you have any savings to help you cope with the first fixed costs of the enterprise ?
3 . Find related
Young entrepreneurs often create a project with others. And they are right, it is a formula that works! Laurence explains Piganeau . Complementary skills is a valuable asset in a business setting .
However, before you start , ask yourself these questions: Do you all have the same vision of the company? Are you step on its future development ? What place everyone wants to be ? Who makes which decisions ? What is the level of commitment in time and money of each? etc. .
4 . Discuss your project around you
Do not go alone without facing your project to experienced people , warns Laurence Piganeau . Know how to listen and question yourself . An entrepreneur must have a great capacity for adaptation.
5. Get support
It is very important not to be alone and get help from the beginning of your project. Move closer to support organizations such as Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( CCI ) , chambers of trades and crafts stores management or specific youth networks such as MoovJee (see box) , which offers a mentoring system between young designers and experienced entrepreneurs . Most are free or supported by public support mechanisms .
You can also try to get into an incubator or a cooperative activity and employment (CAE) . These structures allow you to test your project size without taking risks . They exist in all of France.
Finally, if you are in contact with contractors , ask them to advise you. There is a great solidarity in the business community .
6 . Enter contests for young designers
Many competitions are organized for young entrepreneurs . Do not hesitate to participate, this is a good way to let you know ! You will be spotted by the media, called in salons, shows ... But be reactive because journalists are busy people ! We must be able to respond quickly to their requests , said Laurence Piganeau .
7 . Be very professional!
Your young age and , probably , your lack of work experience must be balanced by the seriousness and professionalism with which you prepare your business plan.
8 . Go to the pellet ( a little ... )
Take the lead ! Locate the media that you want and can help you depending on your activity. Find the right journalist and knock on his door. Do not hesitate to contact contractors that you may open their network. Sign in clubs entrepreneurs .
9 . Do not get discouraged
Not easy to be entrepreneur ... It takes a lot of time and energy. There will be ups and downs, some bad news and some fatigue may demotivate you . But believe in your project and do not give up!
Know people around you (spouse, friends, family, associates , consultants ... ) who believe in you and know you give a boost in difficult times .
10 . Be able to stop in time
50% of companies still exist after five years , but that does not mean that there is 50% of failures: some stop by choice.
However, even a failure is positive because entrepreneurship is an experience that you will bounce back. Having set up his company , even if it did not work , this is a real plus in a resume. Entrepreneurship is a quality sought by recruiters says Laurence Piganeau .
