Small business..........?
79991
Think of all your interests & ask yourself if any of those could be expanded into a business. Just keep in mind...what's your expertise? What are your interests? What could you imagine yourself doing?\n\nThen, once you have some ideas, research, research, research. Check out the competition -- their business practices, pricing, customer service, etc. And also think about what you could offer to set yourself apart from these other companies.\n\nCheck the sources for some handy sites.\n\nA couple ideas:\n\nSell information -- if you have expertise in a certain field, sell information pertaining to that field\n\nConsultation -- same as above\n\nI think the selling of information/consulting, more than likely, has the lowest overhead costs (a computer, phone & maybe fax line) and is the easiest to start (what you already know).\n\nI wish you much success & happiness in all your endeavors!
145685
Well if you decide to make it into a business you might want to check out http://www.merchantcircle.com\n\nthey're a new site whose sole purpose is to help small businesses grow. They provide tools to connect with the local community and help target potential customers through newsletters and coupons.\n\ncould be of some help, hope it does :)
340472
The Small Business Administration website has a wealth of resources including a 'startup kit' and online tutorials that will help you through the process.  Go to http://www.sba.gov
1145956
hmm, what is the type of business? email me at Dmagician45@yahoo.com and i can try to help. i have WAY too much free time on my hands.. -__-
434323
See if you can find out about any small business seminars.  Maybe through a local college or chamber of commerce.  That may be a start.  You will be able to ask questions there.
1157473
A good idea to open a small business is begin thinking on what you would like to do, and what you will like to serve.\n\nThere are many opportunities in the business, you can open a small restaurant, a barbershop, mini-market, Pizzeria, Internet-Cafes, Coffee Shops (Like Starbucks), Bookstores and others.\n\nFirst you need to look for your area and look the interests that the people are seeking: (Food, Entertainment etc)\nAnother good tip is look for a:\n1. Local\n2. Good Area\n3. Opportunity Costs\n4. Excellent Interests\n5. Customer's Satisfaction\n\nThe other trouble is the money, if you have money you can start and open your business in a correctly manner, in which it can help you alot.\nOther option is to get a loan from a bank (shared money) and pay to the bank monthly the fee plus the interests (if applicable)\n\nFlorida is a state that has alot of population and many seniors, you can think in the people interests, for example seniors do not like to cook at home, so you can open a restaurant in which the seniors can go to the restaurant and use your service.\n\nSo think in that way, you may be able to open and start your business! So go ahead...Open it now what are you waiting for?\nRegards
58271
I'm not personally familiar with that area but I'd recommend taking a look around your area & see if you notice any types of services that are lacking. Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I wish I could find this type of service here." Perhaps do a poll of people in your area to see what type of services they would like to see. If there's a small business resource center in your area, contact them for advice.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
74062
I own a couple small businesses.  Alot of it is hiring good managers and understanding the market for your business.  Um, other then that, its all about marketing and hard work.  Keep marketing and dont stop.  Its hard when business is down, but find other cheap alternatives to help with slowing business since the economy is not always strong.  In order for me to keep my business going, I work hard for a lead.  Once the lead isthere, I have a 40+% of getting the job.  Even with a product that doesnt work, you can still do okay with marketing.  Every successful business advertises.  Thats key to every business. Just how to advertise it is dependent upon regular business practices for your line of work.  Good luck.
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
70307
Yes, my wife and I own a couple of businesses.  A good place to get some background information on how to get organized, where to start, what to do, how to write a plan, etc. is the Small Business Administration website.  Lots of good basic information that will give you more information to do more in depth research.\nGo here:\nhttp://www.sba.gov/starting_business/index.html
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!
250320
for small business in general and not necessarily only contractors you might be interested in http://www.merchantcircle.com\n\nthey're a new site whose sole purpose is to help small businesses grow. They provide tools to connect with the local community and help target potential customers through newsletters, ads, and coupons.\n\nthey're new and doing some really interesting stuff for us small business owners.\n\nhope this helps.
922246
For my kids' Quarter Midgets, we usually ask local businesses that we patronize.  Some of them are large distribution companies that my husband deals with through his work.  I know you need cash on a larger scale, but think about larger industries & companies in your area.
80516
Check 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!
1178107
Look up SBA in your area.  They give classes in many areas.  From what I understand, they also sponsors / loan to new small businesses.  You may have to meet certain criteria first though.
391443
I would definitely encourage you, because I've often needed to contract out some of those services for my business.  The problem works both ways, though, because it is just as difficult for the businesses buying those services to find YOU.  The other thing that would put me off is that usually such services are critically important to our success, and I'm very cautious about who I would farm it out to.  I think the key will be making the personal contact with other small business people...we're the ones who will most need the services.  Try joining your local chamber of commerce and networking there, or see if there are other networking groups in your area.  I think the personal contact is important, because I'd be more likely to call someone when I know them and they look dependable.  But you might also try putting out flyers at Staples or Office Depot parking lots. All us small business types go there from time to time.  Best of luck to you.
1027278
What type of business?