Anyone here started up their own business, or trying to?

hi, yeah i started a small training business nearly two years ago which i run on a part-time basis (around 30 hours a week) from home. it's going well but wouldn't make me rich, but then that's not why i started it - i needed a job where i could work around childcare issues and still do something which i was interested in. all the research i did before hand and while i was setting up really gave me a 'business bug' and now i have lots of other ideas. i also work as a business mentor for a large charity who help disadvantaged kids start their own business. i'd love to set up a business enterprise agency but i know that it will take a huge commitment, especially in terms of time so i'll probably wait a couple of years until my daughter is a little older! if you are considering it then i'd say go for it - in my case i had nothing to lose as i was a single parent living in rented property so it was a way to get a new life for myself & my daughter! one thing i would say that it's one thing knowing all about the subject you are starting your business in but it's another actually running a small business - i have to do accounting, bookkeeping, marketing, selling, make all decisions (including financial ones), IT, web design and maintenance, admin etc etc as well as the main function of teaching and developing learning materials! i had to learn lots of new skills, especially negotiating and selling skills which i'd not really had any 'work' experience of. running a business is one long learning curve so you have to be willing to embrace change in yourself and how you do things! good luck with any venture you start Rebecca x

Hi amy,It's great thatyour thinking of starting up your own business.I recentley started up my own cleaning business in Darlington.I did it all of my own back and used all my own capital to start it up.Basically it was the biggest gamble I ever made!After two weeks I had several contracts from a small amount of local advertising and I had to make the decision to hand in my notice at my 9-5(safetynet!) job.I now devote all my time to my own business and I am lucky at the moment and able to say that it has paid off so far.I have even taken on my first member of dstaff and plan to build up a workforce as the business grows.My recomendation would be to check out your market first and see if there is a demand for what you want to do. Go to a free business advisor, or check out the business link website.Do weeks of research and get your business advisor to give you all info and help you write business plan.Be carefull as there are a lot of people out there to fleece new green businesses.I got all my initial leads from free advertising such as www.yell.com and other free directory sites so search the web.The inland revenue and self employment helpline are also very helpfull and offer a free service.It really is all about when the time is right financially and mentally for you to go it alone,its scary but I think it's the best decision that I ever made.So far I am the best boss that I ever had!!!If you want some more help or advice you can email me at [email protected]:)

Hi there! This is a great question. I was working for 3 years in a regular JOB in the area of human resources, working 15-16 hrs a day... until I decided that I could not go on with life as it was. I quit and started my own business consulting firm. Soon I realized that while I was working for myself, I still needed to spend a lot of time outside the house, working with clients at their site. And since I was working alone, there was a lot of time pressure on me. Which is why my search for the ideal business continued till I came upon a unique, legitimate online home based business opportunity. I have recently started my own business from home using the internet and phone and after searching for the right one... I finally found something which met all my criteria: - Deals with something I am passionate about - Gives me more than enough time to spend with my precious family and friends - Is legitimate - Simple to start and run - Has a very low start up cost and very high returns on a consistent basis - Can be managed from anywhere in the world - Provides residual income consistently - Increases my knowledge and self worth every day by allowing me access to the best minds in the world - Does not require any specific skills or talent If you are interested in something similar, I would be more than happy to help. Just send me a mail at [email protected] All the best in your venture! regards, Namz

I'm slowly growing my business as a shiatsu practitioner. I've been at it a little over a year now, and it's slow-going, but I love the work and enjoy the entrepreneurship as well. I work at a desk job 4 days/week while I grow my practice the other three. It takes patience, but I recommend this part-time approach so that you can, you know, /eat/ and /pay rent/ while your business is young. I've noticed there are 2 types of entrepreneurs. There are those who want to do a particular kind of work (eg, shiatsu, antiques restoration, bookstore, etc)--they are motivated by the love of what they do. Then there are those who want to run a business and don't much care what kind--they are motivated by independence and/or making lots of money. I think the second kind is rather lucky, as they will have more flexibility to choose what the market wants. I'm a hybrid--I want to do shiatsu full-time, but I also have a wide independent streak. Best wishes.

I made a few bucks selling on Ebay and I intend to go to the next level with it; however, I have learned the importance of getting a legitimate business license and tax ID before calling my endeavors a "business." There is money to be made because you get tax credits and you get 100% profit after expenses and taxes are paid which is far more than an employer is going to pay you. Why work for someone else to get rich??? You don't have to start full time but rather start part time and see how the business goes. Learn about accounting... learn about selling... learn about advertising... Read... join discussions... network with people... educate yourself. The websites below will help you learn more about business and startups:

Hi there. Bought a cleaning franchise almost 3 years ago. 1st year was a major struggle, second I doubled my first year turnover and the 3rd looks like it will be about 50% up on that. Be prepared for a hard slog and to put the hours in. Make sure you have a projected profit and loss done with as much detail as possible. Try to think of every cost that you may encure and even add 10% to the annual running cost for surprises, and believe me there will be surprises. My advise to you is to go for it. Self employment is great. No one to answer to but yourself. I also network market. That's brilliant as well. If you require any information email me (See my profile) Best Of Luck, John.

Yes, I have my own business as a business coach and virtual assistant. I had to learn a lot about running a business. Spent my career in corporate finance. Working in a corporation is vastly different from working on your own. While I like my freedom, per se, I work a lot of long hours and get very little time off, if any. I've only had one weekend off this year. I'm even working today - Memorial Day. I would rather work for a corporation any day because the pay is better, there are benefits, and vacations! Unfortunately, I live in an area where this is high unemployment and no jobs. I work with people all over the world so my risk is diversified. I work over the phone and over the internet. I don't actually do any work at client sites. From that standpoint, it's very convenient. You need to have a long term perspective, lots of savings to live off of and an iron will to succeed in a business of your own. Statistically, most businesses will go under in 5 years or less. But, if you can make a success of it, you'll have a lot to be happy about.

Hi Amy. There are some good home based businesses out there. It all depends on what you are looking for? Don't be put off by some people who had their fingers burnt before, and I can tell you I'm one. Lost a few dollars. However, I didn't close my eyes completely, and found a good program at long last. GDI have their address and phone number posted on some of their sites, and to me that's good inication that they are a reputable organization. They are currently listed 37# in the top 500 list. Take a look at my site and click on the banner. It could what you are looking for. http://www.easyearner.ws 7day free period and $10.00US/mth to continue. The potential is quite good. It takes little work, but will be worth it in the long run. I'm certainly going to give this a good try. Let me know if you which to know more. Cheers, Peter

yes i'm an artist and designer with my own business. you have to be willing to take a lot of time with no or littleincome before you can draw a proper wage. it is really hard work and you have to be aware of that before you do it. also you need to be self motivated and inspired all the time and work much longer hours than you would in an ordinary 9 - 5 job.