Before Commiting Time or Money to a Business The Questions To Ask

It doesn't matter whether the business you are looking at is a online or offline business, there are fundamental questions that you need to ask before you commit time or money into a business.
These are the ones I have used for over 30 years and have served me well, when I am looking at a business seriously, and no selfrespecting business or opportunity would refuse to answer ;
Initial contact
Who are they ?
How long have they traded ?
where are they ?
What do they do - make ?
What is there trading status ie ltd, plc, sole trader, ect ?
Are there any registered legal actions or financial liabilities against them?
If they can satisfy these questions it is time to do some serious drilling.
The Drilling
Have you got a 3 - 5 yr business plan ?
Whats your balance sheet - Profit / Loss Account sheet worth ? (if new business full financial projections)
Can you prove it? (Audited Account or Feasible projection on new business)
Whats the longevity of your product - service ? (Does it have a lifespan or a repeating product service)
What do you expect of me in time or monetary commitment?
Now if you have the satifactory answers to all your questions and have the checkable proofs you require would I advise moving forward.
Although not totally infallable this system has certainly worked for me. It has been especially good for routing out scammers and business opportunities of dubiuos character.
It really doesnt matter what business or opportunity you are looking at, DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK THE QUESTIONS.
You could save yourself a lot of money and permanent damage to your reputation and credibility.
If the numbers don't stack up it isn't happening
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Comments (12)
Sean North12
Business
hi Cheryl, thanks for the comment as I say in the article online or offline get same due diligence
Cheryl Baumgartner12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
I don't know how I missed this one. They are all very good questions.
Sean North12
Business
Thanks Fred, I have never understood why people don't use the same due diligence in online business as they do for offline business,
Fred Mugone14
Health, Wellness, e-Business
Great article Sean. An excellent set of questions that are sure to catch scams "with their pants down". I shall definitely bookmark this page
Patty d.7
Promotor OJS
Hi Sean hope all is well :) As always another valuable post for any business owner. Always a light of inspiration!
Gabriela Raine8
website analyst
Really good opinoin, Very appreciated!
Joan Larmon5
Good advised
Abraham Van der Lind...8
Online Entrepreneur
Thanks Sean. This is a definite bookmark for me. This list will help me a lot.
Katrina O.10
Indiana Water Filters
I have been doing the same Paula, I found my list the other day, and clicked the first 5 or so, all dead links.
Good questions to ask Sean! Saving this for future reference!
Paula van Dun16
Retired
These are good tips Sean especially when you need to invest money (or a lot of time since time is money too). At the moment i do not join many new ops except some that are or will be in the downline builder of a team I am in. I do make a list of opportunities I might want to join in the future when i have all current projects on track. I guess they will still be there in a year or so if they are good oppertunities and do the research than.
Sean North12
Business
I'm tired but always inspired, for the game of business is fun :)
Philippe Moisan16
Tutorial videos, sci-fi writer
Sean, you're asking me to work at my business... The only part I like is the one when I'm having fun...
Sorry, I'm tired, I'm not inspired at the moment. Still, bookmarked :)