If you’re wondering how to start a small business, it may be easier than you think. Like other successful businesses, you’ll want to make sure you have a good idea first. From there, you can build a product or service that solves a need for consumers. But before you jump into anything, you’ll want to make sure you do your research. This is crucial, because only an estimated 79.4% of companies survive their first year in operation. Once you have your small business idea, your next step is to see if it’s worth pursuing. To do this, rely on market research and be sure to analyze your competition. This will help you gauge your audience’s interest and: Understand your customers’ needs Identify potential problems with your product or service Lessen financial losses by helping you make more informed decisions Find niche markets you may not have known about Set goals that can guide your business To successfully conduct research, you’ll want to: Identify your target customers: You...