Can I trust my employees to run the business by themselves? Is there a system which I can follow?
126904
If you cannot trust your employees, then they should not be working for you to begin with. There is never an easy time to let go of control. You have to be able to enjoy your family, or you will regret it later. If your employees manage well enough in your presence, and they understand their duties and responsibilities, then they should be fine. You, are the only one who can judge your level of trust with regard to those who are in your employ. Ask yourself honestly, if you are being too controlling. As long as your can be contacted, is there any reason why they should not be able to handle things for a short time? You will be the best to answer this question.
211761
Contact your local Small Business Administration office.  They have counselors who can look over your business and make recommendations.  Their services are provided free (govt. agency).  Many of the persons working with and through them are retired executives and business leaders or educators.\n\nBest wishes.
560441
No, you are the business owner. You are the one who knows an employees value to the business. Pay them accordingly. Most often people really don't understand their own value. They over rate themselves. It seems the more they think they're worth, the less they really are worth.
200918
If you're going to be employed then there's no need to worry about setting up a limited company. You will be paid on commission, which to my understanding, will highly depend on how much you put in to your work, e.g how much sales you make etc.\nOn the flip side, if you're forming your own comapny, I'ld advise you to form an LLC or limited liablity company, which has a lot of advantages mainly, that you will not be held personally liable should your company be sued!
404814
I would go with a temp person for now, until you start expanding the business.  Employees are not cheap: insurance, Social Security, and benefits will cost you money.  Grow the company slowly.  Use temps to fill the gaps until you know you can support an emplyee(s) full time without having to lay him or her off in, say, 6 months.
465186
No, but an HR dept isn't REQUIRED regardless.  However, the term "independent contractor" implies that they are NOT your employees.  They are working for themselves (contracting their services out to you) at jobs/leads you provide for them.
381326
Public liability insurance would be a good idea, otherwise you would be very vulnerable if you poison a customer with the wrong leaves, or if the canopy falls off your stall and cracks someone on the head. If you are employing anyone, you will need Employer's Liability insurance, too. \nGood luck with he business.
68638
You should ask your workman's compensation provider if they have a program called a "train the trainer" where only one of your responsible employee can go to this program and will be able to certify the rest of your employees.  If they don't have this program, the workman's comp can refer you to an independent trainer...
266636
Ok I have my own company with about 75 employees.  I have an open door policy and I quite honestly dont really like it too much - anyone and EVERYONE does come in directly to me with ideas, but mostly complaints - quite honestly, I have better things to do with my time than to listen to stuff that my managers can easily enough deal with on thier own.  I do maintain this policy cause every now and then there comes a person with an idea which really works - and that is more than having to bear with all the pettiness that goes on here.  Does it really benefit employees?  Well you know if someone wants to burst into my office and blow off some steam, then go right ahead, I dont care - I never fired anyone for being insolent - where I think it does benefit employees is that when they do come in with their suggestions, it is not only beneficial for the company, but also the suggestions I get are usually on how to make my employees lives easier, so when I follow through on their suggestions, they definately benefit - Also, anything practical that can help out my workers is always favored by me since a happy employee is a productive employee.
648019
Say it exactly as you just did.\nIt's not in the original scope of the job and to either do it right the way the first time or you'll be having a chat with the person who hired you to redefine both your responsibilities and your pay scale.\n\nAll they've got to do is their job.  If they can't hack it, I think the owner has a right to know it.
621772
I own my own commercial cleaning service and yes, there is great money in it, let alone you are your own boss. I got started with an ebook that you can find on this site under the service business. It helped me with bidding jobs, how to secure a contract, some great cleaning tips and lots more. It may be what would help you. \n\nI went from cleaning one office once per week to now, cleaning them as well as an industrial account or two, every night of the week and sometimes on the weekend.\n\nCongratulations on making a decision to start your own business.
225263
I don't know of any jobs that would work around your schedule but I do know of a work from home business opportunity that would. It could even replace your current income. I have been working with this company since around December. I have five children and a husband that I work around my business. They have been awarded the BBB and Inc. 500's hall of fame award. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Chip award among many other awards. I don't have to host parties, sell, stock or deliver products. I don't even have to worry about collecting money.
452847
If you believe in yourself, i have experienced it in my life, don't work under anyone. Start your own one and see where life takes you. Initially, you may have some financial problems but tackle them and you'll reach your goal very soon.
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.
437122
have your own business. that is best.
229924
why dont you try going on your own.  do you have a contract with your boss.  i would "suggest" to him/her that you are going on your own and may "borrow" some of his clients cause you can do things cheaper and better.  then tell him you wont quit for the bonuses back.  or you could try to get your boss to increase commission on sales and rentals to cover the loss of your bonuses.  its time to play some hardball.  whats the worse that could happen.  you leave and work for someone else?
597703
My husband and I are opening our own business also and have heard some horror stories about friends of ours who tried to do their accounting themselves and ended up owing the IRS thousands.  I think it's worth it (especially for peace of mind) to go ahead and hire an accountant to do your taxes and who will guide you with the rest of your accounting also.  You can shop around and get quotes from different accountants and also ask other business owners in your area who they trust. :)