(NAPSA)—Think you have the next million-dollar idea? Chances are somebody else has the same idea, so you’d better act fast. And thanks to a bevy of services and online resources aimed at start-up businesses, entrepreneurs today can get up and runningin less time and with less money than everbefore. “Starting a new business used to take months, sometimes even years,” said Mark Dixon, CEO of The Regus Group, the world’s largest provider of workplace solutions. “Now that there are so many tools to take the legwork out of the start-up phase, an entrepreneur can build a company from scratch in a matter of weeks.” As you're plotting your path to opening day, seeking help in these four key areas could shave months off the process and keep your budget undercontrol: Planning Ahead: Before making the leap to self-employment, youll need a solid business plan— a document that clearly lays out your operating strategy and finan- cial situation. If you don’t know whereto start, help isn’t far away. Dozens of software suppliers offer business plan programs to walk you through the process and pose important questions you may have never thoughtto ask. Setting up Shop:If you'll need a place to meet with customers, working from home may not be an option. But leasing and furnishing a full-time office can be expensive and time-consuming, and offerslittle flexibility. Many start-ups overcome these challenges by using fully furnished business centers instead. Business centers, such as those offered by The Regus Group, provide a well-appointed office with all the amenities that big companies take for granted. With nothing to buy or install, you can move in and get to work immediately. ate” Becoming a successful entrepreneur may be easier than you think—if you know whereto get a little help. Getting the Word Out: To let people know you exist, you'll probably want a companylogo, business cards, stationery and a Web site. You could spend months fine-tuning it all your- self, or simply work with one of many online services that can produce a complete custom package in a week or less. When it comes to advertising, a “pay-per- click” program through an Inter- net search site can start your phone ringing the very same day. Finding Professional Help: Having an assistant can help you stay focused, but paying a salary and benefits may be out of the question. You still don’t haveto fly solo. Virtual assistants can handle many secretarial tasks via e-mail at hourly rates. Business centers often include administrative support in their service offerings as well. With fewer excuses to procrastinate, this could be your year to finally stop daydreaming. To learn more about start-up solutions for small businesses, visit www.regus.com.
