Starting a Business in a Recession

Filed in archive Misc on September 14, 2009

© angusf


If you're one of the many people who lost their job during the recession, you may be at your wits-end hunting for a new one. Everyone needs help, but no one is hiring and you're at the point of considering the upsides to a career in fast food. Yet one tiny thought nags in the back of your mind: What if now is the time?

Maybe you had a great idea in college or even younger. Maybe you always wanted to start your own company and just never had the time. Or maybe your wife is encouraging you to find a career where you can work from home. Whatever the reason, you're considering moving out of the corporate culture to start your own company.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Risks: Money is going to be on short supply, investors will ignore your calls, but if you do great research you might still be ahead of the game. Make sure you fill a need for people. And if you do lose, during a recession its less impactful to your bottom line.

2. Plan: If you want a business to succeed during a recession, be ready to plan everything. Keep careful track of analytics, expenditures, changes in the market, etc. Make sure every purchase and detail still align with your main goals.

3. Be Realistic: If the risks are too great or you don't plan well, it might not be a good idea to start a company without any backers. Really get honest with yourself. Is this something that you can do long term? Is the market looking for your product or service right? Don't be afraid to answer the tough questions. Who knows? In the process you might stumble upon an even better idea.

Remember, if your business can succeed in a recession, it will only grow when the market gets better.

What's your advice to someone starting a business during the recession?