What are basic tips on how to start a (one) sailboat charter business that I could later sell as a franchise?
78651
Not sure how doable that is.  First of all the business on it's own has to be totally successful.  It must be something that people will pay you for and thus make you and your small busines into a sucess.  Then only then if you are so darned sucessful that you can't handle all the work load - you may be able to get others to do it with you under your name - they would buy into your franchise.  Who in their right mind would buy into a franchise if it weren't already known and successful?  So you must be a success before you an even THINK about frachising.  \n\nGood luck
236583
You will need a number of licenses notably a public health license and preferably a liquor license as well. If you are customer with a bank and you have a good relationship with them, you would best off approaching them first. You might also want to read about setting up a business and writing a business plan. Finally, you might want to recruit key staff msot notably a chef if you are not planning to cook yourself. For advice relevant to your area, you might want to speak with your local chamber of commerce as well as your local business advice bureau. If you are a franchisee, the franchiser should provide you with advice about setting up your restaurant.
41961
Suggestions For Building Your Subscription Business\n\nAs an Independent agent of  , your opportunities are unlimited to build your subscription business. As an agent, you are authorized to use magazine covers in any of your own promotional material. You are allowed to market your business any way that you want. Here are a few suggestions to help build your business.\n\n\n(1) Think large for the long term, but think small in the beginning. Start your business by contacting people that you know ( friends, family, neighbors etc. ). Let these people know that you are in business, and explain to them what a convenient service you provide. Sample promotional letters are available upon request. For example:  Since the average household takes approximately six magazine subscriptions, by ordering and renewing through you, they would only have to write one check, one time, to you, for all of their subscription needs. The customer also does not have to deal with any customer service issues, so if there is a problem, you can handle it for them (by contacting our office ).\n\n(2) Network your subscription business as a fund-raiser. Contact local schools, churches, civic groups etc. who want to raise money for their organization and keep a percentage of sales as your profit.\n\n(3) Take advantage of any gift giving occasion ( holidays, birthdays, engagements, graduations, etc.) Keep a log of all special occasions for your customers. For example:\nWhen it is the birthday of the mother of your customer, contact the customer and suggest a subscription as a gift. Not only will your customer had not thought of previously. Again, you are providing a service and your customer will probably be glad that you called and made the suggestion.\n\n(4) Contact local business who having waiting areas (family doctor, pediatrician, dentist, beautician, mechanics etc.) More than likely, these offices have someone who is designated to handle magazine renewals in addition to their other job responsibilities. This is an excellent opportunity for you to offer your service at little or no additional cost to the customer.\n\n\n(5) Ask existing customers for referrals. Most businesses get their start this way. For example: Your beautician built his or her client base from referrals of existing customers. Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertisement.\n\n(6) Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to get a listing of businesses ( and their address / Phone Number) in your area. Write a letter of introduction, or use our suggested letter of introduction, to contact them. There may be a small fee to get this list.\n\n(7) Contact large businesses in your area. These employees not only have reception areas, but the management staff usually receive a variety of subscriptions.\n(8) Keep updates on new residents in your area. Write a letter to welcome them to the community and tell them about your service. Form a business relationship with a local company that deals with major purchases ( real estate brokers, car salesman ). Suggest that they give a gift subscription to any new customer who makes a purchase. If you deal with a real estate broker, you will know who the new residents in the community are, and you can contact them for other subscription business.\n\n(9) Build relationships with your customers. Follow up with existing customers on a regular basis ( every 3 mos. ) to make sure that they are happy with their subscriptions. And there are NO problems. Hint: Customers follow up is crucial to your business. If you do not follow up, your credibility can be destroyed. If you only call your customers once a year (when it is time to renew ), they will be less likely to renew through you if there have been problems and you were not available to handle them throughout the year.\n\nHere is a suggested contact schedule:\n\n1st Contact - Make the subscription sale. Let the customer know that you will be contacting them in approximately 3 months to verify arrival of
1065941
It's fun to charter an accountant,\nAnd sail the wide accountan-cy.\nTo find, explore the funds offshore,\nAnd skirt the shoals of bankruptcy.\nIt can be manly in insurance.\nWe'll up your premium semi-anually.\nIt's all tax-deductible,\nWe're fairly incorruptible.\nWe're sailing on the wide accountan-cy.\n \nsorry, couldn't resist : )
327676
I have my own business.  I have started many business' before from a young age.  I started my current business as a finance coach about 2 years ago.  I do have schooling and background in what I do.  But, don't let that stop you if you don't.  \n\nFigure out what you want to do and if it excites you.  Then work toward what you need to make happen to have your business become a reality and go for it.  Don't listen to naysayers also known as dream stealer's.  Stay focused on your goals as long as they make you happy!  \n\nIf you have specific questions on doing this, email me.\n\nBest of luck.
109640
Through consulting!  That is the key.  Using your skills and matching them with the right business opportunties.  If you are interested in becoming a consultant, where there is no sales pitch, no heavy soliciatation please let me know. Check out our webstie at www.franchise4business.biz complete the request more info and we will call you.\nThis is a no cost service but if your interested in side money the question is how much.
428097
Why don't you start it. It obviously will be a great business opportunity for your area. research franchises and see how to get started
877448
Check cruises web sites. They have jobs listings there. \nPick the cruise you want to sail also the benefits.. Voila!Make sure that you mention You are a "Good Team Player" This is the key . And tell them you don't like to complain, you're simple and happy person. You like to see people happy. That makes you happy :)\nThey always welcome happy sailers! :)\nGood Luck
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You'd need a business plan first.  If it's a school project, probably doesn't have to be quite as detailed as if you were actually starting this business, although that depends on whether you're in high school, or getting your MBA.\n\nSome things to include - \nWhere will your shop be located, and how big will it be?\nAre there any legal restrictions (licenses required, such as business license and sales tax collection license - you might find this info on your state website)\nWhat professional help will you need to set up your business (e.g. lawyer, accountant) and how much will that cost\nWhat type of entity will your business be?  sole proprietorship? LLC?  s-corp?\nWhat merchandise will you carry, where will you get it, how much will it cost to purchase, how much will you sell it for (what markup?)\nWill you have any employees or just run it yourself?  Be aware that either way, there are income tax implications, but they're a lot more complicated if you have employees.\nHow much money will you need to start your business - Rent, utilities turnon fees, purchase of initial inventory - and if your location doesn't already have them, shelves, hardware to hang things on the walls, cash register....  and where will you get the money?  Probably combination of savings, investment by relatives and friends, maybe a bank loan but that could be tough to get\nOngoing costs after startup\nWhat competition will you have?\nHow will you get customers?\nHow much do you have to sell monthly to pay your costs and make some amount of profit?  How much profit can you reasonably expect to make?  Is it seasonal?\n\nHave fun with your project - sounds like it could be interesting.
203218
Contact boat owners there and offer your services.
109126
Well, i don't really want to star a business rigth now, but i have a couple of ideas i'm starting to explore.\nI'd like to open this place for kid's parties.\nI'd like to start a child development center. \nAnd i have a proposal for getting a franchise to sell icecream.
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Entrepreneur Magazine has made a list of low cost businesses that you can start:\n\nLow Cost Startup Businesses http://www.entrepreneur.com/lowcostbusinesses/0,6617,,00.html\n\nStarting 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 (business plan)\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\nThe best home business that you can be sure is not a scam is one that you start yourself. It will depend on what you want, how you define to be interesting. A person may consider a pet sitting business to be the most exciting work in the world, while another person would rather watch TV than take care of dogs. \n\nThe key is to determine what your interests are, what you want to do, what is suitable for your lifestyle and your overall goals, and what can fit with your resources.\n\nDan Ramsey in his book "101 Best Home Businesses" has a chapter on how to find YOUR best home business. He suggests these 10 steps:\n\n1. List 5 things you do best\n2. List how others would benefit from what you do best\n3. Find out how to give people what they want\n4. Learn the value of your services to others\n5. Find out who else offers similar services\n6. Learn from the successes of others\n7. Learn from the failures of others\n8. Plan your own success\n9. Make low cost mistakes\n10. Enjoy what you do and how you do it\n\nHe then made suggestions on the best home businesses according to type. Here are a few of them:\n\nBest Businesses Using Craft or Physical Skills\n- antique restoration\n- auto detail service\n- carpet cleaning business\n- errand/delivery service\n- housecleaning business\n\nBest Service Businesses \n- bed and breakfast operator\n- caregiver\n- catering service\n- senior day care center\n- tutoring service\n\nBest Professional Businesses\n- desktop publisher\n- magazine writer\n- import/export service\n- income tax preparation service\n- event planner\n\nSome other home business ideas:\n\nTop 10 Home Businesses with Rapid Break-Even Time http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol33/breakeven.htm\n10 Profitable “Go-Out" Home Businesses http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol31/goout.htm\n\nYou can also check out the following books:\n\nTurn 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
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I had the same business about 30 years ago, while I was in college. Its unlikely that your customers will ask about insurance and bonding for this business type. It might be better to start operating the business and if anyone ever ask for insurance and bonding, decide then if that account is worth the expense. If your business is setup as a corporation or LLC, you would be protected from most liability yourself anyway. Make sure that your contract holds the doctors office or restaurant where the aquariums are located responsible for any damages that may occur. Their employees and customers are more likely to damage the aquarium and spill the water than you are. Try to keep the business small enough to handle the accounts yourself. Having employees is where most of your business troubles will start. More help available if you need it.\n\nI recently retired from the real estate business in Central Florida after 27 years. For the past two years I have been offering free business mentoring services to young entrepreneurs. I can offer a variety of small business ideas depending on your personal interest and abilities. I will also make myself available for consultations by email or phone. I do not charge for these services.\n\nIf you want to know more, please feel free to write to Bruce at boatclub@go.com . I will help if I can.
1086040
My advice is for you to read more of the business, so you can determine what you think you want and can given your present resources. \n\nYou can start by reading the article "Starting a Janitorial and Cleaning Service Business" at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol95/janitorial.htm  The article contains information on startup strategies, operational considerations (prices, manpower, finding suppliers), and marketing the business. \n\nFrom the article, here are some tips to help market your business:\n\n1. The first step to marketing your business is deciding who your potential customers are and determining the types of services you could offer. \n\n2. The best way to market this business is through cold calling. Drive through the area and put your flyers in their mailboxes. Or if you see the homeowner, approach them and introduce yourself. It may seem scary at first, but the worst thing they can do is to say No.\n\n3. Draw up a better and more professional proposal by learning firsthand the needs of the potential customer, as well as the layout of the house (e.g. type of carpeting, etc.)\n\n4. Networking is another effective strategy to get ahead in the cleaning business. \n\n5. Word of mouth is another effective form of advertising a janitorial service. It can be generated through favorable feedback from your existing clients that will hopefully filter to other home owners in your area. Ask your existing clients to refer you to their friends or acquiantances who may need cleaning services.\n\n6. If you decide to embark on advertising, you can try placing an ad in newspapers or trade journals in your area. Flyers in locations where many home owners congregate -- e.g. libraries (ask permission first), or even schools\n\n7. You can also try direct mailing to potential customers, sending them information and brochures about your business.\n\nFor more in-depth information about the business, we have compiled a list of books on the topic and you can either purchase the book or borrow them from your library. The list of recommended books on starting a cleaning business can be found at http://www.powerhomebiz.com/bookstore/homecleaning.htm\n\n- How to Start a Home-Based Housecleaning Business (Author: Melinda Morse)\n- Start and Run a Home Cleaning Business (Author: Susan Bewsey) \n- Start Your Own Cleaning Service (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Ups)  Author: Jacquelyn Lynn\n- Start and Run a Profitable Home Cleaning Business \nAuthor: Susan Bewsey\n\nYou may also want to check the following associations:\nAssociation of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration http://www.ascr.org/ \nBuilding Service Contractors Association International\nhttp://www.bscai.org   \nInternational Sanitary Supply Association http://www.issa.com/
1137281
It's not a "licensed" job in my state. You'd learn a lot more by calling some boatwrights close to where you live and actually talking with them. \n\nIf you can't find any start by calling a boat dealer near you.
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1. Starting Your Own Business. \n\nStarting an independent business of your own offers several advantages. You are free from contractual obligations required from franchisees, and from any precedents established by the previous business owner. You are able to start on a fresh, clean slate with total control on how the business is shaped and managed. You are free to offer a pioneering and proprietary product that could help you dominate your market. You can start with a bang, or at a slower pace, depending on your resources and entrepreneurial goals. There is no required upfront investment that you must raise; except for the level that you think your business requires to be successfully launched. You can choose the location you want, determine the products and service that you market, and decide whether you need employees or not.\n\nThe downside of starting a business from scratch could also be numerous. A new business entails greater risk than buying an established business or franchise. You need to determine whether a need exists for your products or service; and if it does, work to create awareness and branding. The start-up process also necessitates you to do the groundwork process by yourself - from business licenses and permits, establishing relations with suppliers, and establishing a customer base to support operations. Many new start-up businesses, particularly home businesses, find it hard to secure financing given the lack of operating histories and inexperience of the people involved.\n\nA new business will require a longer period of time to show profits, if at all. Entrepreneurs who decide on venturing on their own must be willing to dedicate considerable time and energy to establishing and nurturing the business.\n\n2. Franchising. \n\nFranchising incorporates the features of both a start-up and an existing operation. The franchise is the right to sell a product or service. When you purchase a franchise you are basically paying for the right to market an already established product or service owned by somebody else (the franchisor). Under your franchise agreement, you (the franchisee) are expected to market the product/service successfully.\n\nThis alternative route to business ownership has some distinct advantages. Risk is minimized, since a well-established franchise has a proven business method with established products or services. Franchises like McDonald's already has well-known name that could easily bring customers to the business and provide a competitive advantage for the franchisee.\n\nMany franchise organizations also provide extensive assistance in terms of marketing, advertising, even managerial support. Oftentimes, management training and follow-up assistance are provided. In many instances, In addition, you can realize cost savings on inventory items, supplies and equipment due to bulk purchase orders made by the franchisor, which in turn is passed on to franchisees. Some franchisors also assist the franchisee in securing financing, while some provide the funding themselves. Franchisees find it easier to convince banks and other lenders to provide loans because franchises are less risky than start-up businesses. Support can also be given in finding the right location, while some provide the layout, display, facilities and business techniques that have already proven successful in previous operations.\n\nFranchising could present problems to the business owner. At the onset, the high franchise fees required to be paid to the franchisor at the start of the franchise agreement may discourage any prospective business owners. Front fees can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the franchise. While some franchisors may require high initial fees, the trade-off may be poor support functions once the operations begin.\n\nIn addition to the upfront fees, royalty fees are also required on a monthly basis. The royalty fees are monthly payments based on a cert
107986
Excellent choice! Becoming a travel agent also give you a open door for other services. And nope... 2 Businesses are not too many for that amount of poeple.\n\nFirst, see if you can get some information about your competitor, like: Customers service rating, prices, marketing strategies, and any other service that he may provide. Do this by asking people around your town and look in newspapers for their ads.\n\nAfter you do this, you need to work on your business plan, go to Entrepreneur.com for some tips and samples. Also, you need to wright at least 3 things that you can do better or cheaper than them (But keep your word and do it for your customers). \n\nNow a good Grand Opening "Open House" will be the best start up marketing strategy I recomemd. get some cheap but good looking invitations and give them out to the Mayor, City Hall workers, Police, Fire Department, Factories, and every other business in town. Try to get the Mayor to go to your open house, this way reporters will be there, too. That's free newspaper advertising...\n\nOh! if you have the resources see if you can advertise your grand opening sale on your local newpapers. Also put a banner outside your office with big letters about your grand opening and leave it their for at lease 3 month. This can get you some extra traffic...\n\nAnother thing. You need to have coupons for all those people at your Grand Opening, because the next time they think about traveling they will call the one they have a discount coupon from, and that would be you.\n\nOther services that you can offer are:\n\nTax Services\nAirport Transportation\nTelecommunication Services\nCar Insurance\n\nAnd you don't even have to do all this for yourself. Just partner with someone that prepares taxes for a percentage of the sale, or even better if they give you a wholesale rate, so you can charge your own price...\n\nHope this help, Sorry But I'm a little sleepy...\n\nGood Luck!\n\nYours truly,\n\nLuis Galarza, Business and Telecommuncation Consultant\nat: http://www.cogni360blog.co.nr and http://luisgalarza.blogspot.com