The Big 5 ‘Start Up’ Questions

A reporter recently asked what entrepreneurs should ask themselves before beginning a start-up. I suggested they answer these ‘Big 5’ questions:

  1. Is this business’s products or services responding to a real market need and a customer pain?
  2. Will customers buy enough of them to make a sustainable profit?
  3. Do they connect with my personal strengths and passions?
  4. Will I have enough fun doing it that it will make up for the long hours, unpredictable income and stress?
  5. Can I grow it to the point I can sell it, franchise it or leave it to my kids?

If they don’t nail the Big 5 answers, then the smart money is on rethinking the start- up idea and definitely not quitting their day jobs.