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There are a lot of "first things", but fortunately, starting a small training enterprise is no different in most respects than starting any kind of business that offers a service. Of course, where you start will depend on your situation, but here are some possibilities.
- On the financial side, make sure you have sufficient financial resources to last you at least a year, and that includes both living expenses plus money to market and run the business.
- Develop a business plan that focuses on your mission, defining your training niches, your competitive advantage (how you can do things better than competitors, and so on. It need not be formal, since it primarily for your own use. The point is to force yourself to think about the realities of your soon-to-be-business.
- Start thinking about how to market. In many ways, marketing is the toughest part of starting any business, and this applies to training seminar businesses. There are many options, including methods that are free, almost free (like using the Internet), to very expensive (ads in trade magazines).
- Identify your weaknesses. Sure, your strengths are important, but look at your weaknesses and develop a plan to remedy them. It's your weaknesses that will impale you if you don't know them, or address them. Don't wait until you are 6 months in, and starving to discover you have no idea about how to market.
- Talk to other trainers, and training customers in your local area, particularly if you want to do most of your work locally. Find out what people are doing, what customers might want, fee structures, and other conditions. Talking to others can spark new ideas for you that you wouldn't have otherwise thought of.