Starting a Business in Berlin

16 17 Starting a Business in Berlin A Beginner’s Guide Skills that contribute to a successful start-up ls General business training ls Professional qualifications (training, study, courses and seminars) ls Professional experience (in a variety of positions and companies) ls Specialist knowledge about your sector ls Knowledge of administration (both business and political) ls Networking with other market players WHERE DO I FIT IN? Self-employed Self-employment in a business sense means earning an income at one’s own financial and social risk. There is no employment contract or employment relationship with the customer, i.e. the self-employed person is not obliged to obey third-party instructions and is not a fixture in the customer’s work organisation. The latter definitions are particularly important when it comes to clarifying any potential doubts about bogus self-employment. Video on recognition of foreign qualifications: ihk-berlin.de/recognition Examples of success factors Self-discipline Realistic view of oneself Determination Commitment Originality Resilience Fertile imagination Good health Organisational skills Creativity Risk awareness Sense of responsibility Communication skills The support of one’s family Ambition The support of friends Specialist qualifications Commercial and specialist expertise are the nuts and bolts of any successful business activity; the same applies to self-em- ployment and your enterprise as a whole. Start-up advisors are constantly hearing, “I’m doing something artistic – the business side doesn’t interest me,” or “I’ll get other peop- le to do that.” Failure is only a matter of time. In the early days, the founder of a company must not only be aware of the basics of commerce, but also be able to apply them. A bit of good will and sound common sense are all you need. It’s alright to ask for advice on specialist matters, but as an entrepreneur, you have to take personal responsibility for keeping an eye on the big picture financially, and not just leave it up to your tax advisor. In addition, businessmen must know their market and understand how to find and handle customers. If you lack certain qualifications, you can often catch up by attending seminars or taking courses. Seminars and courses wdb-berlin.de CHAPTER 2