Discussion Board 3
Virtue Harris
Liberty University
BUSI 561
Abstract
Starting a new business from the ground can have its trials and tribulations. There are
many different aspects an individual needs to evaluate before starting a business. Shania Jackson
is in need of advice on starting a new business that adheres to the goals she wants for her
business. In order to properly access Shania’s business needs and goals, I have researched each
question and have hopefully provided Shania a way to fulfill her business goals and launch a
successful business.
Introduction
When started a business, there are many different aspects to consider so that one’s
business runs efficiently and effectively. Creating a business plan finding out the owner’s goal, in
order to create a plain best fitted for their goals. Shaina Jackson is looking to open a coffeehouse
near Denver, Colorado. She has a list of goals she wants her business to accomplish. Kelsey, a
new believer and sister to Shaina, would like to be a part of this business, but Kelsey’s husband
believes she should stay at home and care for their children. Shaina’s neighbor, Carlos, a non-
believer, has also expressed his interest in being a part of her business as well. Shania wants to
call her business “The Gathering Place”. She would like to make her business a franchise or
perhaps jointly ventured. Starting a business is exciting yet, before Shania starts hers, she needs
to explore her options so that she picks the best option for her, and for the goals she has set forth.
Sole Proprietorship
After reading and reviewing Shaina’s business goals, I believe a sole proprietorship best
accomplishes her goals for her business. A sole proprietorship is a form of a business
organization, which an individual personally controls their profits and their losses (Kubasek,
Browne, Herron, Dhooge, & Barkacs, 2016). If Shaina chooses to start her business, making
herself the sole proprietor, she will not need to face the trials that can come with a partnership.
As the sole proprietor, Shaina will be able to make decisions on the behalf of her company, be
flexible with management, chose what products she uses and what services are rendered, invest
at a low cost with no conflicts or negotiations due to cost.
Although the sole proprietorship might be the easiest form of business, like any business
entity, it can have its drawbacks. These drawbacks may include personal responsibility
management, wholly debt and liability control, and lone ideas searching. The size of a sole
proprietorship makes it difficult to convince customers about the merits of the business
(Permwanichagun, Kaenmanee, Naipinit, and Na Sakolnakorn, 2014).
Even though sole proprietorship comes with its own set of worries, I still believe that this is
the best fit for Shaina. Every business has its set of pros and cons, Shaina owning her own
business will give her a good experience and later on, if she wants to bring on a partner, she can.
Her husband is willing to provide the necessary funds to start her business, so she does not need
a partner. I also would suggest to Shania that she registers under an LLC, that way she will have
liability protection, which will offer her both personal and financial protection when faced with
liabilities.
Naming a Coffeehouse
When reaching the name “The Gathering Place,” on the Colorado state website, I found
the name to be already utilized in Denver, Colorado by a non-profit organization. Although, the
business name is unavailable, Shania might be able to patten the name of trademark. Yet, from
the results, it seems like using “The Gathering Place” as a name for a business is popular. The
result raises pertinent information regarding Shaina’s name choice.
For example, it does not clearly provide what kind of services and products Shaina will
be providing to the area. Secondly, the results speak for itself, the name “The Gathering Place” is
overused, not unique. Finally, there is room for confusion if customers were to put the name
“The Gathering Place” into their GPS. Several options would come up and customers may
become confused and pick the wrong gathering place. Forbes states “Picking the right name for a
business is crucial: It creates an image for the brand in the mind of the potential customers, it
shares the idea of what the company or service is about, and most important, the keywords for
internet searches. Selecting the wrong name for company or product can set a product back by
months, if not destroy it all together” (Council, 2017, para. 5).
Hopefully after Shania reviews my findings and listens to my thoughts on her name
choice. She will do her own research and find a name that is more unique and allows her
business to standout. “When people think of your brand or your business, the first thing that
come to their mind is your company name… To make sure your brand connects deeply with
customers, your business name has to carry the strengths and appeal you want your customer to
associate with your brand” (Onibalusi, 2016).
Biblical Worldview
I believe that the best form of business for Shaina would be the sole proprietorship.
Shania has strong Christian values and one of the main focuses of her business is to appeal to a
Christian audience. Shania’s sister, Kelsey, although new to the faith, is a fellow believer. Carlos,
Shania’s neighbor, is a non-believer. If brought into Shania’s business, they could potentially
help her in her future endeavors, but to what capacity? Kelsey is married to a non-believer who
thinks she should stay home and care for their two children. In the 1 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not
be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteous, and wickedness have in common? Or
what fellowship light can have with darkness?” (New International Version, 2004). Kelsey may
be able to help Shaina sometimes, but I feel like she may be unreliable due to her husband’s
beliefs. “And if a woman has a husband, who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her,
she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and
the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children
would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy” (1 Corinthians 7:13-14, New International Version,
2004). As for Carlos, he is a non-believer, so I am sure he will not be a good fit for Shania’s
business. Shania wants Christ at the center of her business and Carlos may not be able to accept,
which might cause turmoil within the workplace. Turmoil between staff and business owners not
good for business. God will provide people that have the same beliefs that Shania has, and her
business will prosper. “God is within her, she will not fail” (Psalm 46:5, New International
Version, 2004). Shania needs only to trust God and he work things out according to his purpose.
“And we know that all things works for the good of those who love him, who have been called
according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, New International Version, 2004).
Reference:
Colorado Secretary of State Wayne W. Williams. Records Search. Retrieved December 6, 2017
from http://www.sos.state.co.us/biz/BusinessEntityCriteriaExt.do
Council, F. A. (2017, May 23). Council Post: Nine Factors For Finding The Right Name For
Your Business. Retrieved May 7, 2021, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/05/19/nine-factors-for-finding-the-right-
name-for-your-business/?sh=168bf56556ca
The Holy Bible, New International Version (2004).
Kubasek, N. K., Browne, M. N., Barkacs, L., Herron, D., & Dhooge, L. (2017).
Biblical worldview edition of dynamic business law. N. J. Kippenhan (Ed.) New
York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.
Onibalusi, A. (2016, July 7). Biz Name Strategies Make Brand Standout. Retrieved May 7, 2021,
from https://www.business.com/articles/4-business-naming-strategies-to-make-your-brand-
standout/
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