Starting a small business can be challenging, but it's easy to do if you look at the process as an art.

The word art, according to Webster's Dictionary, is a "skill acquired by experience, study, or observation...a branch of learning...the conscious use of skill and creative imagination esp. in the production of aesthetic objects."

It is an act of creation--the physical production of a visualized work, or the process of achieving a desired outcome. Like composing a symphony, or painting a portrait, or baking a cake, starting and running your business requires the same combination of Action, Resources, and Timing, or ART.

Similar to the artist who sculpts a statue or writes a novel (action) using chisels or pen and paper (resources) in a specific sequence (timing), you apply certain techniques, using the tools of your own trade, in step-by-step processes, to start or grow your company. Every aspect of business essentially follows the same pattern, from start-up through expansion to retirement.

First things first. To realize any accomplishment in life, whether business or personal, you first have to define your goal. This may sound simplistic, but the reality is: You can't get there from here if you don't know where "there" is. You need to be specific. If you want to work with children, are you going to be a daycare provider, an elementary school teacher, or a pediatric nurse? If you want to expand your existing business, are you going to add a new item to your product line, or write a book on your subject, or start a consulting business to complement your retail operations? Use laser-like precision to focus on your true goal because your desired end result will dictate the ART needed to accomplish your mission.

Action! Once you decide what you want to do, you need to determine how you'll get it done. What actions or steps are necessary to make this happen? Do your homework--research what the specific requirements are so you can meet your milestones when you put your plan into motion. In business, some specific actions include obtaining licenses, finding financing, procuring supplies, doing bookkeeping, filing taxes, marketing and networking, producing your end product, etc. For major projects, like starting a new company, you may need to plot out several courses of action. Mapping out each course in a step-by-step fashion will help you assemble the necessary resources for each step.

Resources. Whether you're a service provider, a manufacturer, a distributor, or an Internet marketer, your resource supply includes not only the tools of your trade, such as raw materials, tangible goods, expertise and knowledge, but also human resources--the people and organizations who assist you in accomplishing your mission. Accountants, lawyers, bankers, government agencies, and mentors are examples of some of these resources. It is the wise entrepreneur who considers and procures all the resources necessary to efficiently and effectively implement their action plan.

Timing. Now that you've set your goal, plotted a course of action, and lined up your resources, it's time to execute your plan. The order in which you carry out each step--your timing--can be critical to your success. For example, if you've found a rental space that seems ideal for your company, you absolutely want to check first that the property is zoned for commercial use (or for your type of business) before you sign on the dotted line and hand over your rent money.

You don't need the associated headaches that could result if you miss this step and the deal falls through. Let logic, research, and intuition be your guides. If you're unsure which path to take next, ask for directions!

Especially in the start-up phase of business, some steps must happen in a certain sequence before other actions can be taken. For instance, before you can apply for a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate, you have to first decide on a name for your company and find out if it's available for your use. You'll also have to decide on a business structure (sole proprietorship vs. partnership vs. corporation) before you can file the necessary paperwork with the appropriate governing agency, such as your Secretary of State's office. With a little preplanning, you should be able to follow your plotted course of action without having to retrace too many steps along the way.

Obviously, timelines and requirements will vary by state, county, and city, depending on the type of business, but most information can be obtained from local government offices. Check the blue pages of the phone book. Since most states don't have a centralized agency to provide all the information you need to get up and running, you might have to get creative in finding the appropriate agencies in charge of business-related activities. But be persistent--you're an ARTist! Your vision and ART plan will get you there.