Ideation is usually the first step to starting a business. You’ve come up with a great idea and want to build a business around it. And although it is a crucial step in the process, founders usually don’t even consider marketing at this stage. However, doing proper market research and a competitor analysis will lay the foundation for business success going forward. Here's how to approach market research and a competitor analysis.

Theft of confidential information and trade secrets can be just as damaging to your business as embezzlement or other employee fraud. Learn how to protect your intellectual property with tips including utilising paper shredders, having a plan in place for terminated employees, using passwords, as well as having employees sign non-disclosure agreements, among others.

When starting your business, there are certain occasions when it's advisable to get professional advice. A lawyer, for example, can explain the conditions of your loan agreements, contracts and leases. On the other hand, entrepreneurs are at times so intimidated by certain processes that they hire professionals when they can actually do it themselves. So how do you know when it's best to call in an expert and when it's okay to do it yourself?

Many, many new entrepreneurs start out with something they are passionate about, something they love doing and are great at. But soon they find that the new business demands that they spend most of their time on things they really do not like to do at all. Those are also the things they mostly are not so good at. They have to force themselves to struggle through the tasks so that the business can survive, but this does not need to be the situation. In fact, you are more likely to succeed if you do something you love.

Entrepreneurs are by their nature, optimists. It takes commitment and a positive outlook to take on the hardships in building a new business. Too much time spent pondering the risks saps a venture of its vitality. Many businesses start trading without any proper legal agreements in place. But the hard lesson that many businesses have learnt is that these agreements become vital once the business is established. Here's how to formalise an informal agreement.

Owning and running a small business is an impressive feat. For some, however, reaching this point can be difficult and confusing. You might not be sure of your business concept or you might still be figuring out how to manage your finances. But, if you follow these simple tricks and tips, you will become the success you have always dreamed of. Here is everything small business owners need to know.

Business Partners Limited has compiled a list of institutions and training providers offering courses in business management and entrepreneurship, which should add value to someone looking to start or grow their small business. This list focuses on accredited courses. Full time, part time, distance learning, and even online programmes are included in this list.

Starting a small business is a daunting task for anyone. To be effective at anything, however, requires the right tools. Such tools, in this case, mean the right kind of equipment. For small businesses, these are not as obvious as they might first seem and their importance is often underestimated. Most entrepreneurs, when starting their businesses, will have decided on where to locate their offices. But, what we sometimes forget, is how well the office space fits the equipment and vice versa. Here are tips on selecting the right office equipment for your business.

Deciding on the type of business organization you should establish? This article will help you understand the business types and help you in your choice. When you have decided which business is right for you, you will have three important decisions to make. Through this article, you will discover: whether to go into business alone or with a partner; the type of business organisation to use; and what professional advisers to select.

The most common, serious mistake made by entrepreneurs is not choosing the right business from the very beginning. This article will provide you with important evaluation techniques to decide which business is right for you. Use this article and the videos within it to plan how to start your new business. Planning ahead for your business will make it both successful and fulfilling.

This Business Plan e-book is widely regarded as one of the best preparatory publications on writing a business plan. It deals extensively with the all-important background information required for a business plan – everything that potential financiers may require before considering a business loan. More than just a business-plan writing aid, the Business Plan Book constructively helps the would-be business owner or existing business owner wanting to expand his/her business to identify and deal with potential problems before they arise.

When starting a small business, it's important to ensure that you’re not contravening competition law. Competition law has two sources: the Competition Act, 89 of 1998, and the common law (i.e. law based on case law and old authorities). The Competition Act focuses on two broad areas: (a) harmful competitive practices that existing businesses may not engage in; and (b) the competitive effects of mergers and acquisitions. This article explores how not to contravene competition law.

The CIPC was established by the Companies Act, 2008 (Act No. 71 of 2008) as a juristic person to function as an organ of state within the public administration, but as an institution outside the public service. Its main functions include the registration of Companies, Co-operatives and Intellectual Property Rights (trade marks, patents, designs and copyright) and maintenance thereof as well as the disclosure of Information on its business registers, among others. Find out more in this article.

It's amazing how few entrepreneurs put thought and research into naming their business. There are certain guidelines to follow to ensure you not only choose a good name, but that there won’t be negative consequences for your choice. No matter what type of venture you're setting up, the key is to opt for a name that distinguishes you from other businesses.

Before you jump right into starting your own business, there are many things to consider. One of these, is choosing the most appropriate legal entity under which to register your company. Choosing the right format is an important part of setting up a business, especially since some forms of enterprise must be registered with the Registrar of Companies, and need to meet certain legal requirements. Your business format will depend very much on the nature and size of your business, and should suit your specific needs. Here is a basic guide to the process.

Before you open for business, make sure that all the elements of your business are in place. In order to do this, we have provided a "Before you start" checklist for you to review and supplement with appropriate items. Through this checklist you will learn how to buy, and how to market, promote, and advertise your business. Read on for more information.

Is it legal and ethical to use one's employer's time and resources to start your own business? No. The law says that all material or product or contacts developed whilst in the employ or under contract by an employer belongs to that business. It cannot be used for profit elsewhere. This includes tools, machinery, equipment, software, contacts, content, intellectual property or anything else that you may think is free to take home. Written permission is required to use any such material.

Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) was formed in October 2003 and began operating in January 2004. This created the first representative and unified organisation for business in South Africa. Today, through its extensive membership base, BUSA represents the private sector being the largest federation of business organisations in terms of GDP and employment contribution. BUSA is a non-profit company representing cross-cutting organised business interests in South Africa.

Entrepreneurial success is not only determined by the ability to foresee opportunities in the marketplace, initiate (or take advantage of) change, and create value through solutions. One also has to have the right tools and business governance structures to create a successful business moving forward. Use this checklist to make sure you start your entrepreneurial journey and approach business governance the best way possible.

Business etiquette involves more than eating with the right fork or leaving a suitable tip. It's about generally acceptable, courteous, and respectful behaviour. Of course, this changes over time, and varies across contexts and between cultures. That being said, there are general guidelines for any given business situation. Basic knowledge of business etiquette can be priceless. Here are some tips to get you on your way.