I would like to start a business. I would like to know how do I go about doing this? I need money to start. Do I go to a bank? How do i get approved for a loan ? What if my credit is not that good? Would I need Money to start? Do i have to have like a portfolio with a plan laid out. Please tell me everything i need to know to get started for someone to hear my ideas. Thy
Posts Tagged ‘Starting’
Starting an Asset Management Company
30
May
I want to get your opinion about how I can quit my job asap. I read the book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” long time ago and agree that the way to have freedom is to have tangible assets working for you.
I am a stock broker (Investment Advisor) in Canada and am pretty happy about my job. The problem is income would stop if I am not in my office. I want to be away from work and still make money.
I think one of the ways is to start my own Asset Management Company. This way I can generate funds that could pay me money even if I am not there to manage it.
What do you think? Do you have similar thoughts? Do you know where I can get a blue print/business plan of an Asset Management company?
Barriers:
I have a market neutral trading strategy that works already. The problem is I need to be a licensed portfolio manager to start an Asset Management Company in Canada. I need the securities commission to approve my trading strategy and I need initial start up fund to start it. I think I am looking at around 3 million USD for start up fund.
Sorry for not being clear. I am looking to raise 3 million for operation. I’d like to raise at least 50 million for the first fund.
Some of my friends ask me to audit my trades first. Hire an experienced management team with my own capital and then look for angel investors.
How do I go about starting a photo portfolio for my 9 yr old son?
11
May
Nothing serious, just something to get his picture out there, he is super cute.
What’s the best strategy to day trade starting today?
21
Apr
I am conducting a business project, social experiment.
I am playing CNBC’s Million Dollar Portfolio Challenge.
I am just looking for quality advice to invest $1 million in the stock market & looking for clean & crisp advice.
Please do not send spam, or links to pay-for-service sites. I just don’t have the time for that.
Please provide advice, your answer & maybe reasons behind your answer.
I’m seeking to select 20 stocks today, to either purchase & sell.
Our preschool is just starting to do portfolios. Any tips for making good portfolio’s?
08
Mar
Also- How many children are in your class, that you make portfolio’s for? So far I think it’s overwhelming!
Seven Ideas for Starting a Home Business
07
Dec
Forget get-rich-quick programs. If you want to earn some extra money in your extra time, or if you are a stay-at-home mom, take a look at these ideas for starting a home based business. They require a very small investment (less than $100) to get started, and have been tested and proven prosperous by thousands of people.
1. Direct Sales
No matter what your interests and hobbies are, there is a company out there selling products for it. They are recognized as Direct Sale Companies. You earn money through person-to-person sales, retail, home parties or fundraising. Some companies will bestow you with a website for online sales.
The worst thing about this type of job is that is based solely on commission and you need to sell consistently in order to bring in a profit. The good part? Commissions are usually high (20-50%) and you can earn free merchandise as a reward for good sales.
To get started, you need to invest in a Starter Kit from the company, which usually includes sample products, brochures or catalogs, and all necessary forms and applications.
Some companies with a proven record of good sales are: Pampered Chef (sells cookware, kitchen gadgets, and seasonings; Starter Kit is $90), Petra Fashions (lingerie; Bronze Kit is $79; others available), Discovery Toys (educational toys, books, games, and software; Standard Kit, $99), Country Bunny Bath & Body (bath, body, and spa products; their Managing Services Program is $89), White Lily Candles (Choice Kit, $80; cheaper kits are available).
2. Sell Discount Healthcare Plans
Discount benefits plans can be medical only, or cover dental, vision, prescription, and sometimes chiropractic services. They are aimed to people without insurance that want to save money on medical assistance. This is a relatively new service, so there is little competition out there and a potential for great income.
Although you start with direct sales, you can also make money by persuading other brokers, which would earn a commission for you with every sale they make.
AmeriPlan is the top selling plan on the market. You pay $95 for the Basic Broker Kit and then $35 each month to continue as a broker. This includes a free coverage plan for you and all household members and a free website to promote your business. You earn a 30% commission on every enrollment.
3. Sell Crafts
If you are an artist of some kind, you already have the foundation for a new business. Ceramics and pottery are particularly saleable, but you can branch into anything you like, from wood ornaments to pressed flowers to scrapbooking.
Start small, attending craft or county fairs, flea markets, or renaissance fairs. Talk to other artists to see what sells and what doesn’t. If you form a friendship with another crafter, you can offer to share the expenses of a booth with him or her. In smaller fairs, you can buy your own table. Unless you think of participating only in fine art and juried shows, keep in mind that most crafts are impulse buys and they should be priced accordingly (usually under $50).
Other places to sell your crafts are consignment shops and farmers markets. Also check sampler, an online magazine that will advertise your crafts for a small commission on sales.
4. Private Tutor
If you are qualified in an academic subject, you could take up tutoring. Math and foreign languages are always in demand, but many other subjects work as well. You can also offer after-school assistance with homework or test preparation.
Another alternative is to teach an arts and crafts or any other specialty class at a local community center. After you’ve gained some experience, or if you are truly an expert, search for a Learning Annex and examine the possibilities of teaching a workshop or presenting a lecture.
There is little to no investment required to set up this business, unless you count some incidentals, such as office supplies and maybe some used books (visit library sales for this) on the subject you are considering to teach.
5. Cleaning Services
Begin by advertising in the service directory of your local newspaper and taking on small, general house cleaning jobs until you get used to the dynamics of it. Later on you can pursuit companies, building managers, office directors, etc. for large scale jobs, which offer the benefit of being more regular and can guarantee a fixed income.
Most jobs will provide you with their own cleaning supplies, so there is little investment required on your part aside from advertising expenses.
Although not mandatory in many cities, consider getting licensed. Not only it will provide some sort of insurance should something happen to you while at work, but it will also open doors to major companies that may be hesitant to hire you otherwise.
6. Consulting Services
A consultant is an expert in any subject who helps others make the best of an event or a situation. A prime example is the bridal consultant, who’s in charge of planning a wedding to the minimum detail. Other popular areas of consulting: Art, Image, Feng Shui, and Websites & Computers. Event Planners are also consultants with a different name; so are Life Coaches, a very popular and rewarding enterprise nowadays.
Find a niche you can fill. Although there are thousands of Feng Shui consultant, you can differentiate yourself by specializing in Feng Shui for busy people or Feng Shui for the newborn.
Start by picking a area you enjoy and learning as much as you can about it. Find an online class, attend workshops and lectures, or consider a professional degree if one is available on your field.
Build a portfolio. Offer your services for free to friends and family members in exchange for reference letters. Take a few representative photographs of the final product for your portfolio.
A good place to get started is The Association of Professional Consultants (CONSULTAPC).
7. Pet Services
Pet Sitting – Just as the name infers, it entails taking care of animals, usually when the owners go away on vacation. Many pet sitters take animals into their own homes (works only if you have the space and no pets of your own) or visit the animals twice daily. Do not limit yourself to dogs and cats. There is an ever increasing market for owners of birds, fish, and other small animals.
Dog Trainer – Dog trainers help with proper housetraining methods, teach animals to follow commands, and provide assistance with choosing the right type of breed for every individual. They can also handle common behavior problems (excessive barking, biting, etc.) and train animals for shows and competitions. The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) offers assistance to potential dog trainers, as well as a certification exam. Check their website for more information.
Dog Walker – Although the primary responsibility is simply to take the animals out for a walk, many dog walkers do much more than that. To set yourself apart, you can learn to plan exercise routines for overweight pets, administer medications, or offer pet boarding as part of your service. Most dog walkers take several dogs at a time and charge by the hour; you can also offer the option of “private walking” and charge more.
Dog Groomer – Dog groomers are in charge of maintaining the overall appearance of the animal, including trimming and shampooing the coat, nail clipping, and brushing and combing. Many start working at pet shops or boarding kennels to gain experience before opening their own business. Mobile dog grooming is a flourishing business, which entails the groomer driving to the client’s house, usually in a van, which is equipped with all necessary tools for a complete grooming. For more information, check the NDGAA (National Dog Groomers Association of America) website.
Starting a Profitable Photography Business
29
Nov
So you want to start your own photography business from home. In today’s world, this is a lot easier than it once was. Now you no longer need a dark room and equipment, and messy chemicals to develop your photos. This makes the ongoing costs of photography less expensive than ever before.
Do you have a passion for photography? Do you dream of making your hobby into a full-time job working for yourself? All you need is a place at home converted into a work space, and you are ready to setup and start working. You will also need to market yourself so people know what you do and how to find you.
Make sure you have a good portfolio to show potential clients.
Think of it like this – Would you a hire a photographer if they could not show you examples of their work to impress you? If the answer is no then – Why would your potential clients hire you if you don’t have an impressive portfolio?
Photography Equipment for Starting Out
All you need to start is a good SLR digital camera, a photo editing program like Adobe Photoshop and a computer. This is how simplistic photographic equipment has become. You can go out and spend money on extra equipment but until you can afford more, you can always hire it.
Skills of a Digital Photographer
In the old days, a photographer needed very specialist skills. That’s not to say they don’t still. It is just the focus on skills has changed. The digital age has made it so much easier to manipulate and print your own photos and images. There is no more buying, wasting or developing film. Anyone with a good eye, a love for photography and a willingness to learn can turn their hobby into a successful photography business.
The demand for photographs is higher than ever before; what, with online businesses shooting up all over the place. That doesn’t look like stopping any time soon. But the price paid for photographs is lower than in the past. This is because competition has risen so much with so many photographers competing against each other worldwide. However, there has been a rise in demand for photos. More and more people are shopping online. Every e-commerce website needs photos of their products. Every corner of the market needs more photos than ever because they are now so much more visual – travel agents, real estate, celebrations; really, anything you can think of can be a subject for a photograph that can be something someone needs.
When thinking of setting up as a freelance photographer think about what niche market your interests fit into. See what people are already doing and charging, and look at where you fit in. What do you do that is so special? Take a look at other photographer’s prices and see if you can charge less. But in considering this, think about your skills and make sure you do not undervalue yourself or your overheads. There is no point working cheaper than your competitors if it means you make no money. You will from time to time need to transfer ownership of your images to a customer and it’s good to have forms in place to assist with quick and smooth transition. You may want to think about some standard forms for varying occasions.
Business Planning yourself into the Future
As for any other business, it is wise to write yourself a business plan. This will guide you through your initial setup stages as well as into the future. It can be a useful implement for many different purposes. A business plan should include: – your goals, – financial projections, – pricing, – current financial position, – marketing plan, – a mission statement, and – how you will achieve your goals.
It is a good reference document to keep you and your business on track. Your business plan should be regularly updated to reflect the growth of your business.
A business plan should include whether you are a sole trader or whether you are going to form a company to work under; you business or trading name and where you intend to operate from. Your business plan should be detailed; include any future goals and set yourself milestones to reach. This gives you a good guide on how to get there, but if your needs change, update the business plan.
A business plan also needs details of your financial and business history. One day you may need to apply for a loan and lenders will want to see something in writing to show them you are serious about your business.
A clear marketing plan of how you are going to reach your objectives and potential clients is an absolute must. Include things like what sets you apart from other photographers. Think about what type of customers you want. Take a second to think if it will be something like portrait or baby photography. Do you want to specifically target these markets? There are many different types of photography, consider carefully if you would prefer to specialize in one or two? Maybe target your business at your area of expertise then grow or branch out from there. Ask yourself if you are happy with a small, part-time business, or if you want to target a wider market full-time. Consider whether you need a website to market your skills. Ask yourself how many other avenues you can reach to enhance your customer base?
Another part of you business plan should outline the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors. Look at their services and how you can compete. Find out their prices. This is fairly easy these days as most people post their prices on their websites. Explain how go about your business or indeed highlight the parts of your business that benefits the customer. How are you going to make money? What expenditure do you need in the first few years? How are you going to finance that? How much have you got in the bank to support you through any tough times in the first 2 years? What insurances do you need? How are you going to keep track of your customers, billing, and the everyday running of your business? How are you going to deal with your taxes?
Check that you do not need licenses in your state to run a business from home. Take a look at how you will expand into the future. Work out if your business can cover your expenses. If you are intending to leave a full-time job, it may pay to start out small and build your business up to where you can cut your days at your other job. Do not be too hasty to jump in. Always protect your financial situation.
As you can see, anyone can start a business as a photographer. The difference between success or not is in your planning and control of the related elements in your life and above all, you must enjoy photography.
Starting your Own Property Business
12
Nov
You can start your own property business from your home with a little bit of capital. From this humble start you can go on to make some serious money as well as build your reputation as a master property dealer. You can quickly become quite successful and wealthy if you go about doing things the right way. It does not matter if you do not own any property yourself because in the beginning you will be working on letting property than belongs to others.
The first thing to do is to create a professional sounding name for your business and also formulating a sound business plan. Then you must make a thorough market research. These initial steps are going to decide the first few months of your business. Get them right and you are ready to taste success. The main thing to avoid is to rush things. Since you have never done anything of this sort before take your time to learn the ropes. The market is not going to disappear overnight while you are looking the other way.
Market research helps you to understand the environment you are working in. For example you must know your competitors and what they charge landowners and tenants? How do they go about advertising their services and what marketing techniques do they use? Is most of their campaigning done on the internet, offline, or both? What sort of properties are they mainly dealing in and what is being charged based on what factors? All this will help you to know your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. The ideal way to figure all this out is to become a mystery shopper.
You can find the list of other property dealers in your area by searching the internet or browsing a business directory. That part is easy. Next to each competitor write down their charges. Note that you cannot charge clients for registration but only for processing their tenancy application. Charging for registration is against the law. Next write down what the others are charging landlords. In the next column you should note down their website URL along with other contact information. At this point some people start to feel queasy because it seems to them that they are prying a little too much into the personal lives of their competitors. This feeling is normal so do not hesitate from the task at hand. Every new business simply has to study its competitors or it will not survive long. Once you pop on the radar you too will be subjected to similar activities from your competitors.
Now you need to build your portfolio. Your portfolio is the best way of showing your customers what you can do for them if they retain your services. It also serves as an experience benchmark and can include the terms and conditions of your business along with its goals, mission, and so on. A Real Estate portfolio helps people to understand why they should work with you and no one else. Go for multiple format portfolios to cater to different customers. Remember to keep updating it to keep it fresh.
I Am Starting A Web Design Business, How Can I Build My Portfolio?
04
Nov
I am willing to offer free websites to legit business’s, provided they get a .com domain name. Until i have a decent portfolio.
Any advice ppl ?
www.websireland.com
Starting A Freelance Photography Business
29
Oct
Would you love the opportunity to make money from your photographs? Do you love to shoot just about anything on camera? Then freelance photography might be just the career for you, but how do you get into freelance photography?
Your freelance photography portfolio
The first thing you want to look at when considering freelance photography is your portfolio. Your portfolio should be a reflection of the area of photography that you particularly want to specialize in. It should contain a number of different pieces which give a good reflection of the type of work you are able to produce. If you want to do more general work then try to prepare a portfolio for each category of photographs that you are going to be taking.
How to find freelance photography work
Once you have prepared a good portfolio you will need to start looking for freelance positions. One of the easiest ways to do this is to go onto freelance jobs boards such as freelanceworkexchange.com, elance.com and guru.com and search for positions that are being offered on these boards.
If you are still looking for freelance work why not create a website advertising your services? If you are unable to do this yourself then ask for help from someone who knows what they are doing in this area. Once again, freelance jobs boards are a great place to find people to help you with your website.
You can also find freelance photography positions by contacting newspapers and magazines to find out whether they accept photography from freelancers and whether they have any freelance positions available. You can also advertise your services in local magazines and newspapers to get work from the community.
Writing your freelance photography contract
Once you have found freelance photography work the next thing you will need to do is form a contract with the people who have commissioned work from you. This contract should include the exact nature of the pictures to be taken as well as how many pictures they are wanting, when you plan to have these photographs done by as well as your costs and payment terms for these photographs.
If you are planning on going into freelance photography you should start by putting together a good portfolio of work, preferably specializing in a particular area. Once you have created a portfolio which is a good reflection of you work you will want to search on freelance jobs boards for freelance positions as well as advertising your services in and to magazines and newspapers and creating your own website. Once you have received a freelance position you will need to draw up a contract with your client which includes the details of the work that needs to be done as well as delivery dates and cost and payment terms. If you love shooting things with your camera then freelance photography can be a great job that will allow you to follow your passions.
Steps to Starting Your Own Web Design Business
05
Oct
Web Design is an exciting field for anyone with programming or graphic design skills to get into. It’s especially attractive because of the very low barrier to entry for people with a large amount of talent but not the same large amount of startup capital to start their own traditional business. Thanks to the constantly falling costs for the essentials of a web design business you can start your new career in an afternoon on the cheap.
The first thing you’ll need is your own web site on your own domain name. It seems obvious but you’d be surprised how many people either fail at this first critical step or make some bad choices along the way. Your own site will be used not only as a portfolio for any existing or future work but as a means for potential clients to contact you as well so it’s important to make a good first impression. A .com domain name only costs $10 on average so spend the money and pick a name that suits you and your business. Try and be professional but at the same time unique.
Once you have your domain name chosen and purchased you’ll need to find appropriate web hosting for not only your site but your clients as well. Again, it’s important to choose your web host wisely. There are many snake oil salesmen in this industry so you do not want to rush out and find the cheapest provider you can. For a few hundred dollars a year you can find a high quality host with lots of storage and bandwidth available.
The web host is without a doubt the single most important aspect of starting your new web design business. If you pick a host that is constantly having problems with uptime then you’ll eventually lose clients and work. That is why it’s so important to make the right decision now to avoid disaster later.
Once you purchased a domain name and found suitable hosting its time to put together your site to advertise your services. If you have previous examples of work you’ve done make sure you add them to your site. It’s important to only show the strongest pieces of your portfolio so if there are some designs or sites you’ve done in the past that you aren’t 100% proud of then leave them out. Only present your best work to potential web design clients. In addition to a portfolio, it’s critical to provide a working email address or contact form on your site so potential customers can contact you. It’s recommended that you include a phone number and postal address to help at legitimacy to your business.
Those are the three basic steps to launching a web design business. Once your site is up and running to advertise your skills and talents you need to start searching for new clients to keep the work coming in. Being a freelance web designer can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding for anyone with a passion for programming and design.
What Should I Know In Starting Up My Own Web Design Business?
30
Sep
I have some experience supporting a large website, but not with the entire design process yet. But I really enjoy doing this type of work and would love to make money doing it. I have most of the software I think I would need (Photoshop, Dreamweaver, etc), as well as space with a hosting service. I am still working on my personal website and I don’t have much to include for a personal portfolio yet. What would be the best steps to take to really venture out on my own by starting my own web design business and find potential customers? With all of the ‘do it yourself’ templates out now, is there a big demand for this type of work still?
How Would I Go About Starting A Web Design Portfolio For Future Employers To See?
10
Sep
I am a recent college graduate, I am looking for a web design job, but how can I get a job and get professional experience if I don’t have any in the first place?