Are you thinking about making the leap into entrepreneurship and starting an online business? Or have you been considering entrepreneurship over regular jobs?

Not everyone is cut out for the 9-to-5 life. You may find that you simply don’t fit in, have unconventional ideas or you’re really good at spotting opportunities and running towards them. And it can't be denied that the thought of having complete control of what you do can be tempting and exciting. According to a recent report, about 60.87% of entrepreneurs say that they went into business because they were ready to be their own boss, and a significant 31% were motivated to pursue their passion in entrepreneurship. But for your business to be successful, you need to have the knowledge, resources, and significant planning.

Starting any business is a huge commitment. To help you with that, we have compiled ten questions to ask yourself if you want to start an online business. This question list is a good place to start to determine whether you're ready to start your own business. So, whether you just want to test the waters with a side hustle or commit full-time, be sure to ask yourself these questions before you take the leap to entrepreneurship. If you’re honest in your responses, your answers can actually help you piece together a strategic business roadmap. 

1. Why do I want to start an online business?

When it comes to starting an online business, it is more than just having a great idea. Use this question to guide you on what kind of business you want to start. Figure out what your skills are, your passion, the budget, as well as what you want to put out in the market. Try to be as honest as possible with your answers because this will be your foundation for everything you do moving forward.

2. What kind of problem does my business solve?

You don’t have to invent something that was never existed before, but you sure need to come up with a solution for a specific demographic. When someone asks what your business is about, you can answer with the type of solutions your business offers. If you don’t know what the purpose of your business is, then you’re probably not ready yet to share your business out in the world.

3. Who is my target audience?

Once you come up with the product or service of your future business, did you also think of who are you making products for or giving service to? You need to come about with a specific answer to this question because if you’re targeting everyone, you’re actually targeting no one. Tailoring your business to a specific demographic can be helpful when you are advertising your product or service to your niche audience. 

4. Who are my competitors?

Setting up a business is one thing, but sustaining it is another. And one of the most important things you need to do to make sure your business stands out in the market is by knowing who your competitors are. If you don’t research other businesses similar to yours, you could end up completely blindsided by their latest products or marketing campaigns. 

5. What is my USP?

You’ve done your research on your competitors, but have you figured out what makes you unique? How do you tell the world about how awesome your business is without sounding like everyone else? Try to answer with what unique value you plan to bring to the table. Because if If you are building a business purely on passion without taking into account your strengths, you might find yourself in a bit of trouble.

6. What is my budget?

Knowing your costs inside out is key to creating an effective budgeting plan. It helps you to ensure long-term success for your business. Ask yourself: do you have the budget to start a business? How much funding will you need to start this business? What about the cash flow projections? And revenue?

7. Can I do this alone?

Will you manage this business on your own or do you need a partner? There are benefits to both sides. Going alone will certainly give you full freedom, flexibility, and autonomy. But having a partner may be a massive help when it comes to complementing each other’s strengths and skills. 

8. What do I need to start an online business?

Starting up a business can be overwhelming, but staying organized can help make the process easier. With so many things to tick off from your to-do list, from operational aspects to legal works, make sure you create a detailed list of all the things you will need to complete before you launch your business.

9. Why do I believe I can make this business work? 

If you don’t believe in what your company does, how can you expect your customers to? You can only go so far if you don’t have a strong love for your work. Think about it for a second. The one thing that gets new business owners to take the leap is their passion and belief in their dream. So, do you have it in yourself to put your faith in your ideas? How will you test and validate your ideas?

10. Am I ready to invest my time, effort, and money in this business?

Starting up requires a lot of time, effort, and risks. Sure, being your own boss sounds like the dream life. But if you thought it meant doing as you like, then you are in for a surprise. While being an entrepreneur is associated with a wide range of positive outcomes, it requires discipline and so much determination. Are you in a good place physically, mentally, and financially to start a business?

So, are you ready to start your own online business? If you’re finally ready, you can now take the next steps to set up your venture. Have fun and good luck!