any small business owners out there?
407631
I have a VERY small business.  I do freelance work as a voice over artist (this entails recording my voice for use in commercials and phone messaging, store announcements etc).  All it took me was purchasing my computer, my microphone, my mixer board and some editing software.  That's it...maybe $1500 tops...but it's not regular business yet (but that's okay with me, I'm a stay at home mom besides)
562603
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, & Nolo. All 3 are great resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the sources box.\n\nAssociations may be a good avenue to explore as well -- see posted links.\n\nTry reading up on the subject. I put relevant links in the sources box.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
1500
why don't you check out http://www.merchantcircle.com\n\nThey're an online community dedicated to helping small business grow.  They have tools to build relationships and reach potential customers.  \n\nIt's free so that's cost effective :)
340247
Try business link they awere really helpful when i started up mine. also business angels and venture capitalists are groovy.
285729
You might check out the Small Business Administrations web page...Good luck and happy renting!
100114
I have a very low investment, potentially huge, work from home, Arbonne International business, if you're thinking along those lines. Let me know if you want more information.
394626
I would try the SBA (Small Business Association)
360315
♣ How many small businesses are started each years?\n\nAbout 600,000 new businesses are started each year.\n\nhttp://seattletimes.nwsource.com/news/business/small/  \n\n\n♣ How many fail within two years?\n\nover 50% of small businesses fail in the first year\nhttp://usgovinfo.about.com/od/smallbusiness/a/whybusfail.htm \n\n♣ Why do you think they fail?\n\nreasons for small business failure: \n1. Lack of experience \n2. Insufficient capital (money) \n3. Poor location \n  4. Poor inventory management \n  5. Over-investment in fixed assets \n  6. Poor credit arrangements \n7. Personal use of business funds \n  8. Unexpected growth \n  Gustav Berle adds two more reasons in The Do It Yourself Business Book: \n  9. Competition \n10. Low sales\nhttp://usgovinfo.about.com/od/smallbusiness/a/whybusfail.htm \n\n♣ What is a business opportunity?\n\nA business opportunity is a packaged business investment that allows you to start the business. Unlike a franchise, the business opportunity exercises no control over you or your company. There is no continuing relationship. This is good if you want an in-road to starting your business and refuse to give up your freedom.\n \nBusiness Opportunities Described\nBusiness OpportunityDescription\nCooperativesAn existing business that allows another similar business to affiliate with it and others, usually in a network of similar businesses. \nDealersIndividuals who purchase the right to sell products put out by other companies, such as vitamins or holistic medicines. The individual often advertises themselves as an authorized dealer. A distributor sells to dealers and a dealer sells directly to customers. The terms are often used interchangeably.\nLicenseesIndividuals who purchase the right to use the sellers trade name and certain methods, equipment, or product lines.\nMulti-level marketing This is very popular with individuals looking for a part-time, flexible business. The best-known are Avon, Tupperware, and Mary Kay Cosmetics. Typically the individual purchases a sample kit and receives the opportunity to sell directly to family, friends, and personal contacts. Not all states regulate multi-level marketing. At the time of this writing, 25 states had laws in place. The state laws differ in content and definition of terms. \nVending machinesAn individual who contracts with a vending machine company. The company provides the machines and the locations; the individual restocks them and collects the money. \n\nhttp://www.nnba.net/job_options_within_nursing.htm \n☺List some examples.\n\n♣ Where can find information on different business opportunities?\nhttp://www.nnba.net/job_options_within_nursing.htm \n\n♣ What is a franchise?\n\nFranchising is a form of business in which the owner, or franchiser, gives license to distribute products, services or methods of business to affiliated dealers, franchisees. In many cases franchisees are given exclusive access to a particular geographical area. The franchiser usually mandates uniform symbols, trademarks and standardized services.\n\nhttp://well-net.com/work/selfem11.html \n\n\n\n\n♣ Would it be easier to start a business with you own idea or with an idea already established?\n\nI think that I would be easier to start a business with an idea that has already been established. \n\nAdvantage – The idea is already made for you \nAdvantage – For can asked the other people with the business with the same idea some questions.\n\nDisadvantage – Some people what to have an idea that know one has\nDisadvantage – Some people will mistake you for the other person that has the same business with the same idea\n\n☺ List some advantages and disadvantages to both.\n\n♣ How do you get funding for your business idea?\n \nYou can get funding for your business idea at the bank \n\n♣ What legal issues do you need it consider when starting a business?\n\nThere are a multitude of legal issues to think about when it comes to starting your business.
492572
What are you good at doing?\n\nFind something locally that everyone complains about and find a solution to their problem.\n\nSee if there are community education courses offered locally that deal with starting a business.\n\nBest of luck.
701988
I think it is very possible.  My business does both.  The key is finding a nitche market.  We are in the wedding business so that is always a large market.  What specifically are you looking to sell?  Product or service?
336557
I MEAN I WANT TO OPEN A BUSINESS SOON AND I ALREADY HAD THE BUSINESS PLAN TOGETHER, I ALSO HAD THE APPLICATIONS AND MENU. I HAVE EVERYTHING BUT THE BUSINESS. I WAS LOOKING FOR A BUSINESS PARTNER BUT I STOPPED SO IF U ARE INTERESTED. LET ME KNOW...................
91554
Since you don't have experience in the field, a good place to start may be associations. I posted some links for you.\n\nCheck out the Small Business Administration web site -- they're a great resource for the small business owner. I listed a couple of other handy links as well.\n\nTry reading up on the subject -- check out Amazon, your local bookstore or library. \n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
293446
It's great that you are doing someting that you love to do.\n\nYou have you staff in place , do you have an accountant, laywer, mentors and any other person you need to move you farward.\n\nDo you have a marketing plan?\n\nDo you have a system for the shop from taking out the trash to customer service and any other routines?\n\nWhat results do you want are you after in opening the store? What goals do you want to achieve?\n\nYour well on your way and I am sending blessing to your success.
252255
You can go to  your local SCORE office http://www.score.org/ - they are a group of volunteers who offer for free mentorship and give advice to small business owners. They are well experienced professionals and retirees who have years of experience in launching and growing a small business.\n\nYour local Small business development center = go to your favorite search engine and search for "[your state] SBDC"\n\nIf you are a woman, you can also go to your local Women's Business Center. Here is a PDF file of state-by-state locations of these centers http://www.onlinewbc.gov/wbc.pdf\n\nYou can also network and join in your local business groups such as Chamber of Commerce. By being actively involved in the organization, you are more likely to find someone who can give you guidance in your business.
609818
I 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\nHow to Start and Manage a Printing Business: A Practical Way to Start Your Own Business  by Jerre G. Lewis, Leslie D. Renn\nFree Money for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs by Laurie Blum\nFinding Money: The Small Business Guide to Financing (Small Business Series) by Kate Lister, Tom Harnish\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\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!
8788
try to talk to friends and ask them if they can help you out...\n\nthey may know some people who can help you with your business
541453
I don't own a retail shop, but I've been in business for seven years. The basics of running a business are mostly the same. I can help you with the basics. I suggest you approach a retail shop owner who is not selling the product you wish to market. If you're not a likely competitor, the owner is usually willing to divulge some tips. Let me know what type of guidance you need. Good Luck!