Starting your own business
- Thread starter punter
- Start date
Do something you like. It's key though to do something that people need / want.
You don't say whether you want to push product (a store or something like that) or push a service (consulting, walking people's dogs etc). What are you good at doing?
I don't know you and you don't know me. But why would I want to do business with you? What's your key selling point / value add?
A few questions to ponder ...
You don't say whether you want to push product (a store or something like that) or push a service (consulting, walking people's dogs etc). What are you good at doing?
I don't know you and you don't know me. But why would I want to do business with you? What's your key selling point / value add?
A few questions to ponder ...
Restaurant knowledge
If anyone has specific knowledge of the licenses, taxes and local regulations required to open a restaurant in the GTA, could you please send me a quick PM?
Conversely, anyone considering such a venture, if you are looking for a solid concept, also contact me.
If anyone has specific knowledge of the licenses, taxes and local regulations required to open a restaurant in the GTA, could you please send me a quick PM?
Conversely, anyone considering such a venture, if you are looking for a solid concept, also contact me.
I'm a computer programmer, but have been recently laid off (sorry guys, I won't be posting any reviews for a while!). I want to get out of the IT industry since it is always affected badly by a weak economy. As for what type of business - I'm open minded, and I'd consider anything.
Stay in Tech
And learn a new skill,
Open an outcall services!
Sell Realestate?
I don't know but it should be something you:
A) Know something about
B) Enjoy so your not writing this post in 18 months.
OTB
And learn a new skill,
Open an outcall services!
Sell Realestate?
I don't know but it should be something you:
A) Know something about
B) Enjoy so your not writing this post in 18 months.
OTB
Punter,
While I am sorry to hear you were laid off, I honestly do think the silver lining might be that you finally get a chance to spend some time thinking about what you want to do.
I have been regularly employed for the last 15 years in basically the same line of work. While I am reasonably good at it, I can't say I have much passion for it. I have been wanting to get out and do something else for some time, but it is very difficult to figure out exactly what this is while I am working full time. I know several people who have been laid off lately, and cash flow issues aside, for every single one of them it has been a positive experience because they were able to take the time to figure out what they wanted to do.
So I wish you luck, punter. This could wind up being the best thing that happened to you.
While I am sorry to hear you were laid off, I honestly do think the silver lining might be that you finally get a chance to spend some time thinking about what you want to do.
I have been regularly employed for the last 15 years in basically the same line of work. While I am reasonably good at it, I can't say I have much passion for it. I have been wanting to get out and do something else for some time, but it is very difficult to figure out exactly what this is while I am working full time. I know several people who have been laid off lately, and cash flow issues aside, for every single one of them it has been a positive experience because they were able to take the time to figure out what they wanted to do.
So I wish you luck, punter. This could wind up being the best thing that happened to you.
There are a few things:
* Have some capital
* Know your costs associated with the service/product
* Take an introduction course in business management (you will be surprised at how many businesses fail due to not understanding the administration aspects of running a business)
* Most important - Make sure you have a market!
* Be prepared to work harder and longer than you ever did while being an employee
* Have some capital
* Know your costs associated with the service/product
* Take an introduction course in business management (you will be surprised at how many businesses fail due to not understanding the administration aspects of running a business)
* Most important - Make sure you have a market!
* Be prepared to work harder and longer than you ever did while being an employee
Some other suggestions
While you are figuring out exactly what it is you want to do why not investigate the possibility of hiring yourself out to various companies as a contract employee (a contractor).
You agree on a set hourly wage with the company.
You invoice them every week, or two for your services.
This would keep some money coming in and at the same time give you a small sampling of running your own business.
You would have to keep track of related expenses vs income. You might have to register for a GST number.
I know a couple of people who where in a similar position and did just that until they figured out where they wanted to go in life.
While you are figuring out exactly what it is you want to do why not investigate the possibility of hiring yourself out to various companies as a contract employee (a contractor).
You agree on a set hourly wage with the company.
You invoice them every week, or two for your services.
This would keep some money coming in and at the same time give you a small sampling of running your own business.
You would have to keep track of related expenses vs income. You might have to register for a GST number.
I know a couple of people who where in a similar position and did just that until they figured out where they wanted to go in life.
Sorry to hear about your job loss. I would definitely consider the contracting route alluded to in Mailman's post. While you move around the different companies/projects, try to learn something about those companies' business methods and procedures. That knowledge may come in handy should you decide to strike out on your own.
Thanks for your responses, guys. Actually, I have been an independent contract software developer for 8 years. So although I said that I was laid off, it's more accurate to say that a long term client terminated my contract, and in this economic climate there r few contracts available. I also have the problem of being considered a 'hardcore consultant', so now many employers r unwilling to hire me as a permanent employee. To make things worse, since I am self-employed, I can't even claim employment benefit!
homonger, yes this is an ideal time for me to explore other opportunities.
Sheik, that's a good idea about having a 'low-skilled' resume.
Goober, why the grin while posting the url for amway? Is there something fishy about them?
homonger, yes this is an ideal time for me to explore other opportunities.
Sheik, that's a good idea about having a 'low-skilled' resume.
Goober, why the grin while posting the url for amway? Is there something fishy about them?
Haven't you ever heard the "punter, I'd like to invite you to a 'business' meeting" line?punter said:Goober, why the grin while posting the url for amway? Is there something fishy about them?
Tres annoying.
Actually, Amway isn't that bad of an idea. Their products are good, but they have a really bad name for just the above reasons.
Hence the smiley.
I'd say go and see a career counselor if you really do not know what your interests are. Secondly, for any business you are thinking of starting, formulate a business plan. It forces you to go through the thinking and planning process and usually avoids having to learn a lot of lessons the hard way.
Good luck.
Good luck.
