Every business starts with an idea. And all ideas seem like great ones at first. But clearly, mistakes can happen. Giant corporations are usually able to live with theirs, but most new businesses either make it on the first try – or they don’t make it at all.

A successful start-up begins with a good idea that targets a select group of people with specific needs. You should offer this audience something special –at competitive prices and with excellent service. But the idea is just the starting point. You also need to know how you match up against competition. How does your product or service compare to theirs?

Is your location just as convenient? Is there any way in which your competitors have an edge?

In addition, successful business owners stress the importance of developing a business plan. It helps you analyze your strengths and weaknesses, determine your cash-flow needs, organize management, concentrate marketing efforts, explore financial options, and even predict growth.

Equally important is selecting a location. When you find a likely space, be sure to learn as much about it as possible before finalizing arrangements. Call or write previous tenants to see if they encountered any problems with the building, the area or the neighbors – you’ll be glad you asked.

You’ll also need to scope out your telecommunications requirements. Should you have an additional line for your fax machine? What about Internet access? Do you need a high-speed data line? How do you plan to handle incoming calls when you’re on the line or out of the office? Have you considered getting a toll-free number? Pacific Bell and Southwestern Bell have a variety of products and special offers designed to help your business get off to a good start. Just call (888) START-UP (782-7887) toll-free for further details.

All of these steps and more are detailed in the New Business Start-Up Kit, a workbook Pacific Bell and Southwestern Bell designed to help new businesses get up and running. Contained are useful start-up tips, checklists to keep you on track, a financial worksheet, and information about telecommunications tools designed to help you operate your business smoothly and market it effectively.

10 Steps to Starting up Your New Business

1. Begin with a good idea.

2. Develop a business plan.

3. Conduct market research.

4. Raise the money you need to get started.

5. Pick a location.

6. Analyze your telecommunications requirements.

7. Create a checklist for opening day.

8. Build a strong, steady customer base.

9. Expect the unexpected — plan for a crisis.

10.Keep abreast of trends and changes in your industry.

To order your free New Business Start-Up Kit — or to find out about other special offers from Pacific Bell and Southwestern Bell designed specifically for new small businesses — call (888)START-UP (782-7887) toll-free or visit our Web sites at www.pacbell.com and www.swbell.com.

Excerpted with permission from Small Business Success magazine, Volume XI, produced by Pacific Bell Directory in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Partners for Small Business Excellence.