Retail Lease Advice for Aspiring Business Owners

Don’t do it. Just kidding! But seriously, don’t start by obsessing about finding a storefront or space.

I see this too often. The business plan is gorgeous. But…the owner hasn’t proven their business concept and the marketing plan is vague at best.

If you build it, they will come. Except when your customer doesn’t know you exist. This is marketing basics: know, like, trust.

We’re creatures of habit, convenience, and alarmingly small attention spans.

Instead, focus that early energy and excitement on testing your idea with your target audience:

• Grow an online store or social following
• Test out at farmers markets
• Test in pop-up scenarios
• If you offer a service (like fitness, yoga, massage, etc.), look for a borrowed space or short sublease opportunities
• If you offer a product, could you have your products sold at/through another store — but branded for your business. And it goes without saying but I’d negotiate a non-compete agreement with that owner first to protect your idea.
• If you offer a food product, could you test your idea with a food truck?

Become a student of your target market and your competition.

Then you’ll be lightyears ahead of most businesses.

Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog