What kind of business should I start? Who should I focus it on? What do you feel there is a need for?
129157
I want to open my own business someday. I had troubles thinking about what is good to open, but then I figure if its gonna be my business, open something I know I would enjoy for the rest of my life.  And since its the business you know you'll love, it shouldn't matter if you can start it in your town or have to move across the state because you need to be in a place where your business is demanded. OH, make sure you know all the finacial stuff or find someone who does :)
420821
I suggest you get experience working with a game company, or a software developing company. That will help you gain some insight as to how to run your business. Anything is possible.
66021
Jeff,\n\nI think the most important thing to think about is YOU. Think of all your interests & ask yourself if any of those could be expanded into a business. Just keep in mind...what's your expertise? What are your interests? What could you imagine yourself doing?\n\nThen, once you have some ideas, research, research, research. Check out the competition -- their business practices, pricing, customer service, etc. And also think about what you could offer to set yourself apart from these other companies.\n\nCheck the sources for some handy sites.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
634700
You've got two different issues here - your business & your business name. Let's tackle one at a time.\n\nRE: Healer/Therapist/Counseling\n\nThe 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\n* Basic Counseling Techniques: A Beginning Therapist's Toolkit by C. Wayne Perry\n* Favorite Counseling and Therapy Homework Assignments: Leading Therapists Share Their Most Creative Strategies by Howard G. Rosenthal\n* Building Your Ideal Private Practice: A Guide for Therapists and Other Healing Professionals by Lynn Grodzki\n\nRE: Naming Your Business\n\nThe naming of your business could be one of the most important decisions you will make. A name's originality and legal availability will create a real asset value of its own, as it becomes marketed and gains market acceptance. \n\nThe name you choose will become the focal point of all the benefits and features that relate to your business. Customers will be able to find and refer others to it in the future. \n\nSince any names that are suggested here may already be owned by another party, I wanted to go a different route...\n\nI suggest either hiring a name creation firm or get together with your friends and/or family and throw a "name party" & have everyone bounce some ideas around. Compile a listing of names that you like the best. Once you have that list, do as much free research as you can before you delve into comprehensive research. \n\nI listed some links where you can do some preliminary name checking. However, please be aware that this is merely scratching the surface of what's out there. Only comprehensive research will tell you if the name is truly available. But, these links are free & a great place to start, so I'd try them out first. \n\nThere are other sites that offer free searching capabilities in conjunction with their commercial services, so I'm not able to post those links due to the Yahoo! TOS. You'll also want to check domain names & yellow pages, so simply do a search for "free domain name search" and "national yellowpages" and the appropriate links will pop up.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
303481
Think of all your interests & ask yourself if any of those could be expanded into a business. Just keep in mind...what's your expertise? What are your interests? What could you imagine yourself doing?\n\nHave you thought about tutoring or teaching a night class at an adult school? \n\nBy researching the prospect of starting your own business -- what it entails, what you need to know, helpful hints, etc -- you'll feel better prepared to take that plunge.\n\nI found some book titles that are relevant to your specific question about finances:\n\nFinancing Your Business Dreams With Other People's Money: How and Where to Find Money for Start-Up and Growing Businesses by Harold R. Lacy\nThe Small Business Start-Up Kit by Peri Pakroo, Peg Healy (Editor)\nFinding Money : The Small Business Guide to Financing by Kate Lister\nFree Money for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs by Laurie Blum\n\nI also posted some article links in the source box.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
268277
Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck. \n\nSome things you need to consider:\n- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?" \n- "What are my abilities?" \n- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?" \n- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?" \n\nYou may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:\n\n1. Provide a benefit.\n2. Determine the fit with your market.\n3. Right timing is everything\n4. Be ready to support your business\n5. Develop a blueprint for success\n6. Market, market, market\n\nI suggest you read the article "10 Things You Need to Know When Starting Your Own Small Business" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/startingbiz.htm which lists the important things you need to know when you are starting a business. \n\nI recommend that you read the following books:\n\n- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business : Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs \n- Starting From Scratch: How To Start A Business When You Don't Have Money \n- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More \n- On the Move : How to Succeed and Survive As an Entrepreneur \n- How to Make 1000 Mistakes in Business and Still Succeed\n\nTo market your product, here are some tips:\n\n1. Direct mail. Prepare a well-crafted brochure and send it to your target markets in Sunnyvale. Find a vendor in your area renting mailing lists of business establishments or take the time and go over the yellow pages and get their contact information. You can read more of how to use direct marketing strategies here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/marketing/direct.htm\n\n2. Publicity. Publicity can oftentimes be more effective than advertising. Not only is it cost-effective (oftentimes you are paying for nothing), but also people are apt to remember an article about your business rather than advertising. People find a write-up or special feature about a business more credible and objective than a paid advertising. Publicity also reaches a wider audience: if you are lucky, the national media might even pick up your story. Contact an editor of your local newspaper and pitch your story. Read the article "Leverage the Power of Publicity for Your Small Business" \nhttp://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol27/leverage.htm\n\n3. Press releases. Send out press releases through your local newspapers about your business. Whether it is about your story or about a sale you are offering, press releases can be very good exposure for you. You can read more about how to harness press releases for your business here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/marketing/public%20relations.htm\n\n4. Use the Internet. The Web can be your online brochure. You can use it to refer your potential clients for more information about your business; and it could also generate clients for you directly. Some of your potential clients may be looking to the Web for a floral designer, and you need to have a strong presence there as well.\n\n5. Network. Join and be active in your local business organizations, chamber of commerce, etc. Increase your visibility in the community. You can find more information on networking here http://www.powerhomebiz.com/marketing/networking.htm\n\n6. Word of mouth. This is the best form of advertising for your business - afterall, it is free. Read "Secrets of Word Of Mouth Marketing" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol154/wordofmouth.htm
327327
I've personally always known that I want my own business from being very young, which is why i'm in a crappy position at the moment after uni to decide what i want to do in the meantime to get the funds to set up my business...i want to be my own boss and not be told what to do and have to hold myself back.\n\nGood for you and good luck if that's what you decide to do.
147638
I believe that an excellent way to try yout hand at running your own business is to choose a network marketing company that has a product that you can relate to. You will be responsible for sales and team leadership without the huge expense and financial risk associated with other business start-ups. You can do this part-time until you have developed a good income stream. This way you don't have to leave the paycheck and insurance benefits that you get at your current job until you are ready. There is a lot more to choosing the right company. If this idea interest you write to me at bruce@getvia.com and I can share even more details on how to choose wisely.
655350
Check the link below to see step-by-step guide how to start a business and all the things needed to run a successful business.\nHope this helps.
605773
First thing you need to do is put an "executive summary" of or your idea (or a more detailed "business plan") together.   It doesn't have to be anything crazy but it should cover the following topics:\n\n1) A general overview of the idea.  Basically, explain the business and describe why you think it is a good idea.  Include as much third party supporting evidence as possible.  You want to show that you (or your group) are not the only one who thinks this is a good idea.\n\n2) Backgrounds/Resumes of those involved.   Investors are investing in the people behind the idea as much as they are looking to invest in the idea itself.\n\n3) Planned Marketing Strategies (How are you going to attract customers?)\n\n4) Operation Summary.  Detail how you plan to operate your business.  \n\n5) How much are you willing to give up to someone who is willing to lend financial backing?  This can be a percentage of ownership in the company, interest on a more traditional loan, a revenue share opportunity, or any combination.\n\n6) Financial Projections (What are your start up costs? What will your monthly expenses be? Are you going to lease or buy equipment? How much revenue will you generate? etc).\n\nNow that you have your idea on paper, you can start looking for investors.  (Well, even if you have all the answers in your head, you can start talking to people.  But, at some point, they will more than likely want all of the above written out.)\n\nIn this case, I'd start talking to friends and family about the business.  You never know who might be interested.  Also, check with your local small business administration.  They can point you in the right direction regarding local investors.
244685
Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck. \n\nSome things you need to consider:\n- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?" \n- "What are my abilities?" \n- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?" \n- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?" \n\nYou may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:\n\n1. Provide a benefit.\n2. Determine the fit with your market.\n3. Right timing is everything\n4. Be ready to support your business\n5. Develop a blueprint for success\n6. Market, market, market\n\nI recommend that you read the following books:\n\n- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business : Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs \n- Starting From Scratch: How To Start A Business When You Don't Have Money \n- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More \n- On the Move : How to Succeed and Survive As an Entrepreneur \n- How to Make 1000 Mistakes in Business and Still Succeed \n\nAs for grants, it is hard to find grants to start a business. Unlike the myths that some perpetuate, federal government and even private foundations hardly give grant money for a for-profit business. And yes, grants mean PAPERWORK - lots and lots of it, that is why a cottage industry of grant writers was born.\n\nNonetheless, you can go to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) http://www.cfda.gov and Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov - these are two sites created by the federal government to provide transparency and information on grants. Browse through the listings and see if you can find any grant that would support a for-profit venture.\n\nEven if you buy books on "how to get grants" or list that supposedly has information on grants -- all of them are mere rehash of what CFDA has, albeit packaged differently. But still the info is the same - hardly any grants for starting a for profit business.\n\nEven SBA does NOT give out grants. From the SBA website http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html \n\n"The U.S. Small Business Administration does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses, although it does offer a wide variety of loan programs. (See http://www.sba.gov/financing for more information) While SBA does offer some grant programs, these are generally designed to expand and enhance organizations that provide small business management, technical, or financial assistance. These grants generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments."\n\nHere is a listing of federal grants for small businesses. See if there is any available for individuals for starting a business -- THERE'S NONE.\nhttp://12.46.245.173/pls/portal30/CATALOG.BROWSE_BENEF_RPT.show\n\nMost of the federal grants are given to specific target groups with specific requirements (e.g. minority business owners involved in transportation related contracts emanating from DOT - Grant#20.905 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises Short Term Lending Program \n\nGrants are also often given to non profit groups or organizations involved in training or other similar activities (grant 59.043 Women's Business Ownership Assistance that are given to those who will create women's business center that will train women entrepreneurs \n\nFor private grants, you may want to check the Foundation Center's Foundation Grants for Individuals Online. It's a subscription based website ($9.95 per month) but their opening blurb only says that the database is ideal for "stud
559728
Starting a small business takes a lot of courage. But, as they say, courage does not pay the bills. To be successful – to stay in business – you need more than courage. You need a combination of hard work, skill, perseverance, and lots of luck. \n\nSome things you need to consider:\n- "How can I support my family while I build up by business?" \n- "What are my abilities?" \n- "Is there a market for the product or service I have chosen?" \n- "How long will it take this business to reach the financial goal I have?" \n\nYou may want to read the article "How to Start a New Business Successfully" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol51/launch.htm , which lists six steps to launch a new business successfully:\n\n1. Provide a benefit.\n2. Determine the fit with your market.\n3. Right timing is everything\n4. Be ready to support your business\n5. Develop a blueprint for success\n6. Market, market, market\n\nTo give you ideas on what exactly do you need to start your own business, here are ten things you need to know before launching your own business  “10 Things You Need to Know When Starting Your Own Business” http://www.powerhomebiz.com/052006/startingbiz.htm .\n\nOther articles:\n\nLegal Structure of Your Business http://www.powerhomebiz.com/startup/legal.htm\nGetting Financing for Your Business \n http://www.powerhomebiz.com/financing/financing.htm\n\nI recommend that you read the following books:\n\n- What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business : Real Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs \n- Starting From Scratch: How To Start A Business When You Don't Have Money \n- If You're Clueless About Starting Your Own Business and Want to Know More \n- On the Move : How to Succeed and Survive As an Entrepreneur \n- How to Make 1000 Mistakes in Business and Still Succeed\n\nThere is so much to learn about starting a business that it is hard to put everything here. I suggest that you to check out the following websites and learn from their content:\n\nEntrepreneur http://www.entrepreneur.com\nInc.com http://www.inc.com\nSBA http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/...
380432
Best Start a Home Based Business Based on YOUR Know-How\n\nFind the type of business on the link below that best describes what it is that YOU do (or want to do). Then see how to truly use the Net to make your specific business (or business idea) thrive.  http://www.wotsnext.com
35398
Starting a business touches all aspects of your life and those around you. Business and art consulting for over 6 years has shown me you must be honest with your living partners about business dreams, hopes, and realities.  This does  not mean they need agree with you, yet it helps immensly. \n\nStarting with the dreams you need answer at least 5 key questions just like a report getting facts:\nwhy, who, what, where, when\n\nNot everyone is built to be in business themselves. It's better to realize early on whether this is a dream as in fantasy which is never meant to be realized. These are fine. Or a muse which burns your soul untill it is able to be released and become the phoenix to allow your life to fly. Partners usually are not thrilled by us starting new ideas due to our having others which we never did any thing with. \n\nShow your partner that this is a serious life changing need for YOU which you would like them to be part of.  Then demonstrate this need by doing the consistent work to make it happen.  Their past experience with you colors their reactions to supporting dreams or not. I don't recommend "convincing" them to be on board with the idea. They are then talked into something which will become a problem when you need to be doing work at the new business.\nThe 60-90 hours a week work it often takes to make a new business of any kind. \n\nStay strong, evaluate the real reasons for wanting or needing a new carreer or  business, and be honest with your self and your partner in the choices. This is what helps both you live your lives as best you may I find. No matter what either of your answers are to these questions.
98038
I am self employed and you are right, if you are going to start a business you need a plan. The area you live in, if it is in the western part of the world should have a Small Business Resource Center, this can be found in the telephone book usually in the blue pages. They can provide some of the info you seek or offer a source site. I suggest you check out the wikipedia site using your town, city or region as the main word for your search, this site should provide you with demographic breakdowns as well as the geographic info and a history of your area as well as what planners envision the area to become like into the future. Remember luck favors the bold, so good luck to you.
47851
Not too early, I suggest that you find a mentor. Talk to people who are already in business, especially in the type of business you want to own. Even try to get a job or be a apprentice in the field, so you can learn the ins and outs of the field. They can tell you the ups and downs of the business and guide you in getting started.\nGood luck and be persistant.
138153
It sounds like you need customers.  Good luck.