How
I start a small business with little money or risk
So today you sent into work and got laid off. Or, you got tired
of working seven days a week because of the big project and said
you've had enough and quit. So now what do you do? Don't file
for unemployment insurance payments. Don't go take a minimum
wage job. Start your own business. In this land of opportunity
anyone can do it.
Before the Start of a Small Business
Why would you want to start a small business? This is where
you need to examine yourself. If you like independence and calling
the shots plus have some skills you do well, then starting a
small business is more than likely for you.
But in this time while you decide what kind of small business
you want to start, take this warning: There are no free lunches
as someone once said. Stay clear of multilevel marketing scams,
work at home and earn outrageous money scams, and any other "opportunities" that
advertise easy money, lots of leisure time, and everything you
would ever want. They are not true and don't fall victim to them.
All will want significant money from you early in the game and
that is the biggest warning indicator to you.
Still not too sure that you want to start a business? Well,
think about it. Depending on your prior salary, it could take
anywhere from six months to a year or even longer to get a new
job. Even though age discrimination in hiring is illegal in the
United States, it still happens yet it is difficult to prove.
So if you are in you late 40s and 50s you might have even a greater
struggle in finding a new job.
Anyways, let's say that it will take you six months to find
a job at your prior salary level. What are you going to do meanwhile?
You have to eat. You have to pay for the bare necessities such
as utilities and auto insurance. Unemployment insurance payments
are not going to cover those expenses. You have a better chance
at being able to keep going if you start a small business.
When To Begin
Part of your decision to start a small business is to decide
what it is you want to do. Maybe you are a good web programmer,
writer, handyperson, Windows programmer. Perhaps you make crafts
well. You might have some skills that you can make money with.
It may be that you have several possibilities. Try one and if
it doesn't work then try the others.
The next big task after you decide to start a small business
is to get the word out about the services you offer. How you
do it depends on the business you are in. For example, if you
are a landscaper, go out and walk the neighborhoods with flyers
advertising your services and prices. Don't spend much money
on phonebook ads and billboards. A simple flyer is all you need
to relay information about your small business to potential customers.
And once you get your first client and they are happy with your
work, you'll be happy you decided to start a small business.
Small
Business Owner's Guidebook - Step-by-step procedures for
new owners
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