I wanna start my own business

[tarheelmm]

Does anyone have any experience with this? I wanna start my own computer 'side job' business but am a little afraid to do so.
Any ideas or easy ways to do this???

 

[Azraele]

Do you have a business license?

That's a good place to start.

 

[klah]

What exactly do you want this business to do?

Sales? Repairs? Custom applications? Consulting?

 

[jlee75]

you could start off with just a fictitious business name. check your city and see if they require a business license to operate out of your home. states/cities vary on this issue. FBN usually requires having the name printed in a local publication.

since i doubt it's going to be a large operation, then that should suffice.

 

[Tsaico]

If you are in california, you must register with the state becasue you are claiming to repair electronics. Check out your phone book under electronics to see what numbers to call. Also, you may need to file with the tax board if you are interested in selling items for profit.

 

[Xenon14]

From your post I see that you don't have any experience in starting a business. There is no "easy" way to this. We dont' know your financial situation, how you're established, what resources you have, what type of computer business this is. It's like saying "i want to be rich, what do i do?" A VERY ROUGH sketch of what you should look into should be as follows:

You can't just "start" a business. You need a business plan (which is a detailed account of every aspect of your business, from its goal to expected profits, losses, job descriptions). You can find samples of those online. Assuming it's good, you can get financing from a bank. Unless of course you can find other sources that will invest in your business...parents, friends? You'll need a business plan either way. The business plan outlines every aspect of your business, you'll need it more than anyone. If you dont' know what's going on, then you're screwed. I'm not even going to go into it, but a good portion of the costs would be on advertisements alone. If no one knows you exist or that you're reputable, your business will be out of business. I also suggest you get some legal advice, especially if your business is actually going to be on paper and not something along the lines of fixing computers for friends and charging them. Liability is your main concern since I assume you're going to be selling either a product or a service, you'll be responsible for what you develop. If your business starts to make a profit you should incorporate (no liability on your part), again, you'll need to get legal advice. But as I said earlier, there is no "easy" way to go about it especially if it's a "side job". Since it's your own business you'll have to devote a major part of your time in any given day. As an example established computer companies like Gateway have gone out of business near where I live.

 

[Static911]

Originally posted by: Xenon14
From your post I see that you don't have any experience in starting a business. There is no "easy" way to this. We dont' know your financial situation, how you're established, what resources you have, what type of computer business this is. It's like saying "i want to be rich, what do i do?" A VERY ROUGH sketch of what you should look into should be as follows:

You can't just "start" a business. You need a business plan (which is a detailed account of every aspect of your business, from its goal to expected profits, losses, job descriptions). You can find samples of those online. Assuming it's good, you can get financing from a bank. Unless of course you can find other sources that will invest in your business...parents, friends? You'll need a business plan either way. The business plan outlines every aspect of your business, you'll need it more than anyone. If you dont' know what's going on, then you're screwed. I'm not even going to go into it, but a good portion of the costs would be on advertisements alone. If no one knows you exist or that you're reputable, your business will be out of business. I also suggest you get some legal advice, especially if your business is actually going to be on paper and not something along the lines of fixing computers for friends and charging them. Liability is your main concern since I assume you're going to be selling either a product or a service, you'll be responsible for what you develop. If your business starts to make a profit you should incorporate (no liability on your part), again, you'll need to get legal advice. But as I said earlier, there is no "easy" way to go about it especially if it's a "side job". Since it's your own business you'll have to devote a major part of your time in any given day. As an example established computer companies like Gateway have gone out of business near where I live.

You put it perfectly. Even though I am in 6 digits in the red (goodbye project car), I'm still sticking to my business plan and not giving in.

Ethan

 

[jlee75]

it's a side job business. he doesn't need to go w/ a full on business plan and such. it's a small side business and doesn't require all that you guys say.

 

[Kerouactivist]

Whatever type of computer business you plan on starting, if your wanting to sell things locally try taking out a newspaper ad.

 

[tarheelmm]

You have brought up very good points. I have done lots of 'side work' with no worries. Just want to make the jump and have it legit now. A business plan does sound like a good idea. I dont know how far I will go with it but will be a good start. I dont think I will need start up costs so it may just be a direction tool for now.
Thanks!

 

[bGIveNs33]

Assuming you just want to do repair and home networking... i would get liscenced(sp?), around 20 bucks... call your local taxcollectors office and put up flyers. Make up postcards and send them to local businesses. Charge like 50-75 bucks and hour and offer a gurantee of "if i can't fix it, then you don't pay". Name your business after your name... "firstname lastname" computer services. That way you won't need a fictitous name. If you wanna get more serious about it, join a local chamber of commerce or business group. If you have a university, put up flyers there. Start off doing some jobs for cheap, get your name out. Its not an easy business to make it in... but its definately possible. And a few things to remember........... Don't overcharge people and give crappy service. Charge a fair price and give good service. Always always always always reinvest your profits. Don't go buy that 2nd 19" LCD from Dell so you can watch t.v. while you play games with your new 9700. But buy some more flyers, put ads in newspapers and just be honest with your customers. As gary from dixiesys said once "Customer referalls is the hardest advertising to get, but the best way to get business". Good Luck!