How To Start Your Own Business

Part 1: Do You Have What It Takes?
May 6, 2002
President Bush says the key to a strong economy is the creation of more small business. But statistics show that most startups are doomed to fail. However, the experts agree that with planning and hard work a new company can beat the odds. This morning and in the coming Mondays, 90.3 WCPN®'s Mike West will cover the basics of what you need to know to start your own small business. In part 1 we look into some tough questions about what it takes for businesses to successfully get off the ground.

Part 2: Writing The Plan
May 13, 2002
Financial experts agree that part of the economic slowdown over the last few years can be attributed partly to the demise of the so-called dot-coms. Investors threw lots of cash at these start-up internet businesses, despite having no clear idea of how to make money. This lack of a clear business plan is often cited as the reason so many small businesses fail. This morning, we continue our series on starting your own small business. 90.3 WCPN®'s Mike West explores the critical role of having the right plan, and how to put it on paper.

Part 3: Business Risk & Advisors
May 20, 2002
The economic fallout from the Enron bankruptcy scandal is one example of why it's important for you to find a good accountant. Experts say start-ups and established businesses can avoid legal problems that can doom their companies by finding trusted advisors. In part 3 of How To Start Your Own Business, 90.3 WCPN®'s Mike West tells us how to go about finding trusted financial advice.

Part 4: Marketing Your Business
May 27, 2002
Businesses spend billions of dollars a year on marketing and public relations. Companies and their products live and die by their ads and the image they project. But advertising alone isn't enough. For example, many dot-coms spent a fortune on advertising only to find people didn't buy what they were selling. The experts say new business owners and established companies alike need a marketing plan. In part 4 of How To Start Your Own Business, 90.3 WCPN®'s Mike West looks into attracting and keeping customers.

Part 5: Exit Strategies
June 3, 2002
It's just as important to figure out how to walk away from your business, as it is to plan on starting it. That's the message from small business experts who stress the importance of an exit strategy for any new business owner. Bad planning can destroy the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labor. In part 5 of How To Start Your Own Business, 90.3 WCPN®'s Mike West reports on planing for retirement, even before you make that first sale.