Starting and running a small business. Ideas?

I'm just curious about how many people on these forums would ever start their own business. Or if they have their own business, how they started and what kind of business is it.


I know myself, I would like to start a business in PC repair. Perhaps open a small shop for all your computer and networking wares.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I was hired as a Graphic Designer & Webmaster by a private individual. My task was to give his business an online presence. We've since cofounded an Advertisement Agency in the Heavy Machinery/Automobile/Construction/Scrap Metal industry in loose Association with Truck Trader Magazine. We toss consignments back and forth from time to time. We're Southern California for now but we'll be setting up shop in Texas and Florida in the next year, year and a half. I plan to cash out with my million or three by that point. I'll only stick with this project longer if I can stay local and manage the SoCal Branch. I plan to retire by 24 and it's looking good.

Before this, I tried starting a company with a PC Repair Shoppe owner. That turned to ash because he lacked capital. Furthermore, he had a Felony case still in motion and couldn't apply for a Business Loan or Grant. I couldn't help him with the financial aspect because I have Student Loans up the arse and as if I could apply, I wouldn't risk my credit over a joint venture with someone I couldn't trust.

I'm going to launch a Design Studio in the near future and get back into my illustration. I scratched the surface of professional illustration in '03 as a Storyboard Artist for an Independent Film Director but I had to move on because it didn't pay. It only supplied me with equipment, which didn't make ends meet. Image Comics has a Creator Owned partnership with it's Talents so they're my prime target in '09.

This all kind of happened by accident. I just roamed around aimlessly and stumbled into my position. It wasn't glamorous by any means at any point until just recently. I have homelessness under my belt. Dreadlocks and all.

Partnerships are the way to go, I think. I don't do anything alone. The climb is half as high and the fall is half as long, worst case scenario.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

The first things to get when starting one's own company are someone to manage the finances and someone to handle public relations/marketing. If the person starting the business can cover these without too much hassle, then that's fine as well. Then there's the whole matter of getting supplies, workers, and a factory or an office building, if needed.

I recently had to answer a question recently in one of my classes as to what kind of company I would create. I determined that, if given the opportunity, I would start somehing that markets the great product ideas I have... like an edible pen.

Most amazing jew boots

Don't sell hammer and sickle mousepads. Nobody wants them. I'm not sure why; you'd think I'd have a niche selling communist gear. But, nope.

Double Post:
Acro-nym, your color is a bit too much like mine.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I'm taking a business class, and the failure rate for people like you is EXTREMELY high! Be careful in every aspect... that's all I can say.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Hey, dude. That's pretty obnoxious. There has to be a nicer way to tell a person that 'people like them' aren't likely to succeed.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Ironically, I just came back from my Commerce test which involved advice for small business aspirations:

-work under a professional in a related field for about years
-Network!!!
-make sure you have sufficient capital to begin with!
-don't be careless in your initial capital distribution
-find awesome workers
-get yourself an accountant
-seek advice from 5 institutions before starting

I would go through the hassle of attempting to establish a corporation because unlimited liability scares me, what with people suing for the stupidest things these days.

FELIPE NO

I only have one piece of advice for anyone starting their business. If you're going to have a partner, make sure it's someone you trust. Otherwise, you're doomed to fail and have the cumguzzler pull the rug out from under you and walk away.

I got fucked by my partner last year in this regard and now everyone who worked in that graphic business and myself are taking the bastard on a little gangbang through the court system in about 6 months. I'm asking for $42,700 in damages and I'm the one who lost the least!

Trust, you need it.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by Encephalon

Trust, you need it.

Quoted for truth. My current partner and I are amazingly compatible. About an hour ago, he came in and dropped two fifties on my desk in front of me for no obvious reason. That makes Elcee happy. His daughter also makes Elcee happy. I've never been in such a mutual position.



Jam it back in, in the dark.

All I have to say is, good luck. You'll need it.

(Since you said PC repair, if you have a lot of competition, make yourself better than them without putting them down.)

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Elcee

His daughter also makes Elcee happy.

I love quoting out of context.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I'm sincerely hoping that this relationship doesn't go belly-up, because if that were to happen, your position as a partner may become untenable. Mixing business and pleasure seems a little risky bro.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I wanted to open up some kind of Bagel Store in my city because there were only McDonalds and Burgerking stores nearby.

I was even looking for a nifty place where i could start my bagel business but unfortunately Subway stole my idea and invaded my town -.-

In General, I think opening up a foodshop is a good idea because people will never stop being hungry or thirsty.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Ebay is an excellent business opportunity. Printers can be a smart way to start off. Buy printers, sell printers, toners, what not. I think its going into a big business. People want to buy cheap toners, but refurbished and refilled toner can be unreliable, and often fakes. Maybe you can start a trend and startselling reliable items.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Ulysses

I'm sincerely hoping that this relationship doesn't go belly-up, because if that were to happen, your position as a partner may become untenable. Mixing business and pleasure seems a little risky bro.

She and I came to an understanding last night. I let her know not to hesitate if ever she decides that our relationship isn't in her best interest and not to worry about my feelings, because I still have a job to do. I've reached a point in my emotional maturity that no woman makes or breaks me. High Five, Ulysses.

FELIPE NO

My top five tips. Which most people seemed to have missed.

1) Keep in mind that over 90% of small businesses fail. I hate to start off negative, but it's the truth. Most small businesses simply do not make it. The ones that start off well aren't able to sustain themselves in the long term.

2) Make sure what you're doing is feasible for your area. Is their a demand for your services? Is your area already over saturated with what you're trying to provide? Will this sustain you in the long run? Think in terms of decades.

3) Try to keep costs down in the beginning stages; don't try to do too much too fast.
a) Keep staff to a minimum; don't be afraid to multi-task.
b) Expand slowly; overexpansion can tax your energy and resources to the breaking point.

4) Getting into massive amounts of debt in the beginning stages is very bad. Having a supply of capital on hand is highly recommended. This may require multiple partners which is risky.

5) Make sure you have plenty of support from loved ones. I simply can't stress this one enough. Since you'll be taking a lot of risks and that will cause no small amounts of heartache. For you, and them.

Hope this helps. And good luck! Operating a business of your own is rewarding in so many ways it's worth the risks.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I haven't really gotten into anything just yet but right now all I'm doing is gathering ideas so far.


Not really sure what I would look for in partnership, or even how to atain a partnership nonetheless. But I keep my ideals as open as possible right now. I don't mind the risks, but I want to get a solid ground before I do anything.


I figured PC repair would be good for me because I already have years of experience in the field as well as a base on Programming and Computer Engineering. I don't think it would be wise to try to do anything just yet as I'm still learning as much as I can about owning and running a business but I don't think I should just do nothing. No one got anywhere by being afraid of what could go wrong. I try not to think so negatively.


I do know of quite a few areas where these skills and business would be proficient and work very well. I know of a person where I am now that runs a similar business that I hopefully can make my own business someday. Sometimes the best ideas come from the experiences of other successful people and then building on those principals as well as your own to make something unique and beautiful.


I want to make a good life for myself and my family.

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by Watts

Operating a business of your own is rewarding in so many ways it's worth the risks.

Agreed! The risks are plentiful, but the outcome is well worth the journey.

I own my business selling health & wellness products, and the ride has definitely been a fun one! It's opened a wealth of options for me personally and financially and has been an evolving experience. I've studied business since my early years in high school and made it the focus of my studies in college. There are almost unlimited amount of opportunities for you out there, however knowing the right people, staying innovative, and building a network are all important factors as well.

My advice is to never be afraid to ask for help. Look at people who have succeeded in what you're trying to accomplish and plot your route along that. One of the best things you can do is learn from the mistakes of others so you'll be able to avoid them entirely yourself!

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Plarom

It's opened a wealth of options for me personally and financially and has been an evolving experience. I've studied business since my early years in high school and made it the focus of my studies in college.

Pretty much the same way with me. Only thanks to a high school teacher of mine I got some college credit for some Accounting classes I took that were audited by a local community college. Ten dollars per credit is still highway robbery.

It provided me with some very useful and lucrative oppurtunities in the tax accounting business which I ultimately decided wasn't for me. Great skills everyone could benefit from, and a good fallback if I ever need to whore myself out to "the man". Or a side business.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

If all else fails, remember: hand jobs earn quick cash.

...but the dirt never comes off.....you're never clean.....

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Diesoft

If all else fails, remember: hand jobs earn quick cash.

...but the dirt never comes off.....you're never clean.....

At least it's better then being a lawyer.

You're more likely to end up in prison, AND you sell your soul.

I was speaking idiomatically.