What I like about having my own business:
1. NO VACCINE! 😃 Literally the reason why I started lol
2. I get to work whenever I want, with who I want, wherever I want.
So no more:
Envious/passive aggressive coworkers
Micromanaging
Pretending to work
3. People treat me with more respect.
4. Paid by project > hours.
What I don't like
1. Cheap/Retard ass clients
2. Taxes are a pain!
3. Prospecting - constantly sending proposals, getting ghosted and following up with leads can be a pain.
Just a few off the top of my head:
1. BEST resource start your company step-by-step (in USA):
llcuniverstiy.com
2. Keep your costs as low as you can until you're making $$.
My startup costs were about $500
3. Find a way to charge monthly because getting new clients is a hassle.
4. COMMIT. It took me about >350 proposals to get my 1st client.
5. Don't tell anyone about your biz when your start. People hate on what they don't understand.
Good luck!
Without giving away any doxxable info, what do you sell or who are your competitors?
@UncleIroh @basedbagel If you are ever at a Truck Stop and see a Bagel drawn on a Glory Hole…..
@Scubbie @UncleIroh Don't even go there!
@basedbagel @UncleIroh But it would be great Marketing strategy if you ever decide to do truck stop glory hole work!
@UncleIroh I have a marketing company.
What separates me from my competitors is speed (thanks to AI) and customer service.
Sure, marketing is a necessity when running your own business. What I meant was "marketing as a service" vs marketing an actual product or service.
Personally I've been uber busy with work lately and my own thoughts of starting a business.
Good luck.
Thanks! @UncleIroh
I see what you mean now.
It's a productized service so kind of a hybrid. Ex.
You get X deliverables per month for X $$.
It took alot of experimentation but I'm FINALLY getting some traction.
I would highly recommend starting your own even if it's just part time.
Got it. Product is a tougher gig than pure services (which is what I'm going for) since it has tangible material dependencies.
Stil, not easy getting going either way. If I ever jump in with both feet I'll anounce.
@UncleIroh @basedbagel Product is tough because you can’t just invent and sell it,it has to be profitable business,I think 3% of gov grants for R&D have to go to new companies in their budget so if the dept of Agriculture can use your product $.Change it a little for the populace and make it profitable,also make something that helps conform to a law viable,and cheaper to the alternative my uncle made a better way to collect oil at oil change places sold to a company for a million
@UncleIroh @basedbagel problem is applying for government grants is red tape bullshit so strap on the boots and get a loan for the R&D because our Government is suppose to function to promote innovation,but the communist have taken it over so now they pounce on it as another hand out and real innovative minds are left out
@UncleIroh I agree
I specifically started a service biz because I knew it would be easier to get off the ground.
Looking forward to your announcement!
That's what I like to hear! @Binkle@sleepy.
I procrastinated for 6 years and I'm already profitable 2 months in.
It's not easy but it's SO worth it!
1. I handle by turning down customers where you see the warning signals.
2. I pay someone else to do my taxes.
3. Well, I think the trick is to enjoy this one. In my case I tend to accept long time customers, but from time to time it's always good to see what the market has to offer. =)
Thanks! @h4890
As for #3 now that I've pivoted to a monthly service it's less of a grind now.
I wanted to be transparent with all the people saying starting a business is easy.
It may be easy to start a biz but client acquisition is TOUGH.
What I did was to build a network while having a regular job, and then starting my own. Having that network in place, makes it easier to find customers.
Another thing I've done is to run a meetup for the last 7 years which is also a good PR exercise.
Since it's been around for so long its kind of become a brand, so usually I get 40-120 people to visit depending on my sponsor and the venue.
"Run a meetup for the last 7 years which is also a good PR exercise. "
Genius! I'm stealing that idea.
I'm having a hard time networking so that would be a great help
Please do, and best of luck! =) My principles for hosting good meetups are:
1. Ban all salesmen.
2. Have good speakers.
3. Try and find a sponsor so you can offer free beer + burger to the first 10-30 attendees (depending on budget of course).
4. Have patience and grow your meetup over time.
Bookmarked thank you!
@basedbagel any tips for newbies who want to start a business?