Seeking Expert Advice While Crafting Your Business Plan

Starting a business is never an easy task but is most defiantly a fulfilling reward especially when you are pursuing your dream. It is always important to seek experts advice when starting your own business as they can give you tips and pointers to help guide you through the process. The two experts that I have chosen to follow are widely known for their innovative business mind but it is the way that they have branded themselves that truly inspires me.

Mark Cuban is widely known to the world as the manager for NBA Dallas Mavericks but he is a innovative entrepreneur as well. Mark was brought up in a middle class home, and learned the aspect of business through his father and grandfather. His father worked at a car upholstery shop and his grandfather was a immigrant from Russia who was a hard worker and always tried to make the best deal to provide for his family. Mark excelled through out the years in academics which translated into his business skills.

He had numerous successful business ventures but is known for his management skills with the Dallas Mavericks. In 2000, he purchased the NBA team for $285 million dollars. When he purchased the team it was in rough shape but he revamped the entire franchise and lead them to the finals twice.

Recently, Mark Cuban gave his insight into startups to Entrepreneur.com. He made some really valid points and some not so much. One of the first points that I 100 percent agree on is “Don’t start a company unless it’s an obsession and something you love.” This is so true because work will never feel like work. He also goes to mention about not having offices, making the job fun for the employees, etc. The major key point I disagree with is that he does not think it is beneficial to hire a PR firm. I personally think it depends on the business, the size and the direction. It is true that not all startups need a PR consultant but this could drastically change your business.

Oprah Winfrey has built a huge empire for herself with the highest rated talk show program in history and is also ranked the richest African-American of the 20^th century. She had really rough beginnings but this most defiantly was her source of motivation and played a huge factor in her talk show.

It is easy to understand Oprah’s view when it comes to starting a business. First you have to write everything out so you can prepare for any type of situation that might happen. This will help you when difficulties come and will better prepare you. She offers great advice like finding a mentor, and developing a prototype. One key point that she brings up is test your competitor’s services to see exactly what they are lacking to make sure that you are a head of them. This is brilliant and of course makes a lot of sense.