What steps should I take?

[funesse]

I just going to jump straight to the point. About a year and a half ago I had the opportunity to be a day person/reservationist in an upscale supperclub in Hollywood. That was my first introduction into what goes on behind the scenes of a night club. Eberything from hiring promoters, hiring bartenders/servers, renting out the club to be filmed, calling over to get applications to different wine & spirt co for credit apps. etc. While, I was there I was trying to learn as much as I could and also do my own research on the side. I learned how to baback, bartend, send out press packets to hotels to market their clientele, and dealing with situations that happened spontaneously. Yes, without denying it the biz is a little stressful, but with all things I believe if you have the heart, desire, and effort you can make it work.

Now, I found a sample biz plan on sba.org. I even found different sites catering towards my theme, concept, and idea. I also found info on business entities, how to begin to write my own buisness plan, business laws, etc.

Right now, I don't have the money and because of a sitution that happened the full capability to put 100% effort into making this happen now. I'm just trying to plan ahead. The main thing I'm trying to get done is the business plan. Now here comes my question.

After I get the business plan done, do what are the next step I should take? Should I look for a place first? Should I seek revenue first? Should I seek an accountant afterwards? Should I seek investors? I know the buisness plan is the most crucial piece to the puzzle because it's a guide, breakdown, and a projection to you and those who you will be asking to start the club.

I have people who are willing to back me up with certain matters, but I want to be able to meet them half way because after all this is my baby. I'm projecting and if the LORD says the same to have the ball roll full force on this project by 2006. I just seeking advice on the proper steps to take.

Okay, let her rip, but be gentle, I'm still a VIRGO!!!

THANK YOU TO ALL FOR YOUR INPUT!!!

[Bull]

It sounds like you're off to a good start, but there are quite a few steps to go. I would first caution you against using a prepared business plan. The one that you write yourself is going to serve you best. As you write it, you will find that your ideas will change because they are good business decisions than you were previously overlooking. If you do use a generic plan, make sure that your market analysis is accurate. It would be worth the extra money to commission an independant evaluation of your market. Even if you don't learn anything you don't already know, it will go a long way when you look for financing or investors.

My other suggestion is to start saving. Any investor or financier is going to want to know one thing. That is that your ass is on the line with your project. It doesn't matter that your business is going to be the most profitable thing since Microsoft. If they are coughing up the money for it, they want to know that you have yours in there too. Absolute minimum you should think about is 10%. But to be realistic, think more along the lines of 40%. The more of your own cash you have invested, the less you will have to raise, and also the easier it will be to find it.

[funesse]

Thanks, Bull for being so nice and replying to my post. After searching around on the site, reading different posts, and reading people's response I have got a lot of questions I had in mind answered.

I work in an insurance company and I go through an open all the mail and an agent that used to work here was gettig mail for the Nightclub & Bar Beverage Retailer and so I decided to try this site. Well, I'm glad I did because I have found out a lot by reading. You can learn a lot by others mistakes and also their good luck.

It's nice to see other people sharing and instead of being greedy and keeping info to themselves. Another thing like is the minimal replys that you give abck in order for you to use your own brain to seek answers to your questions. I mean the answers aren't just handed to you.

If you're going to run a nightclub you have to be prepared for any and everything. So, to all those who have read or is reading this make sure you know what you're gettign yourself into and don't just think about the money you'll gain and how fast you acn become rich. Remember EASILY GAINED IS EASILY LOST!!

Good Luck to ALL and AGAIN THANKS!!!