* Collective Advice on Running a Business *
The ClubHouse: General Discussions - Jan -Apr. 2001: February:
* Collective Advice on Running a Business *
Guruchaz | Sunday, February 18, 2001 - 01:10 pm  This thread is for those who own and run their own businesses to share some insight to those who are either thinking about starting one or who want some ideas to improve their existing business. A good place to start would be what it took for you to personally get started and what you've learned along the way. |
Digilady | Sunday, February 18, 2001 - 02:32 pm  Guts. Guts and market research. Is there a "hole" somewhere? A need to be filled? |
Kady99 | Sunday, February 18, 2001 - 06:56 pm  I was very fortunate in how I got into my own business. My parents owned a liquor store. I worked for them for about 4 years. It wasn't easy, they started me at minimum wage and totally at the bottom. I learned alot in that time about the business, ordering, budgeting and all about dealing with customers. One of my fathers friends who owned a liquor store across town passed away. His wife who was from Germany wanted to sell the store and move to CA to be with her neice. She totally convinced my Dad to buy the store for me. She had other offers on the business but refused them because she wanted a friend of her husband's to have the store. Dad always talked about me to Ms. Margaret and she said this store would be perfect for me. (This lady was nuts, ask Azriel who was working for her at the time). What finally convinced Dad to do it was the interest free financing she offered him. Well in August 1988 the papers were signed and keys handed to me. So even though my parents technically owned the business, it was given over to me. I believe taking over an existing business would be easier than starting one from scratch. The most important thing to give your business at first is time. And since I had already been working in a store and was easy for me. I consider myself very lucky. I have worked very hard to keep my business going. Things have really gotten hard for the Mom&Pop retail places. It is now a struggle to stay in business with all the chain stores and discount stores. Coming soon- Part 2--- Employees, some you love and some you hate!!!! |
Norwican | Wednesday, February 21, 2001 - 10:54 am  My husband owns his own business. To begin you must be willing to put in a lot of hours until you have reached a level where you can afford to hire and keep good employees. My husband was willing to cater to his clients scheduling needs including working nights and weekends in order to gain an edge over the competition who were less flexible. He started off giving discounts to his first 20 or so clients in exchange for mentioning their satisfaction with his work and passing along his business card. This method worked out great until he could afford to add a monthly advertising expense to the budget. |
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