Don't Overlook Competitors

Well in advance of opening a building materials business within your community, it's a good idea to see what the competition looks like. Use the link below to find competitors in your area. After clicking on the link, type in your city, state and zip code to get a list of building materials businesses near you.

• Locate Building Materials Businesses Near You

If there's too much competition, it may be wise to consider starting the business in a less competitive marketplace.

Finding a Non-Competitive Business Mentor

If you are seriously contemplating launching a building materials business, it's essential that you speak with somebody who is already in the business. If you think your local competitors will give you advice, you're being overoptimistic. The last thing they want to do is help you to be a better competitor.

On the other hand, an individual who has a building materials business outside of your community may be willing to share their entrepreneurial wisdom with you, provided that you won't be directly competing with them. In that case, the business owner may be more than happy to discuss the industry with you. If you are persistent, you can find a business mentor who is willing to help you out.

What's the best way to find a building materials business owner who is willing to talk to you but doesn't live nearby?

Here's one way to do it. Just use our link below, find somebody and call them.

• Find Your Building Materials Business Mentor

Is Franchising the Right Option?

You should know that your odds of surviving in business increase if you decide to franchise rather than going it alone.

Before starting a building materials business, you ought to assess whether franchise opportunities in your space might help you avoid common entrepreneurial mistakes.

The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.

• Franchising Lists