vasudeva
Bad Taste in your Mouth   SSHOLE |
Posts: 4464 Registered: 3/8/2002 Offline
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12/11/2006 at 20:30 |
Kahuna and I were talking about self-employment yesterday, and how sweet it would be to set your own timetable. I know some of you have started your own businesses, and I'll bet lots more have useful insights. I wouldn't mind ending the vicious cycle of wage-slavery.
How would/did you get started?
What decent resources are out there? I've seen tons of scammy mid-level-marketing tripe, a few legit-looking government-type programs, and not a whole lot in between.
Is it working out for you? If not, why are you such a helpless fuckup?
Everyone's probably heard the line about how XX% of all small businesses fail in the first X years, and that it takes the average business X years to become profitable. Does this seem to generally hold true in your experience? How do you avoid becoming a statistic, and what do you do in the meantime, without a regularly paying job?
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LOki
Refusenik  SSHOLEPosts: 484 Registered: 3/8/2002 Offline
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12/11/2006 at 21:26 |
SMOEK POT!!!11!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAQ!!!1!!!!11!
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Crackalackin
SENATOR BABYHEAD  Posts: 374 Registered: 7/19/2004 Offline
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12/11/2006 at 21:36 |
I think it's a good idea and you and Kahuna could make something pretty interesting. It would probably be something web-based, but beyond that I cannot guess. I mean, even if you helm a t-shirt design company I would imagine there would be some choice slogans and vivid imagery worthy of good bucks.
For small, self-funded companies, it is a good idea to maintain a "primary" employment (such as what you have now) and work on them in your "spare time," if you can manage that. I tell you, the start-up expenses and the ongoing costs can eat through your savings quickly (or maybe not, you may be a man-version of Paris Hilton for all I know).
At the risk of sounding like a master of the obvious, success of the company is a function of (goodness of the concept) and (salesmanship or popularity). But, there's a lot of middle ground between "a bad idea" and "X-million dollar company," that will make you reasonably happy. For example, try to guess how much money kiwibox.com could possibly earn.
It's great to maintain your own schedule, but you and your partners always need to kick each other's asses, because staying motivated while being your own boss is difficult. Of course, you can draw from own enthusiasm and inspiration.
All in all, I think it's worth it if you have a good idea and can solve the cash flow problem right away. Also, tax writeoffs 
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vasudeva
Bad Taste in your Mouth SSHOLEPosts: 4464 Registered: 3/8/2002 Offline
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12/11/2006 at 21:40 |
Actually, I think any real business I'd look into starting would not be Web-oriented -- and would probably have nothing to do with computers. The Web is absolutely chock-full of shithats who think they have the latest greatest idea, and real-world computer work is too commoditized.
It seems all the people I know who own their own businesses do something in the housing/construction field.
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slippedhole> I am on to you and your evil intentions. I am the true protector of this website and am willing to do battle with you. |
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Crackalackin
SENATOR BABYHEAD Posts: 374 Registered: 7/19/2004 Offline
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12/11/2006 at 22:49 |
vasudeva: Actually, I think any real business I'd look into starting would not be Web-oriented -- and would probably have nothing to do with computers. The Web is absolutely chock-full of shithats who think they have the latest greatest idea, and real-world computer work is too commoditized.
It seems all the people I know who own their own businesses do something in the housing/construction field.
Yes, but you know what the allure of web-based business is? The operating expenses are minimal, there is less liability than in a "real-world" business, and once you reach a certain point, then it's a "gift that keeps on giving" I.e. lots of fully automated websites can become cash cows needing only occasional input unless you want to add new features.
By the way, that is also why venture capitalists are pretty gung-ho on web businesses.
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fl_projekt
I AM TEH FUKING FISHPUNCHAR. I WILL RAPE YOUR WOMEN AND CHILDREN AND PETS.  SSHOLEPosts: 449 Registered: 8/8/2003 Offline
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12/11/2006 at 23:34 |
I have a side "business" thats not web based. I have been detailing cars on weekends ever since I worked at a body shop and learned the correct way to do so. Why havent i taken this, ran with it and been succesful? Easy, I'm fucking lazy about it. There was a time that I was making money hand over fist back in NY. I could probably do that here but i dont really push the issue. I do it more because i like to do the work as strange as it may sound. If its one thing ive learned is that "word of mouth" can never be underestimated. Also, like clavis said, start out small and try not to borrow until absolutely neccessary. I have seen others dive in head first and take out a small business loan and quit their jobs. I've seen quite a few of those people crash and burn also. If you can do it on the side (to start out) and not borrow anything you will be better off. When the time comes to step up your game and swing it full time, you may only have to take out half as much at that point being already somewhat established. One other thing to consider, which I put heavy value on is benefits and 401Ks. If you can hold onto the jobs you have as part time employees down the road, and keep benefits, even if its emptying trash, it will be worth it. Paying your own benefits sucks and your 401Ks are usually employer matched. I know one person in particular that own a pizzaria and works part time for one of my old employers and he gets benefits there and he dumps the whole check except for about 20 bucks a week into his 401K. He wouldnt have the discipline otherwise to make sure he has something for retirement. I could go on and on but im sure theres alot of good sound advice already posted and will be posted.
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jwalker
Token Discordian  SSHOLEPosts: 949 Registered: 8/6/2005 Offline
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12/12/2006 at 01:49 |
cyber-cafe?
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dent
Slipping it into the wrong hole any chance I get  SSHOLEPosts: 857 Registered: 10/20/2004 Offline
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12/12/2006 at 03:14 |
I think everyone pretty much has said it right: don't blow-off your day job expecting rainbows and skittle farts.
I've been working freelance as a designer for about 6 years, and make a fairly good amount of money, and word of mouth has been my advertising. Of course I resigned from *huge golf ball company* and became a freelance contractor for the same company, so I caught a HUGE break being able to quit that company, move across the country and remain working for them on my own schedule.
One of the best things you can do to launch a company/business is have the best prodect for the lowest price, even if it kills you in the beginning. Once the hook is set, slowly raise the price and business will hopefully bloom.
Good luck asshole.
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JohnLenin
Putting the semen in amusement  SSHOLEPosts: 1050 Registered: 7/8/2005 Online
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12/12/2006 at 05:21 |
Plastics.
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jwalker
Token Discordian SSHOLEPosts: 949 Registered: 8/6/2005 Offline
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12/12/2006 at 19:52 |
Farming?
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freakmachine
Web Fucko Extraordinaire  SSHOLEPosts: 590 Registered: 4/15/2004 Offline
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12/12/2006 at 20:45 |
I understand there's an absolutely booming market for blow jobs in West Hollywood.
Actually, I would be interested in ideas for starting my own company. Construction seems plausible. I know people who have obtained their real estate licenses and have done well enough. These two options may not do so well in a softening economy though. |
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mundhra
dread pirate neckbeard  SSHOLEPosts: 1634 Registered: 3/25/2002 Online
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12/12/2006 at 23:20 |
i've often thought of opening up a coffee shop/sandwich joint/bakery/whatever, but i don't know shit about running a place like that. since it'd be the type of place that would be pretty hard to maintain employment elsewhere, i'm not hugely inclined to do it.
my thoughts on real estate: do not chase the bubble.
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middle_age_man
Mostly Harmless  SSHOLEPosts: 427 Registered: 1/11/2005 Offline
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12/13/2006 at 00:32 |
I’ve been in the trades for twenty years now and I wouldn’t suggest construction as a business to anyone. If you have a trade or only do a very specialized job such as bathroom or kitchen retrofits, then there is money to be made. As a contractor you end up chasing your money constantly and experiencing the joy of catching the shit for the shoddy workmanship done by subbed out trades and their labourers.
That being said, I know that bathfitter is an excuse to print money if you’re looking to get into the home improvement racket.
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InfectionConnection
SIR BABYHEAD  Posts: 98 Registered: 9/24/2003 Offline
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12/13/2006 at 03:17 |
ive never felt like i had any kind of entrepreneurial mind. my parents were school teachers and i think they did it because it was the most secure form of income. I adapted that mentality.
It is frustrating. I just KNOW a hydroponics shop in Atwater would make a killing.
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vasudeva
Bad Taste in your Mouth SSHOLEPosts: 4464 Registered: 3/8/2002 Offline
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12/14/2006 at 02:53 |
Not really looking for business ideas as much as I am business knowledge -- the accumulated wisdom of having done this.
There must be more out there.
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slippedhole> I am on to you and your evil intentions. I am the true protector of this website and am willing to do battle with you. |
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ghostrider
liberal exit  SSHOLEPosts: 2446 Registered: 7/29/2004 Offline
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12/14/2006 at 03:06 |
Get a pro to count your beans, it's more than worth it. Study all applicable laws and rules in depth to the point you know them all by heart. Advertise by showing your product in person. Don't expect your stomach to feel very good the first few years. Prepare to eat lots of rice and ramen the first few years.
#1: Get real friendly with the competition before you even start. If they see you as the goofy kid brother, this can only help when it comes time for you cut their throat to get the first shot at contracts.
edit: I worked a regular service industry job the first two years until i got it rolling.
On 2006-12-13 at 21:09:25, ghostrider chose to holla @ p-nis
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JohnLenin
Putting the semen in amusement SSHOLEPosts: 1050 Registered: 7/8/2005 Online
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12/14/2006 at 04:41 |
be weary of those eager to 'help'
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jitneyisforklift
Tender vittles  Posts: 1 Registered: 12/18/2006 Offline
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12/18/2006 at 17:11 |
In the last 12 years I have been consulting people with an entrepenurial jag. I helped set folks up in bottled water, oil change whoever, janitorial services, and all kinds of retail. For the last 8 years I've been setting up what for me and the people who hired me have been 100% succesful. Whats more important is they all seem to get a real joy owning a "head" shop. Selling alternative lifestyle / leisure items to customers who are always enthusiastic about making their purchase. Great margins, cool products and smiling customers. What else is there? You Just want to make sure it will fly with your local community standards.but I can honestly say I have only seen a handful of towns I would avoid.
Happy Humting
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If you want a seriously profitable buisness that needs little advertisinng, you keystone (double your money + 10%) , has great customers, low stress with cool vendors selling truly alternative lifestyle items. OPEN A HEAD SHOP , I've spent the last 10 ye |
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vasudeva
Bad Taste in your Mouth SSHOLEPosts: 4464 Registered: 3/8/2002 Offline
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12/18/2006 at 17:21 |
That's great. Do you have any input as to the questions in the first post, though?
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slippedhole> I am on to you and your evil intentions. I am the true protector of this website and am willing to do battle with you. |
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vasudeva
Bad Taste in your Mouth SSHOLEPosts: 4464 Registered: 3/8/2002 Offline
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12/18/2006 at 19:24 |
Have you tried getting banned for shitting up a serious thread? It's the new thing.
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slippedhole> I am on to you and your evil intentions. I am the true protector of this website and am willing to do battle with you. |
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metatron
Fighting The Good Fight ™  SSHOLEPosts: 473 Registered: 4/12/2002 Offline
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12/19/2006 at 04:08 |
Doing my part to poop on this thread:
http://www.wikihow.com/Start-Your-Own-Business
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