Possibly going it alone... I think I might open my own business.

[SunnyD]

Okay, you all know I've been out of work for about 3 years now (as in out of the IT field of work, I have been working, but only making enough to keep a roof over my head). So instead of complaining, I've decided to try to do something about it. I think I'm going to open my own business venture.

The question is, am I crazy?

My first plan is to spend about a month after I move to Florida looking for a stable, decent paying job. If that doesn't work out, then it's plan B.

My father, god bless him, is always trying to look after my best interests. He has owned his own business for the last 30+ years, and just shut down the factory, only to open up a new one down in Florida (no, I can't just work there). He has expressed interest in possible business ventures involving me. Particularly computer related ones. He has a vested interest in opening up some sort of broadband ISP in his neighborhood, as neither Sprint nor the local cable co. service his area with broadband - leaving high latency dish. So... we have been discussing starting a wireless ISP where he lives.

I've always wanted to start up an internet cafe. I know, it's past it's time, but something small time in the right location might make a small profit and be something my wife and I can do together. Coffee and internet always go well together. Not to mention if I have decent rigs in a college neighborhood I can advertise for lanparties.

Also, I have slowly been starting a web hosting venture (see sig below), as well as another internet-based concept that all I need is some time to actually get going, that might make a little bit of money as well.

Now, with my father willing to bankroll some or all of it, the bulk being just the WISP, and the internet cafe can also dub as the retail storefront for said WISP and the web hosting service... I might just be able to come out ahead on this.

Then again, it might all flop really really badly too.

So, am I crazy? Would you under the circumstances take a dive into the shallow end of this pool?

Cliff's
- Moving to Florida, no current job prospects
- Look for stable IT job for a month
- If job not found within month, start own business
- Good idea?

 

[Zim Hosein]

I don't know if it's a good idea or not, but either way good luck! :beer:

 

[FoBoT]

i wish you could start a wireless ISP in my neighborhood, but i am in BFE missouri

good luck!

 

[HappyPuppy]

My vote would go to mooching off the old man for as long as I could. If he has the guidas, get your share. He can't take it with him. :roll:

 

[MisterMe]

What part of FL?

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
i wish you could start a wireless ISP in my neighborhood, but i am in BFE missouri

good luck!

You'd need to work on getting electricity there first.

 

[alkemyst]

well basically you aren't doing a business venture, you are working for your dad. That's the easiest way...seriously if he is going to open the checkbook up. However, it's not like starting your own business and chances are he will be setting some of the rules and will want repayment. It's better than a bank though usually or credit cards.

Just get it all written up in a contract, most businesses fail and bad money between family can destroy it. If you have him sign that there are risks, there is no way he can honestly claim that you told him it was 100% guaranteed.

Just don't go telling all the chicks your parents live with you like half the mid 20+ guys down here in Florida that still have their mother's washing their clothes for them (she does it to help offset their rent to me :roll: ). I moved back home for a year to finish college the second time I went back when the chick I was living with moved out with all the bank money and bought herself a townhouse and new mustang gt...I didn't realize how bad of a connotation it had as in my day you moved out early (I had my first house at 23). It's interesting talking to 36year old men and women still living at home, blowing all their money on clothes, cars, and going out like teenagers.

 

[CubicZirconia]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
well basically you aren't doing a business venture, you are working for your dad. That's the easiest way...seriously if he is going to open the checkbook up. However, it's not like starting your own business and chances are he will be setting some of the rules and will want repayment. It's better than a bank though usually or credit cards.

Just get it all written up in a contract, most businesses fail and bad money between family can destroy it. If you have him sign that there are risks, there is no way he can honestly claim that you told him it was 100% guaranteed.

Just don't go telling all the chicks your parents live with you like half the mid 20+ guys down here in Florida that still have their mother's washing their clothes for them (she does it to help offset their rent to me :roll: ). I moved back home for a year to finish college the second time I went back when the chick I was living with moved out with all the bank money and bought herself a townhouse and new mustang gt...I didn't realize how bad of a connotation it had as in my day you moved out early (I had my first house at 23). It's interesting talking to 36year old men and women still living at home, blowing all their money on clothes, cars, and going out like teenagers.

Well that came out of left field.

 

[Mandos]

Sounds good idea material to me. I'd say go for it!

 

[Amorphus]

An internet cafe won't work well by itself. Make sure the cafe is chic-looking, so all the trendy people will be there (look at the bookstore cafes as an example - lots of wood and such). Serve some good stuff, and provide comfy seats and good coffee for less than the nearest Starbuck's does.

Oh, and come up with a good/decent name. You want people talking about your store.


It's probably going to cost a lot starting up, and you're going to have to live off your dad for awhile. See if you can live in his basement or something.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
well basically you aren't doing a business venture, you are working for your dad. That's the easiest way...seriously if he is going to open the checkbook up. However, it's not like starting your own business and chances are he will be setting some of the rules and will want repayment. It's better than a bank though usually or credit cards.

Just get it all written up in a contract, most businesses fail and bad money between family can destroy it. If you have him sign that there are risks, there is no way he can honestly claim that you told him it was 100% guaranteed.

Just don't go telling all the chicks your parents live with you like half the mid 20+ guys down here in Florida that still have their mother's washing their clothes for them (she does it to help offset their rent to me :roll: ). I moved back home for a year to finish college the second time I went back when the chick I was living with moved out with all the bank money and bought herself a townhouse and new mustang gt...I didn't realize how bad of a connotation it had as in my day you moved out early (I had my first house at 23). It's interesting talking to 36year old men and women still living at home, blowing all their money on clothes, cars, and going out like teenagers.

Uhh... okay... I think.

The latter part makes absolutely no sense at all. But the first half is moot, as that is all taken care of already.

 

[Turkish]

It's not crazy SunnyD. No business owner got rich without risk. Internet cafe idea seems good but location is VERY IMPORTANT. My best advice would be to pursue one thing at a time. Do your research and decide on something. Internet cafe or ISP. Then start researching that business opportunity. An internet cafe with quality food & drinks, comfortable seating, friendly employees, and competitve prices can be very promising. Whatever you do, good luck!

 

[MrCodeDude]

Work at NASA.

 

[Alchemist99]

Learn how to develope a solid business plan and execute it!

 

[OMGoddess]

Computer related businesses are risky, but either way good luck!:sun:

 

[alkemyst]

The internet cafe idea has been tried in many parts of s. fl...mostly without success.

You mainly attract the poor that don't spend. You spend your time policing the store for loiters.

S. Florida is generally a more active/party area...the young rave, party all night, etc....niteclubs are everywhere (NYC chime in about there is no good music don't here .... whatever ... clubs are usually about hooking up, not listening to your ipod).

Tanning salons and car washes do well many times (it's location), and good restaurants.

 

[MikePanic]

opening your own business is extremely stressfull, and can really get at you if you don't have the heart for it

i work for an independant motorcyle shop that does routine maintance and custom work, as well as building bikes (choppers, crusiers, custom sport bikes, etc) - and my boss is a good friend of mine who started the company when he was 24 (now 26)

the shop will be 2 years old next month and i've watched and helped him from the very start... if you do not have a supportive family and friends... it can be even worse

the other sad thing is that you can pretty much kiss your social life and a lot of your friends goodbye, as you will be forced to work (even if not physically at the job) a good 12-16 hrs/day for the first few months-year in biz

 

[Grimbones]

I thought this was a poll....so yes....yes you are crazy.

 

[introvert]

1 month is insane. Unless you already have a business plan. Try to find a job as long as it takes while working out a business plan. Going into your own business is great because nothing beats being your own boss.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: introvert
1 month is insane. Unless you already have a business plan. Try to find a job as long as it takes while working out a business plan. Going into your own business is great because nothing beats being your own boss.

I've been looking for the last 3 years... does that count? I'm a bit sick of $5.35/hr with absolutely no gains for it - and I'm sure you're sick of paying for me to live too.

 

[GasX]

I know a guy here in Hoboken running a wireless ISP. I think you could make a run of it. I would argue that the key to success in this type of venture is diversification.

Wireless ISP - core business
Coffee shop - storefront to pay the rent
Internet Cafe - only if you have a few crappy PCs laying around
Wireless network installations - profitable small sideline
web design / hosting - if you have the desire...
etc

 

[badmouse]

You're crazy, and that's a good thing, because crazy is a requirement for a successful business.

No business ever goes according to plan. The plan is just a launch pad. Once you get going, you pay close attention and figure out which bits of the biz are working, and then you expand there. You may discover that your internet cafe is awful, but your mom's fruitcakes are selling like crazy. Who knows? Be open and prepared for anything.

 

[Aquaman]

Good Luck

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[Turkish]

Originally posted by: badmouse
You're crazy, and that's a good thing, because crazy is a requirement for a successful business.

No business ever goes according to plan. The plan is just a launch pad. Once you get going, you pay close attention and figure out which bits of the biz are working, and then you expand there. You may discover that your internet cafe is awful, but your mom's fruitcakes are selling like crazy. Who knows? Be open and prepared for anything.

So true One of my friend's dad opened up a restaurant and his first 2 years weren't so good. Then his wife retired from her 30 year job and began working with him at the restaurant. She became the desert chef and they added like 10+ deserts. That year their revenues went up %500 :Q People still go there only for the desert... so yeah, get ready for suprises

 

[maziwanka]

im not really sure either, but good luck dude