If you want that side gig to be a success, you need a solid plan

Photo: Desola Lanre-Ologun/Unsplash

NAPSI -- Congratulations! You’ve decided to start a business — you’re about to embark on an exciting and challenging journey. Before you dive in headfirst, however, it may pay to take time to understand how to start a business the right way and what it takes to make your new gig, be it a side one or fulltime, a total success.

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About How To Start A Business

Whether your startup is creating something new in the marketplace, improving upon an existing product or anything in between, founders need three key elements to get started. When you’re ready to kick off your startup, be prepared with the following:

1. A Clear Understanding of Your Purpose: Why are you embarking upon this business venture? And why now? Get clear on your WHY. It may seem obvious but if you don’t understand why you’re starting your business, neither will your customers.

Your WHY should reflect your business’ purpose—its reason for existence. For example, maybe you recognized an unmet need in your community or perhaps you improved upon an existing product. It’s important to be clear about the intention of your business and the value you provide to customers.

2. A Business Plan: Would you go on a road trip without a map? The answer is probably no. You need directions to get where you’re going. The same rule applies when starting a business.

With a business plan, you can plot a course from startup to success. Plans typically include:

A summary of your business, including the product or service you’re selling, your mission statement and current team members.

A breakdown of your product or service, including what makes it viable in your market.

Market research that demonstrates an understanding of your industry and your competition. Research your biggest competitors to understand what makes them successful.

A SWOT analysis that delineates your business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

A compelling marketing strategy that illustrates how you’ll attract and retain customers.

Financial projections that show potential investors the viability of your business. Include a financial forecast for the next one, five, or even ten years.

As you work through your business plan, check out SCORE’s Startup Roadmap. It offers a step-by-step online guide to help you create a thorough plan for your new business.

3. A Strong Support System: Your business is more likely to be successful with a support system. Surround yourself with people who can offer guidance, encouragement and constructive criticism.

That may be friends or family who have a strong understanding of your market, experience running a business, or members of your professional network willing to give you their time and perspective.

Identifying a mentor is one of the best moves an entrepreneur can make. And the reasons are well-founded. Small business clients who receive more than three hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased business growth, according to SCORE data.

Mentors are often business professionals with experience operating a healthy business who can guide you through your entrepreneurial journey. They act as a sounding board as you grow your business, connect you with resources and provide advice when you hit bumps along the way.

As you prepare to launch your business, SCORE can connect you with a mentor to help you along your journey. With expertise in all aspects of starting and growing a business, SCORE mentors can guide you to resources and tools that can help you succeed.

To learn more or find a find a mentor, visit www.score.org/find-mentor.

Federal Affordable Connectivity Program offers low-cost internet to eligible citizens

Photo:NAPSI

NAPSI -- A fast, reliable Internet connection has become a critical part of our daily lives. From remote learning and working to networking and searching for jobs, Americans everywhere felt an online shift during COVID-19. 

And, while the country gradually recovers from the pandemic, the collective need to stay connected remains stronger than ever. 

Enter the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

ACP extends and makes permanent the Internet subsidy for families in need that began under the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. Falling under the $1.2T bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the ACP is part of a $65 billion broadband Internet initiative designed to bring affordable or even free Internet service to families who qualify.

Eligible households can save up to $30 a month, or up to $75 if they reside on tribal lands.

So, who qualifies? Here’s a glance at the different criteria from the FCC of which one or more is required:

Household is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline.

Participates in tribal-specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

Participates in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.

Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.

Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income Internet program.

Visit fcc.gov/acp for more details and call 844-844-WIFI (844-844-9434) to find a participating provider nearby.

Former SJO three-sport athlete Brandi Burnett inducted into Hall of Fame

ST. JOSEPH -- St. Joseph-Ogden High School will introduce four new inductees to the St. Joseph-Ogden Hall of Fame during the Spartan football team's Homecoming game against Nokomis. The distinquished group includes 1960 graduate Dee Evans, former three-sport athlete Brandi Carmien Burnett, veteran teacher Kermit Esarey, and The Gary Olson Family

Below is a short biography and highlights about Brandi Burnett provided by the high school.

Brandi Carmien Burnett

Brandi is a 1993 graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School. She was a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and softball. She earned 11 total varsity letters during her high school career. In volleyball, her awards included ICC All Conference for two years and All-Area 2nd team for one year. In softball, her awards included ICC All-Conference for three years and All-Area 1st team for two years. Her basketball awards included ICC All-Conference MVP two years, All-Area 1st Team two years, IBCA All-State 3rd Team one year, All-State Special mention one year and Prairie State Games three years where two years she was MVP. She ended her high school career with 1456 points scored and 786 rebounds.

Brandi went on to play basketball at Kankakee Community College for two years. She was a dental assistant and office assistant for two dentists for seven years. She was a pharmacy technician for 12 years. Brandi is currently employed at Gifford State Bank in Gifford in the Risk Management department.

Brandi served on the SJO Fan Club for 8 years while her kids were in high school. She has been married to her husband, Chad for 23 years. Their three children, Abigail, Crayton and Kennedi are all SJO grads. Brandi is blessed to live on her grandparents' farm north of St. Joseph.

Congratulations once again to Brandi Burnett and her family for the induction into the St. Joseph-Ogden High School Hall of Fame.