1. Make a survey: No matter what business you're starting, you need to have a detailed understanding of that business. What will you offer and how can you get started?
  2. Talk to other small businesses in the area who are in the same business and find out what they had to go through.
  3. Find out your local tax laws, state and sales tax and inspections, license(s) that you'll need to do to sell something.
  4. Make a plan considering and deciding how you will proceed.
  5. Restaurants always need to find out about the state and local health departments inspections and regulations.
  6. You'll need to register your business first and foremost.
  7. If you'll need a loan, get the money by the best means you can devise.
  8. Research, research, research: You can never research enough about the product(s) you'll be selling.
  9. Get a mentor who will show you the ropes and talk with you.
  10. If possible, work in a similar restaurant for up to 2 years before you start one of your own.

Tips

  • Take a business class. It doesn't have to be on the subject of whatever business you want to open.
  • There are tons of sites online that can help you through the steps of owning your own business.
  • Advertising and sales are very important when you first start a business.
  • Make sure you've checked with your local court house and find out all the laws and regulations about owning your own
    business.
  • Offer free cell phone charge service where people who let their phones die can stop in and charge up (note the double meaning).
  • Offering Wi-fi? Sell techie equipment, power cords, laptop cases, etc.
  • You're a locally-run coffee house, support local musicians. Let them sell their music/mix tapes, etc. Play the good stuff on the overhead speakers.
  • Kids room: You probably don't want a bunch of screaming kids running around, but it might be possible to have a separate room chock full of educational toys where parents can bring their young-uns and still maintain the decorum of your main area. Or flip it -- make the "main" area the kids room with other rooms where adults can go.
  • "Open mic" nights! There just aren't enough of these anymore. Who wants to listen to some canned knock-off, regurgitated song written by Whitney Houston but sung by "Jane D. Who-sung" of karaoke bar "fame?" People have fun with open mic -- music, poetry, creativity -- and their friends and family may come and dine to participate...
  • Local artists -- save some money on your decoration costs and help the local starving artists showcase their original work.
  • Parlay what you currently do into the shop. A web programmer could offer services, teach classes or create games for the customers to play.

Warnings

  • Never jump ahead a step -- make a checklist! If you have a step-by-step plan, never jump ahead!
  • Never overlook what may be your most important consideration: the regulatory laws and taxes!