I want to have my own business. I live in Miami now, but after my husband completes his committment to work (2 1/2 more years), we will probably move back up north. I want to be able to take my career where ever I go. \n\nOk, on to my question.....How do I learn to bake cakes professionally?  I want to do special occasion cakes and especially wedding cakes. I don't know if I should take some courses at the local Johnson and Whales or if there are small intimate (and less expensive) classes I can take. I also don't know if it is best to apprentice at a bakery and learn all I can until I move and then open up my own. How hard is it to get a baker to let me work with them w/o experience? I don't mind starting where I need so I can learn all I can.\n\nHelp!! Where do I start??!!
131423
Start baking for friends and family to get your reputation and referrals started.  Find a licensed kitchen that will allow you to use their facilities.  Learn about what it takes to license a kitchen and the investment.  Bake lots of cakes and come up with your own style.  I don't think you need a formal education to market your personal services for events.  Just start doing it and get the word out.  Business cards are cheap.
627731
I see you've already found what you were looking for, but I just thought I would say congratulations, and good luck! I think it's awesome that you are having a pirate themed wedding, and are "breaking the norm!" What a cute idea! I know your cake will look fabulous! God Bless!\narrrg! (ok, i'm just being lame now.)
608318
The best way to know the business is definitely on-the-job learning. If you can find some good literature on the topic, that would only help. Try to look for forwarding/dispatching/truck broking jobs in your area. \n\nAfter a year or so you should be able to enter the business on your own. This is an industry undergoing massive consolidation so it might be difficult to find your niche. However, I keep my fingers crossed!
485318
LOL\nLet's discuss business topics.\n\nNo, you don't need any business savvy or experience to join, but you do need to acquire it to stay in business.\n\nThe first thing we do is examine our market.  We do not accept one liners, we do the research.  \n\nMy primary sales are not to my friends and family.  My circle is just not big enough to earn a lucrative income, therefore, I use all of the modern day marketing tools available to me.\n\nMy network of people are busy selling every day.  Some are selling our product in their place of business such as salons and chiropractic offices as well as Dentist's offices.  Others sell the product in markets, but all have the same focus...Sell the product.\n\nNot sure what you mean by the whole basis is set up so that no individual should ever have to do enough sales to support themselves.  That just doesn't sound like wise business savvy to me and whoever told you that was misinformed.  Everyone needs to build their business from the bottom up which means promoting enough sales to support themselves.\n\nI think most people choose a career based on all the things they can buy with their earnings such as homes, nice cars, and most importantly, investments.  I think if someone were offered a promotion in their current job and told that they could afford to live a better lifestyle based on the salary offered, most would make that emotional choice to better themselves and provide things for their families that they otherwise could not.  I would say that applies to any line of work.\n\nI hope this clarifies things for you.\nI'm starting to think you post these questions because you secretly love to hear from me!  wink!  wink!
211592
I have been working Group Homes for 3 years now , and finally I have the resources and $$$ to start one of my own.\n((( Work in one first get all of your training and Certificates, it's alot more harder then what people are saying about it )))
128529
I recently retired from the real estate business in Central Florida after 27 years. For the past two years I have been offering free business mentoring services to young entrepreneurs. I can offer a variety of small business ideas depending on your personal interest and abilities. I will also make myself available for consultations by email or phone. I do not charge for these services.\n\nI must tell you that it is very difficult to get any (legal) business into a positive cash flow position that would be equivalent to your full time job. Most businesses take at least a few months to a year or more to start generating that kind of income. Can you afford to wait?\n\nIf you want to know more, please feel free to write to Bruce at boatclub@go.com . I will you help if I can.
308762
I have been self-employed and I have worked in public work both. You have several questions which are extremely relevant and crucial to you if you are considering going into business for yourself. I can give you the information I have from my own employee and employer status and probably it will make more sense if I make lists for you so here is my effort.....\nSelf -employed benefits\nYou are your own taskmaster, you decide what is to be done and when.\nYou are the one in control of how much money you allow for your salary , what your work is worth\nYou have a much better tax break opportunity as everything you put into the buiness you have is taken off the top of your income, somethings must be depreciated but that can be a good thing.\nIf you are ill you can take it easy and still go to work for a short while or hire a temporary employee to help get it taken care of until you are 100%\nIf your child or spouse has a dinner or sporting event you can make things work out so you are free to go or even to coach or direct something.\nYou have more time to become involved in your community as part of the governing body or festivals and such.\nAnd finally if you ever want to be independently comfortable the only way you can do it is by owning and operating your own business because you get all of the money made up front, before anyone or anything else puts their hand into it. You get to keep more of the money you make and not pay so much out in taxes or childcare or the cost of going to work every day has gotten to be staggering these days with just putting fuel in a vehicle.\n\nThe disadvantages of being self-employed\n\nYou are the one responsible to keep the buisness running at a certain level of operation that is acceptable to whomever you are selling your product to, or you won't keep their business very long.\nYou are the one who is going to sacrifice during the lean first few years where your wages are concerned. A lot of people can't take the stress after a year or so and fold. You must always believe you will succeed and never quit unless it is a case of the bank quitting you first! /then be ever careful of the past repeating itself and if it is a ongoing trend then cut your losses and get out before this happens. this way you can start agin with a new venture and the bank will be behind you. Always take care of the ones that you depend upon befre you worry about yourself and you won't ever have to worry about yourself!\nYou have to watch the competition and you have to upgrade to the competitive level or you won't be able to compete and that means death to a business. If you can't upgrade to competetive levels then don't compete, you can't win! Turn to another area of the buiness and expand it or I suppose diversify is the word I am looking for here.\nIf you hire people to work for you, this is a major headache most of the time, because they are going to leave you high and dry when you need them the most if you are not generous to them with a bonus for extra work well done or if they never see you doing the things you make them do. In other words you have to get dirty every day to keep their respect and if you ever have to fire one or lay them off it is a hard thing to do. VERY HARD THING TO DO!\nThere are a lot more but I will stop there due to the forum we are in.\n\nThe benefits of being an employee\nYou don't have to worry about anything except getting there on time, doing a decent job at what ever you are put ot doing, you get to go home and leave it there for the bosses to worry about if it didn't get done on time, and you usually receive benefits of insurance that if you own the business you have to pay through the nose to set up for the employees and you don't usually have very much coverage for yourself.\nYou are ensured by the federal government that the workplace will be safe and non-hazardous to your health.\nYou know how much money you are going to bring home every week
262115
My mom made the food you my wedding and it was a huge hit so I totally think its great that your making it yourself.  You can start to prepare ahead and get some friends and family to help because its a big job.  My mom did it all herself, but she took a week off work before my wedding. She cut up all the veggies and made dip for veggies and dip.  She did cheese and crackers, platters of pickles and olives and things like that.  She made trays of rolled up meats with buns to make little sandwiches, there was shrimp and dip, deviled eggs, she makes this really good nacho dip that has ground up beef on the bottom mixed with salsa, then a layer of sour cream, then grated cheese, then chopped onions on the top.  That was gone by the end of the dinner.  Serve it with those little taco chips.  We had lasagna too and my husband works for KFC so we had chicken.  Macaroni and potato salads and a tossed salad and greek salad.  Umm...we also had fruit trays too.  For the cake, we just went to a place that makes cakes for any occasion and had a huge cake made.  It was just like a reclangle one, but it was really big and they did such a nice job decoration it in pink with white bells and doves and everything and it was only $25.  We serves other little deserts too like tarts and squares too. It was a really good meal and everyone enjoyed it alot because there was some of everything to eat.  Nothing is worse then going to a wedding and being served dishes that you don't even like.  I prefer buffet style any day.  I really can't think of any cons to doing it yourself as long as you have some help and time to do it.  I think its a great way to save some money too.  Good luck with everything.
579235
Hello there!\nThumbs up to you for starting your own business!\n\nWhen I started my candle business my trainers told me I should include my own first name in the business name. This gives your business a very personal touch that people can relate to.\n\nAlso if you are going to be using a website, be sure to use your first name also.\n\nPeople like to feel like they are dealing with a real person.\n\nHope this helps!\nLove, Tammy\nTammy's Candle Corner\nwww.tammyscandlecorner.com\ntammy@tammyscandlecorner.com\n\n(Your Name)'s Chocolate Corner\nWe could join forces and call it:\n(Your Name)'s & Tammy's Chocolate & Candle Corner\n\nI can get candles at a good price and we have a killer Creme Brule scented candle.\n\nJust a thought :-)\n\nSuccess to you!!!
328694
I have bartended for over 20 years... owned a floral shop for 15, but am currently working to replace both incomes with a home based business.  If you are interested in getting into any of these fields I can show you how I did. (I would reccommend the home business above the others- Why?)\n\nThere are many different work from home businesses that you can get into... Many offer a way to promote them on or off line.\n\nI know our company can be done successfully either way (or using BOTH if you prefer)  I love the versitility of it all.  If you would like more details on what we do you may visit my site: http://learn2.momsmakemore.com \n\nTo help you in your search here is a little advice you should consider:\n\nWhat should you look for in an "ideal" internet/home business? \n\n- No or minimal start-up fees (Our business start-up is $29.00)\n- A product or service you feel good about (Consumable products used in every home… safer, more effective, less expensive, things people use and need on a daily basis)\n- A duplicable system (work FOR yourself- NOT BY yourself… we are a TEAM of individuals working to help others… “Enhancing the lives of those we touch by helping others reach their goals from Home!!!”\n- Residual income (Residual Income PLUS bonuses for helping others!!!)\n- Customizable web sites to promote your business (Free website for ALL Members)\n- Free training and support (Free Company and TEAM Training… we will work with you to reach YOUR GOALS!!!)\n- Free marketing materials and ideas (Our support team has 70 members who are there to help you every step of the way… Training and support from people who have been there and done that. Training provided via email, internet, or telephone)\n- Company in business at least 18 months and in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (Inc 500 Company in business for over 20 years with over 700 Million in annual sales. As for the Better Business Bureau: “The Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming division of the Better Business \nBureau recently presented Our Company AND CEO with its 2005 "Hall of Fame" award. This prestigious award honored Our Company for its example of ethics and integrity in \ndealings with customers, employees, and the community. We have received many other Prestigious Awards.)\n\nContact me, through Yahoo360 or IM, for more information.
507864
A very close friend and I catered my wedding of 300 people, including the cake. Everyone told us the food was great and there was tons, no one was hungry!\nThe key is to get a LOT of helpers and the day of you should have a wait staff (We used local college student who were reliable and mature) also, see what you can cook ahead of time and if you have a big kitchen , like at your hall. We used a college kitchen (it was in the summer so not in session) and the day of we were able to warm stuff up at the hall in that kitchen. We went Italian with two different main dishes and the tons of sides from ante pasta to homemade bread and veggies, etc. everything was awesome but I would not have been able to do it with out the help the day of. Good luck!
580496
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.\n\nI recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links. \n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\nCatering Specific:\n* How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business, 5th by Denise Vivaldo\n* How to Run a Catering Business from Home by Christopher Egerton-Thomas\n* Start and Run a Catering Business by George Erdosh\n\nBakery Specific:\n* How to Open a Financially Successful Bakery by Sharon Fullen, Douglas R. Brown\n* The Baker's Trade: A Recipe for Creating the Successful Small Bakery by Zachary Y. Schat\n* Baking for Profit: Starting a Small Bakery by George Bathie\n\nIndiana Specific:\n* How to Start a Business in Indiana by Entrepreneur Press\n* How To Incorporate and Start a Business in Indiana by J. W. Dicks\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
365506
Maybe starting your own business in albuquerque would work out but the job scene is pretty slim pickens right now.  especially for many fields.  I have been here for over a year and have had a real hard time finding a good job, as well so have a few people that i know.  Hope this helps.
435937
I would love to go to culinary school and earn my baking and pastry arts certificate. Then open my own private dessert shop. That has always been a dream of mine.\n\nI would love to do anything where I would make a name for myself in a small town and become successful doing it. For example, my father owns his own construction business and has made a name for himself in our town. Everyone knows who he is, and everyone always compliments him on his work. You can drive around and point out all the custom homes he has built and those will be there for a long time. He is very successful at what he does and he is definitely my rolemodel.
389497
OK, do you really want to nock your brothers socks off?\n\nTry following some or all of this:\n\nAnytime you want to start any kind of business, there are several basics that you will need:\n\n* You should first sit down and think about what it is you want to do and then write out the scenario in detail!  This may sound tedious, but it will help you clarify what it is you are thinking about.  Also, when you talk to anyone about the business (mentor, bank, clients, prospective investor), you will have a clear vision to share with him or her.  You can check any number of books at your local library or the Internet for ideas on creating a business plan or goals list.\n\n* Is there anyone out there doing something like what you want to do already?  Can you research what it is that they do and maybe even talk with them about what they do?\n\n* Are there businesses out there that are doing some aspect that you want to do?  In this case, you want to create an online drop shipment business.  What websites have you seen that you like (can you talk with them)?  How does the local McDonalds or other retail outlet do business that might help you in yours (i.e. how is McDonalds able to provide a product to a customer on demand at almost anytime of day – and do it with a much of high school kids)?\n\n* Never listen to anyone who says that you CANNOT do something UNLESS they have been there and tried that!!!!!  Anyone can tell you the good things that you can try or do, however, only someone who has actually tried the specific thing your are thinking can truly give you advise on the pitfalls that could await the unsuspecting.\n\n* If you want to look for a mentor (free or paid – although mentors usually offer their time at no cost), the question that you should be ready to address is WIIFM (What In It For Me {the mentor})!  What are you willing to do for your mentor to help them with something that they may need (for me it’s simple – I am looking for 10 points :-)\n\n\nContacts:\n\n* Contact your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce – they have business people who will help start up operations.\n\n* Contact your local high school, community college or university and find out whom the teachers are for courses related to your business (like business or computer/internet classes).  Contact these teachers to get some ideas or even to see if they will take you company startup on as a class project or special project for some of the student to work on (might give the students extra credit and you a free startup).  In the worst case, you might get the names of some good students whom you might hire to do certain aspects of what you need at a very low cost.\n\n* Contact you local, county or state governments (check their websites) – many areas have small business administrations (or some other agency that can help with various things) that have any number of references and resources available at little or no cost.\n\n* Go to your local library in the Reference Section and find the Encyclopedia of Associations.  It is a three-book set published by Gale Research.  The first book lists thousands of tiles of professional organizations and groups.  It will give a code number to use in the other two books to find out more about that organization.  Contact the organizations who have something to do with your idea and find out if they have a services to give you advise or local groups that you can network with.  In many cases, just asking for membership and publications information may give you a lot of useful stuff.\n\n\nOther outstanding sources that I have used in running my four businesses:\n\n* Nightingale-Conant – the largest producer of audio/video training programs in the world.  Many of their programs can be borrowed for free from local libraries.  http://www.nightingale.com\n\n* Entrepreneur Magazine (http://www.entrepreneurmag.com) – many great tips and ideas about running a company.\n\n* Rich Dad Poor Dad - http://
371721
Why am i not surprised that most of the answers are trying to sell you something or another.\n\nIf you are thinking of being self employed and run your own business, but do not know what direction to aim for, the typical answer is..... to follow your passions.\n\ndon't ask me what that means, but if you read the books that many business owners have written they will say that you must be passionate about your business, for it to work.\n\nMy question to you then is, what are you passionate about, or asked in a different manner.\n\nIf you had an opportunity to receive a very impressive award and be recognized by your peers and society, in what field would you like it to be in.\n\nFor example, if you said, "helping single mothers to succeed in life, parenting and business" then your focuss would then follow that path, by deciding, \nwho do you need to know, to help single mother to succeed......\nwhat do you need to know, to help...............\n what do you need to do,.... to .......\n and how would I need to sell it.\n\nread books like the emyth by michael gerber, and anything you can get your hands on about starting your own business.\n\nThe web is great as a resource, but I caution you for all the sales pitches with their own agenda and products.\n\nMany years ago, my decision was real estate, after owning a book business, now I also am a part owner in a craft business, train realtors, and manage a real estate office, and invest in real estate. so there are many ways and roads that you can follow, and combine.\n\nIn answering your question, my own light went on, I think I am passionate about making other achieve their dreams,  cool.....\n\nBy the way, I am not selling anything to you, other than the concept, that what ever it is that you want to be proud to known for, is a great way to decide where you want to focuss on.\n\nGood Luck, although luck has little to do with it, hard work, good support (surround yourself with those with the talents you require to succeed), and a great plan.
668537
Good for you, thinking about starting your own business.  I do agree though look into it before you place your $$$ into it.  I don't live in your area so I don't know how things are there but here well I thought of it myself.  I am planning a wedding of my own for October and there was not one person or business that I thought treated me as a bride the way that I should be treated. And I was looking for the help. There is no place that can help with every arrangement.  Keep in mind if you do do this that you need to be able to cater to everyone and their budget.  Good luck to you!!