Questions to ask yourself before starting a business

Before you start any type of business, you should ask yourself these questions in order to prepare for the work ahead. Don't get discouraged by the number of questions and if you don't have the answer to them right away. Just asking yourself these questions is the first step to getting started. You can figure out the answers along the way and find new answers as you go. This list of questions comes from sba.gov a good source for advice on starting a small business. 

1. Why am I starting a business?
2. What kind of business do I want?
3. Who is my ideal customer?
4. What products or services will my business provide?
5. Am I prepared to spend the time and money needed to get my business started?
6. What differentiates my business idea and the products or services I will provide from others in the market?
7. Where will my business be located?
8. How many employees will I need?
9. What types of suppliers do I need?
10. How much money do I need to get started?
11. Will I need to get a loan?
12. How soon will it take before my products or services are available?
13. How long do I have until I start making a profit?
14. Who is my competition?
15. How will I price my product compared to my competition?
16. How will I set up the legal structure of my business?
17. What taxes do I need to pay?
18. What kind of insurance do I need?
19. How will I manage my business?
20. How will I advertise my business?