1. Ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are
"When you start your own business, you have to go step by step. The very first thing is to make a personal assessment. What are my real motivations? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Do I have the necessary qualifications and know-how? Am I a good salesman? Will I be able to convince? Am I a good manager? A good technician?
Once this analysis has been carried out, if you have detected any shortcomings, you need to ask yourself how to remedy them," explains Laurence Piganeau, head of expertise and legal service at BPI France (public investment bank).
2. Evaluate your financial situation
Before starting a business, take a good look at your financial situation. You will probably not be able to earn a living in the first year of your business. If you are still living with your parents, the best thing to do is to stay there a little longer!
If you are working, you can ask for a part-time job for business creation. This can be a solution for keeping part of your salary.
If you have no income and no one to take you in, do you have any savings that will enable you to meet the first fixed costs of the business?
3. Find partners
"Young entrepreneurs often create a project with several people. And they're right, it's a formula that works! explains Laurence Piganeau. Complementary skills are a precious asset when creating a business.
However, before you start, ask yourself the right questions: do you all have the same vision of the company? Are you in phase on its future development? What role does everyone want to play? Who makes what decisions? What is the level of commitment in terms of time and money of each person? etc."
Create your company with one or more partners: consult the classified ads in the French tech section of Les Echos
4. Talk about your business creation project around you
Don't go it alone without talking to experienced people about your project," warns Laurence Piganeau. Know how to listen to them and question yourself. An entrepreneur must have a great capacity to adapt.
5. Starting a business: get support
It is very important not to be alone and to get help from the start of your project. Get in touch with support organisations such as chambers of commerce and industry (CCI), chambers of trade and crafts, management boutiques or specific young people's networks, such as MoovJee (see box), which offers a mentoring system between young creators and experienced entrepreneurs. Most of these are free of charge or covered by public support schemes.
You can also try joining an incubator or a cooperative of activities and employment (CAE). These structures allow you to test your project in real life without taking any risks. They exist throughout France.
Finally, if you are in contact with entrepreneurs, ask them for advice. There is a great deal of solidarity in the entrepreneurial community.
6. Participate in competitions for young entrepreneurs
"Many competitions are organised for young entrepreneurs. Don't hesitate to take part, it's a good way to make yourself known! You will be spotted by the media, invited to trade fairs, broadcasts... But be reactive because journalists are in a hurry! You have to be able to respond quickly to their requests", says Laurence Piganeau.
7. Be very professional!
Your young age and, no doubt, your lack of professional experience must be compensated for by the seriousness and professionalism with which you will prepare your business project.
8. Be bold (a bit...)
Take the lead! Find the media that interest you and can help you with your business. Find the right journalist and knock on their door. Do not hesitate to contact entrepreneurs who could open their network to you. Join entrepreneurial clubs.
9. Don't get discouraged
It is not easy to be an entrepreneur... Starting a business takes a lot of time and energy. There will be ups and downs, some bad news and a bit of tiredness can demotivate you. But believe in your project and don't give up!
Know how to surround yourself with people (spouse, friends, family, associates, advisors, etc.) who believe in you and know how to boost you in difficult moments.
10. Know when to stop
"50% of businesses still exist after 5 years, but this does not mean that there are 50% failures: some stop by choice.