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HOW TO START A BUSINESS : Start up a New BusinessOver the past 15 years, small business has generated 64% of America's net new jobs, and more than half of American nonfarm GDP is created by small business. Why not start up a new business? Our shop has been in business for more than 10 years, turning a nice profit. As a print junkie — I founded my own magazine 15 years ago and have been responsible for millions of pieces of direct mail over the years — I had always fantasized about controlling the means of production. Owning a small business is unlike any other investment. When I drop by my shop, I find myself cleaning the toilet and replacing the yellowy fluorescent-lightbulbs with those that cast a more pleasing 6500 degrees K full spectrum — stuff that's always been beneath me at home. I feel an electric surge when someone pays 89 cents for one of the "Fancy Pens" I bought on eBay for 15 cents. And it matters to me that nine people support their families on the jobs I've helped provide. At the same time, every mistake stings. When a customer walks away unhappy after receiving a tardy order, it feels like a personal rejection. Which is, of course, the whole case for small-businesses. Print your stuff at the Kinko's down the street and it's like going to the post office — the girl behind the counter couldn't care less whether she ever sees your stupid face again. We have to. An important client needed his job not just printed but numbered. It was the day before Thanksgiving. The whole staff stayed till midnight and worked Saturday and Sunday. In the meantime, I've learned a few things. For one, "QuickBooks" is mission critical. I loathe instructions. But an hour spent learning the power of this software might be the single-best hour your small business can spend. Incredibly intuitive, remarkably powerful, and pretty darn cheap (less than $200), QuickBooks is the key man in your small business. Second, cash flow is king. I know that closing the sale isn't the same as putting money into the drawer. Collecting what is owed is a miserable chore, and small business owners resent spending what feels like half their day chasing down deadbeat customers. However, the answer is not to do to your vendors what your customers are doing to you. A reputation as an on-time payer is worth far more to your business than the few dollars of float you get from paying at the last possible moment. Third, marketing is a must. Cash-strapped businesses constantly make the mistake of slashing marketing budgets, viewing that expenditure as a luxury. It's not. Finding new customers and alerting current customers to new products and services is the only way you'll grow your small business out of its cash crunch. Every night, my partner sends me a report detailing our gross sales, broken down by category and salesperson. In my real job — which I adore — I deal with weighty matters and seven- and eight-figure budgets. But I look forward to that nightly e-mail with unequaled anticipation: $1,250 and I'm despondent, $2,500 and drinks are on me. source: http://www.esquire.com/features/portfolio/how-to-start-a-small-business-0210 How to Start a Small BusinessHow DO you start a small business? Let's take into consideration you have thought out an angle to start a business that is going to revolutionize the industry. Now it's decision time. Are you willing to take a financial risk on the strength of your business idea?...Why Start a Business?Though to start your own business does mean that you'll be stepping away from the relative security of a regular paycheck, having the desire to own and start a new business...Starting a Home-Based BusinessStarting a home-based business can be a little complicated. The checklist below covers the most important sujects that you will need to consider starting your own business...Partnership for Business a Good Idea?Business partnerships have been an important part of entrepreneurship and startup success. The reasons are simple: complementary skill sets, shared equipment ...What it Takes to Start a BusinessWhat attributes suggest someone's a good candidate to start their own business? ...To Start a New Business, Appearance is EverythingThe success of starting a new business depends largely on the owner's ability to convince potential employees or customers that the business is operational,...Before You Start a BusinessIt's a terrific idea for aspiring entrepreneurs to work in the industry they want to start a business, whether they are college business majors...Choosing Your Business NameKeep in mind the availability of a domain name when choosing your business name. Also ask a friend or relative with a knack for words to help you brainstorm....Business Start-up ChecklistUse this small business start-up checklist make sure you don't miss any important steps. Taking a college business course would help you considerabley also....Other related Articles: Business Furniture SolutionsThere is a whole list of business furniture that must be kept in mind before buying what you need. Choose solutions that are best for your working environment and select every item carefully keeping in mind its purpose and usage....Best Businesses to Start in a Recession August 11, 2010Choosing to start a business in a recession can be risky if you don't know what you are doing. Do your research, information and do some planning. Some small businesses thrive during a difficult economy. These businesses are called counter-cyclical businesses...Getting Money to Start a Business July 1, 2010Getting money to start a business will be tough in a down economy, but not impossible. Depending on the type of business and the amount needed, you may need to acquire...What Home Business Should I Start - Service, Retail, or Product Based Feb 3, 2010Any good home business begins with a good idea. As you brainstorm, plan and prepare to start your new home-based business, you must first understand what kind of business...How to Run a Business from Home Jan 13, 2010Below are 9 helpful suggestions from other business savy entrepreneurs on how to run a business from home ...Start-Up a New Business Jan 7, 2010Over the past 15 years, small business has generated 64% of America's net new jobs, and more than half of American nonfarm GDP is created by small business. Why not start up a new business?...How to Fund a Start-Up Business Oct 13, 2009Here are some sources for funding a small-business for start-up business owners ...The Basics of Starting a Business Sept 3, 2009You’ve made the huge decision to start a business. Most efforts to start a business end in failure, but with the right business idea you can become successful. ...How to Start a Profitable Home Based Business August 17, 2009More and more people are investigating the possibilities of starting their own extra-income profitable home based business. Most of these part-time endeavors...5 Steps to Building a Successful Niche Business August 10, 2009Building a successful niche business with products and services can have the potential to generate big bucks if they capture the hearts, minds and wallets of a...10 Worst Business Partners For Your Start-Up July 3, 2009Business Partnerships can turn out to be a blessing or a curse. For every thriving partnership featured in Entrepreneur, ...How to Build a Family Business May 25, 2009More than 80% of businesses in America are considered family businesses, according to the Cox Family Enterprise Center. But as Professor ...Selecting Your Type of Business May 20, 2009Indeed starting a business and what type of business is one of the most challenging tasks anyone can undertake. One must balance ...Right time to start a business? March 29, 2009I am in my 20s and recently laid off. I have always been interested in starting a business, but with the state of the economy, I am a little unsure ...Start a Business in a Recession March 24, 2009Believe it or not but some entrepreneurs are actually looking to start a business in these economic times. ...How to Start a Start-upAndy McLoughlin spoke a little while ago about how he started a business, Huddle.net, from a simple business idea in a pub to a fully working new business... |
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