I'm planning on starting a little business...any suggestions?

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raphaela

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Hey, I’ve decided that I want to start a business in fragrance and cosmetics. I’ve been doing my research into all-natural, no crazy chemicals and feel that it would be a good investment. I took and entreprenuership class in highschool but unfortunatley slept through the entire semester so much needed info is lost.
do any of you own a business? I’m planning on making all my stuff at home and shipping directly to customers, avoiding the costly middle man. My roommate (if he wants too) can help me with the webpage, but I need pointers on where to start…any helpful hints? Thanks
 
The Small Business Administration (sba.gov) has innumerable resources for starting your own business. I would check that site to see if there are any seminars given by your local Chamber of Commerce. I have been to a couple where I live, and they have been very informative. I would also speak to a CPA about what you need to do to register your business, tax information, etc.
 
I see where raphaela is from Ontario (Canada) and perhaps some American’s might still think they are part of the USA (sorry raphaela).

I had a very small business once. If I had a suggestion, it would be to start with a good focus. Plan one product that you think will work and get it out there. I think go with a fragrance. It might be possible to package your fragrance several ways. As a perfume (in an atomizer). And as a home air freshener. But do a small batch and get one product out there to start. Perhaps take some to your local beautician and ask if they will sell it on consignment.

If your first product doesn’t work. Don’t quit. Try something else.
If your first product works, then grow it’s volume (more stores or get on the internet). When there is some time to do something else, get another product out there.

Running a business is like driving a car. Without power steering, it is hard to turn the steering wheel unless the car is moving. You must start the engine and get the car in gear before you go anywhere at all. So go for it.
 
I see where raphaela is from Ontario (Canada) and perhaps some American’s might still think they are part of the USA (sorry raphaela).
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Oops…I guess the SBA probably wouldn’t help much in Canada.
 
There is probably a Canadian SBA.

And the American SBA probably does have some good ideas. So look it over also. They just won’t help you financially or personally.
 
Develop a good business plan. Have your local favorite banker look it over.

Look into all the laws regulating your chosen field. Be sure you set enough aside for taxes and insurance. I really recommend being sure you go through the steps to do the legal end of it right.

And BTW… bravo…

I am a huge advocate of home businesses for women. I think they are Biblically sound, they allow a mother/wife to be home with her children while bringing in an income which allows her husband to work less and be home more to be a good father and to develop his own faith. All while keeping the family in good economic straights.

-D
 
Thanks darcee!!! I’m not sure how to go about the business plan. I think i will look at the laws regarding my product, but then start to make and sell them first. If the product gets big enough then I will get the bankers and lawyers into it…does that make sense? i don’t want a whole bunch of fees (I’m in college) to deal with if this doesn’t work out.

It would be nice if this got big enough that I didn’t have to work!!!😃

Oh the dreams…
 
please please listen to this though first.

Be sure you understand and are following the laws of your provience and if you sell online be sure you understand the laws of the state/country to which you ship.

If one person were to have an allergic reaction to your product they could turn around and leaglly ruin you for life if you don’t have your paperwork and insurance taken care of.

Just a bit of advice especially considering the business you are looking at.

-D
 
raphaela,

I am a business owner myself. I can tell you in all sincerity that being a business owner means you only have to work* half days!* The best part is… you get to pick which 12 hours of the day that’ll be!
😃

Seriously, the time commitment on your part (or anyone’s part) necessary to make even the most basic of businesses successful can be extremely formidable - MUCH more than you’d expect. I’m not trying to scare you off; just giving you a “heads-up!”

Good luck to you!

a pilgrim
 
But Pilgrim you will have to concede that there is a huge difference between running a SB where you are only trying to bring in a few hundred a month and one where you are trying to support a family.

I get the feeling that raphaela is just dabbling at this point, which is great. she might well find the time commitment is only an hour or two a day if she starts small.

-D
 
Thanks for the heads up Pilgrim…right now though, I’m starting very small. It’s gonna be a bit expensive at first, I’m trying to find bulk products in Canada (my city hopefully) to help me out but so far…all i can find is American, which kinda sucks cause the exchange plus taxes plus shipping is gonna kill my budget. i only plan on bringing in a couple hundred if that after breaking even. Anything I can make a profit at would be really good!!
 
market, market, market yourself. network like crazy, make your name synonomous with your product. hand cards out like the grew on trees, advertise, and most importantly, the golden rule for starting a business…
don’t be cheap. don’t skimp on spending, don’t pinch every penny, it sounds counterintuitive, but the more you spend on advertising now, the faster the cash flow starts in.
and most importantly, be enthuisatic, you have nothing now (as far as the business) so you have nothing to lose.
and, when people are working for you, don’t micromanage, the best managers and business owners know how to DELEGATE responsibility to others freeing up your time to manage the nuts and bolts of the business.
 
Thank you everyone for your great advice. I’ve decided against my ideas because I don’t have the time or money to get into such a thing right now. I figure school and work are enough, shouldn’t add even more stress.

Thanks again for you comments and advice!
 
You want to check out the Small Business Administration and your local community college. They are a wealth of information for people who want to start their own businesses.
 
This thread doesn’t seem to have much relevance to Catholicism, interesting as it may be.
 
if a woman is supplimenting her familiy income via a home based business it is good for the family and a very “Catholic” thing.
 
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