I have three different business' and I am the sole proprietor of each one. They are currently home occupations, because of finances and credit score. The 1st one is a janitorial/landscape maintenance, which is really no problem, but could use an office.\nThe 2nd is a bake shop, and the third is an idea/invention shop. I have already paid for research on one of them, but don't have the money for patent/trademark and marketing. \nI have already done flyers, family/friends, advertising in newspaper and a particular website that deals w/ investors, but have had no luck.
128535
Attracting investors is one of the hardest things to do in business.  Success atracts success.  What you need more than anything is a complete business plan that shows the realistic potential for growth and a profit and loss statement that shows you are meeting your stated goals.  \n\nNext, lets back up here.  The first thing an investor is going to see is that your time is too divided.  Starting a new business takes insane amounts of energy, time, and overall dedication.  Trying to start three at one time you might as well shoot yourself in the foot. The best thing for you to do is pick one of the above to focus on.  Personally, I like the bake shop the best because it is a real business and it is franchiseable if it is done right. \n   \nWhen an investor looks at your business they will look at potential for growth and what assets are available in case of liquidation to cover their losses.  In all three of your business ideas there is very little in the way of either.\nI understand the other two ideas are "real", but an investor is going to want to see cashflow, transperancy of books, real potential, and will want to have a member of his team on your board of directors for oversight.  Investors will want to see a well planned out business plan that shows them how they can realistically expect a 20% to 30% equity position and return (minimum) on their investment.  \n\nIn order to attract an investor you will probably need to incorporate.  A corporation is its own identity, IE an unnatural person.  It can own property, be sued, and sue.  You don't own a corporation, you work for one, even if you own 51%+ of the stock.  A "C" corp is the most common and most likely the best choice for you.  Most businesses incorporate in Nevada or Delaware, and there are pluses and minuses to incorporating there, but that is more research for you at a later time.  Incorporating allows you some levels of protection from personally being sued and it allows you to divide up ownership with investors cleanly by selling stock.  \n\nAt this point stock is free to you.  You, as President, treasurer, and secretary authorize X number of shares at par value (usally 50,000,000 shares at .001 cent each).  Then you sell it to an investor based on some calculation. Wihtout using any multipliers a stock would be worth profit divided by the number of shares.  So $250,000 in profit divided by 50,000,000 is a value of $.005 or half a cent per share.  You can sell the stock for this amount as a true value, you can discount it as an incentive, or you can raise the price if you have a strong enough argument to show that the cashflow will be significantly higher in the following quarters or years.  In order to attract investors you will need to show huge dollar signs and it has to be realistic. This can be shown by eventually (<5 years) taking the company public.  \n\nDon't be worried that you are selling off millions and millions of shares.  If you can go public at $5 in a few years and you still have 10,000,000 shares in your name...hmm...that's still $50,000,000.  Not bad.  Now you can go tinker with inventions and do it right.\n\nOne of the reasons going public is a good strategy is that the investor will need a clear exit strategy before they invest.  If they have a ton of private stock that no one wants it isn't worth anything to them.  They need to be able to liquidate eventually.  The business can buy back the shares as well, but it is going to have to have the cashflow to do it.  \n\n\nDon't even waste time trying a bank.  The old saying "A bank will only lend money when you don't need it" has certainly been true for me.  Personally I would stay away from family because when things dont work out it messes up more than financial situations.  For you to find an investor on your own would be incredibly lucky at this stage.  Maybe you just happen to get paired up with someone on the golf course that has th
171564
Oh, sounds interesting.........\nI looked into those quickie commercials once, the paid programming ones?  It's a little pricie but one three minute a week spot  could make you a lot of bucks.  You really have to have faith in your product.\nI also looked into running a half page ad in the Sunday paper.......again, a little pricie but well worth it.......\n\nThen I looked into and did use a company that printed up coupons that were mailed out in an envelope to sections of your chosing.........people open those up and take a look at the coupons, sometimes there are discounts on carpet cleaning, others might be to sell jewelry, and so forth and yours will be there too.............That's the less expensive way................good luck.............(I've seen a lot of those commercials on the paid programming channels where in the lower corner a flashing, "Patent Pending" sign comes on.)
211125
A new business idea rarely qualifies for a bank loan (unless you have collateral).  You may however, be able to get an SBA loan.  Your banker can help you with this.\n\nMost likely, you will have to use your own money to start a small business.  Take a 2nd loan out of the equity in your house, use your savings, use 'cash advances' on your credit cards, etc.  These of course are risky and expensive.\n\nIt may be best to 'start small' with your idea and 'test the waters' to see if you can make it work.  Maybe renting a kiosk in a mall would be feasible.\n\nBest wishes and good luck!
336601
"Patent" isn't the right word.  A patent protects a new invention or a new way of doing something.  Baby bibs are great but certainly not a new idea!  What you want is a Fictitious Business Name.  Most states let you file a form with the Secretary of State's office with the company name you want to use.\n\nThen you publish a notice in the back of the newspaper so people can see it, and anyone who objects to you using that name can speak up.  This is to insure that your name is really original.  Once you show the Secretary of State's office that you've done all that, they will issue you a certificate.\n\nYou can use that certificate now as your "business name."  You can open a checking account under that name, get a business license from your city or county, and other fun stuff.\n\nI will leave it to others to answer questions about selling things on the internet.  I have heard there are a lot of good ways to set up online stores.
180130
Search your state website, then federal trademarks or trade names; check with local BBC and Chamber of Commerce; State Comptroller site, etc. Start search at local and state level, then search nationally. Use several  search engines as some will find different sites. Good luck.
149085
Nice to hear from a budding scientist. Today inventions and new ideas can fetch you great commercial returns. However to be the lead or even sole gainer of that idea it is wise to be able to Patent the product. There is a whole set of mechanism to get a patent. Please refer to it appropriately. \n\nNow one of the essentials of patenting is that it must a new, innovative and not an obvious idea. Also that product and idea must not be in public knowledge. So if you get the idea see if it is patentable. If so document properly and tread the patenting path cautiously.\n\nHowever if the patent is not emerging then develop the idea fully, keep you documents in place for apt time to be able to evangelise it. For dissipation of knowledge to others you could use the route of publishing in Scientific journals. The journal will depend on ur subject of work and you geographical location of work.\n\nIn case commercial exploitation is your vision then contact possible buyers or investors. These days there are a lot of angel investors who will see you through.\n\nThere are govt agencies too who take lead in motivating and building up ideas of budding scientists.\n\nHappy innovating and gaining commercial mileage.
322228
Well, - first would be to clean up your English.. I think you might want to "propose" a business idea.. You know, good ideas are great - - we all have many.. however, putting them into practice is another thing - thus the expression 1% inspiration 99% perspiration.. Best advice is do some paperwork and investigation first - How much are drinks like yours selling for? How much will you have to pay in rent and for employees? How many drinks a day will you have to sell just to equal your expenses? Add at least another 15% for miscelaaneous expenses that you never considered. Do the math - if it works out really really well, then you might want to show your math to a business person - rather than just another idea.. ok?
624760
Most businesses have similiar issues no matter their product.\n\nCheck out the outline on the small business administration website.  It will take some time to do but I strongly advise you do it for several reasons.  It will make you consider all the details of your business and you can provide it to potential investors who will gauge your likelihood of success (and security of their investment).\n\nGood luck.
627420
The most effective advertising dollar is spent on a Yellow Pages ad, but that is not really a short term solution (unless your book is just about to come out and you can get in before the deadline).\n\nProbably next best would be direct mail, or get something  out in the weekly flyer bundle (if you are looking for residential work).  \n\nAfter that, nothing beats pounding the pavement.  You would likely want to target business with that type of service, so go around and introduce yourself, leave a flyer and a business card.  You could also talk to places that manage commercial properties, as convincing one of them to use your service could result in multiple properties. \n\nGood Luck!
98387
I  have a business I do from home using the Internet. You can see my site at http://www.writershelper.com. \n\nI have a service business and the Web site primarily advertises my business, although it earns money in its own right as well. Some of the links on my site earn me money when people click on them.\n\nMy next step will be to create two other sites that simply earn money without my having to provide a service.\n\nAll of this is quite possible without knowing html or being a designer or having any other specialized technical knowledge.\n\nI have done what I've done with the tools I got from the site below. That site has several high quality free e-books (and a few others that you have to pay for).\n\nBest wishes as you pursue your goals to support your family.
671160
First I'd file the LLC in Nevada. Look on the net for corporations start up. They will walk you through. You can get a kit that will explain. Marketing business is safe and your LLC is just a legal thing and show growth. You can and will get preprinted by laws for the state you area LLC. I live in Va. and I'm a corporation in Delaware. We make candy. I"m foreign company to Va. Cost me $45.00 verse $1000.00. If you're good at marketing why are you waiting for Aug. Your start up will be with your funds. It's best to get first funds from friends & family you can trust.  never ask anyone that can't replace the money themselves.( Retired) Best J. kelly
355836
My advice would be, don't quit your day job. If you have been "recruited" by one of those firms you see on TV or on the Internet, chances are you will end up with nothing significant. For every one good, new idea that makes someone a ton of money, there's thousands of not-so-new ideas. I'd recommend patenting the idea as soon as possible, then researching on your own to see if there is an existing patent that may be too similar to yours for you to be able to sell your product. There is a delay from the time where you request/file your patent to when it is verified, and even that does not guarantee there is not someone else out there who has the same idea already patented.  Also get your own valuation of the idea's worth. You will have to pay fees for these services but it will be better to pay an independant third-party out of your own pocket than to turn your idea over to someone who may not have your best interest at heart.
267304
No its not free. They is a fee to pay the State in which its established, check with the Division of Corporations of your State. In Florida the website for these things is very good. You can probably in your state too, go online and seach if someone is already using the name... also you may want to register a logo or color/design scheme, etc... I like the idea of registering a .com with that exact name. Thats what I did with my business you may want to form an INC. or LLC or other protective sheild in the event that you screw someone up and they sue you... I guess that would help keep your liability lower or something. Best to check with a Patent, Trademark Lawyer and have it done by a pro. You don't want someone (like me) snagging your name and making things harder for you to be unique in your industry. I have had others tag onto my business names by little thing like adding an "S" or reversing the words, etc... The way I see it... I'm ALWAYS on the first page of modt search engines for the keywords that I want searched, if not TOP first on the list, Im always on the first page.
584524
You first need someone to proofread for you.\n\nSecondarily, I would go to someone you know that has a small business / a MBA grad / friend of family to go over the feasibleness of your idea.  There are a lot of great ideas out there, but not all are practical to take to market.\n\nOnce you've been able to find out the practicality of your product/service, write out a business plan.  There are numerous templates on the web.  Do full research, and pull in any partners you may want to help you take this venture.  After that, then you start talking to people about funding your company....\n\nBut don't put the cart in front of the horse.  No one goes up to a bank/angel investor and says "I have this idea.  Give me money now."  It takes a lot of hard work to get to that point.  Take it from someone who knows ;)\n\nBest of luck!
61590
I interviewed an SBA Entrepreneur of the Year (Arizona) awardee a few years back http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol15/systematic.htm , and he said that he chose his business only after a long process of deliberation. He first made a list of what he wants and what he does not want. Then he looked for businesses that have the characteristics of what he wants until he narrowed it down. Then he thought of how to start the business - should he start his own, buy an existing business or go the franchise route. Your explanation of your question reminded me of him.\n\nChoosing the right business is a personal process, because it has to be something you want, something you'd like to do day in and day out, something that you think would provide for your needs, and something that you think would make you grow as a person. We can throw lots of ideas for you but only you can decide on that. \n\nThink if you want a business on the web, or a traditional business, or both. Think if you want to deal with customers directly or no. Think if you want to keep inventory or no. There are just so many variables to consider.\n\nSCORE is a good resource because you would have someone to actually bounce your ideas with and get opinions on them. Just having someone knowledgeable to talk to and get help in the selection process is always a big help. \n\nAnother suggestion is to browse through the various business ideas books. You might find something that catches your fancy. Here are some of them:\n\n- Turn Your Talents into Profits: 100+ Terrific Ideas for Starting Your Own Home-Based Microbusiness \n- The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century \n- 121 Internet Businesses You Can Start from Home \n- The Best Internet Businesses You Can Start \n- 101 Ways to Make Money at Home \n\nGood luck
541339
NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore. 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. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis\n* How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition by Harvey Reese\n* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie \n* The Complete Idiot's Guide ® to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy\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!
11773
Entreprenuer magazine compiled a listing of investors & common investing questions -- see the sources box. Also, the web site Success With Investors seems to be a pretty comprehensive database of investors from the world over.\n\nHave you checked to make sure the name you're using is truly available? Prior to investing your time, money & effort into a name, it is strongly advised that comprehensive research be conducted to ensure that the name you're interested in is truly available. \n\nThis entails searching the pending & registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark. \n\nResearch is needed to make sure your trade name is legally available, before opening, before expansion, before incorporation or before designing your logo. Similarities in sound, appearance and meaning affect you too!\n\nThere are 16+ million trade names in use in the United States. Similar names matter, if close in sound, appearance or meaning. Similar names in related classes, distribution channels and customer matter too. You are affected by Common Law use (14 million), State Trademarks (500,000) and Federal Trademarks (2 million).