Is it hard to start your own small business from scratch?

Q. Is it hard to start your own small business from scratch for a college student. Let's say he's got an idea.

What are all the steps [areas] involved along the way until you can finally launch your own small business?

Is my question the same as entrepreneurship?
Thankyou for your answers!
side question: Is it better to just start your own business or to work for a company for the rest of your life? is it risky to start your own business but more rewarding at the end?

A. First, you need to develop a business plan: what is your idea/product? How will you make your product? How will you distribute your product? How will you find your customers? How will you finance your business? and so on.......

The two hardest things for a new business are finding the financing and getting the word out to potential customers.

A bank won't give you a loan just because you have an idea. However, if you show them a solid business plan that includes research on why people need your product, the current competition, and the expected sales AND they see profit potential in the business, you may be able to get a small business loan for start up. Or you can try to find an investor who will give you start up cash in exchange for a portion of the ownership of the business.

There are a LOT of steps along the way but it really depends on where you want to go. As a sole proprietorship (just you own the company), there aren't as many legal hassles but the company's income goes on your personal income taxes.

I'd recommend taking a couple of business classes in college. And accounting. Every business owner needs to know the basics of accounting.

Original Question

Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. Yes some do, unless you have a group of business people who group together to start a big one. Look at 3 the phone network, that came from nowhere.

Original Question

Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. Some do, some are started on a large scale by already-wealthy investors.
I can't speak for liberals, but I personally believe it is unethical to expand your business to the point where you no longer personally know your employees and customers. That is not a statement advocating regulations, but rather a personal ethical preference. Even the most ardent free market capitalist must admit that Mom & Pop's Corner Store is a better shopping experience than the fluorescent hell of Wal-Mart.

Original Question

What people I need for a small business?

Q. I am a graduate of IT and I want to start a small internet business. My question is, what people I need to start? What knowledge I need to know first. I can do the technical but I don't know how to market internet business.

Any idea? Tips where I'm going to start? Forums? Links? Books? Thanks.

A. I own 2 companies now. My first one folded. It can be rough but I have learned a little bit about it now. First get incorporated or file the assumed name form at the court so your business name will exist and you can start opening a bank account and getting marketing materials together. One of the best things to do early on is join your local chamber of commerce. It costs about 200 dollars but you get free advertising, free referrals, and they put you into their directory of member companies so that other chamber members can do business with people in the organization. That will help you get a start. Email me if you want. I'll send you some more details.

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How much is a small business owner entitled to?

Q. Hello, I recently opened a small business and I have a few questions. First of all, how much of a small business's income am I able to use? And how much does the business has to make before I have to send out taxes? I'm sorry it's just something i'd like to be made clear. It is something I do on the side of my current job so the income will most likely be low ( less then $20.000) annually.

A. if it's a sole proprietorship, you and the business are the same
If you earn $400 you have to file taxes. If you make more than $400 at a traditional job, all the profit from this business gets added on top of that income.

Original Question

If I register a new business can I claim equipment I already own as a business expense on taxes?

Q. I have been building electric guitars at home and am considering registering this as a new small business. My question is, can I claim the woodshop equipment that I have already purchased as a business expense? Is there a way to sell the equipment to the business so that it can be claimed as a deduction on taxes?

A. Using the date you officially started the business (as opposed to it being a hobby as it appears it has been) you can convert the equipment from personal use to business use property and begin depreciating the equipment for it's value as of that date (not what you originally paid for it).

If you are self employed you cannot sell the equipment to the business. You are the business.

If you incorporate (not an LLC) the equipment can move from personal to business property, and in essence be sold to the co. Be careful, however, if you incorporate you may have to prepare payroll taxes, etc. in addition to the extra corporate returns at the end of each year.

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Where can I learn to run a small business in Southern California?

Q. I have a small business and I have lots of questions about how much to spend on advertising, keeping customers, etc. I know there are websites, but I wonder if there are any inexpensive courses or programs where I can get face-time with an expert.

A. Try SCORE ( service corps of retired executives) They are a non-profit group that specialize in mentoring....

Original Question

What are some common questions of small business owners looking to begin exporting?

Q. We are looking to form a list of frequently-asked-questions and answers for a resource for small businesses who are starting to export. We do not need the answers to the questions, just the questions themselves. We need an idea from those who have been in this situation of what questions they did have, so we can best construct the resource to meet their needs.

A. Hi,

Use google or other search engine and check on faq from many sites. With the help of this, you can come up with the faq relevant to your kind of business.

Solution.

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Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. Some do, some are started on a large scale by already-wealthy investors.
I can't speak for liberals, but I personally believe it is unethical to expand your business to the point where you no longer personally know your employees and customers. That is not a statement advocating regulations, but rather a personal ethical preference. Even the most ardent free market capitalist must admit that Mom & Pop's Corner Store is a better shopping experience than the fluorescent hell of Wal-Mart.

Original Question

What people I need for a small business?

Q. I am a graduate of IT and I want to start a small internet business. My question is, what people I need to start? What knowledge I need to know first. I can do the technical but I don't know how to market internet business.

Any idea? Tips where I'm going to start? Forums? Links? Books? Thanks.

A. I own 2 companies now. My first one folded. It can be rough but I have learned a little bit about it now. First get incorporated or file the assumed name form at the court so your business name will exist and you can start opening a bank account and getting marketing materials together. One of the best things to do early on is join your local chamber of commerce. It costs about 200 dollars but you get free advertising, free referrals, and they put you into their directory of member companies so that other chamber members can do business with people in the organization. That will help you get a start. Email me if you want. I'll send you some more details.

Original Question

Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. Yes. Either that or they are bought out by a large company. I consider myself a moderate who wants smaller government and government spending. Both Republicans and Democrats in government are quick to spend other peoples money and give themselves huge salaries and perks. Get rid of them all.

Original Question

Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. of course they do but most were small companies decades ago and have become greedy buying out smaller companies to get rid of the competition.

i personally could care less about the whole thing what you Americans do over their is your own business

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How can I go about starting a small welding business?

Q. I am looking for some help. I already have the equipment for the business, I can do every type of welding, along with any type of fabrication. I have been working in the welding feild for over 10 years.

So, I have the expreiance and I have the drive it takes to work towards growing a small business. My question is how can I get steady business coming in? I don't have alot of money, so i can't really advertise all that much, I tried getting the word out (word of mouth), by making things for friends and other small businesses, but it never gave me steady business.

So again, heres my questions,
How can I go about getting a steady flow of customers?
How can I grow this business into something more than just a garage business, with out taking tens of thousands of dollars out for a business loan?
Are there any websites out there that could also help me with these question?

A. Hi there, i have found a website with detailed info on starting a small business. I hope u find it usefull

http://smallbiz.co.nr

Original Question

Is it hard to start your own small business from scratch?

Q. Is it hard to start your own small business from scratch for a college student. Let's say he's got an idea.

What are all the steps [areas] involved along the way until you can finally launch your own small business?

Is my question the same as entrepreneurship?
Thankyou for your answers!
side question: Is it better to just start your own business or to work for a company for the rest of your life? is it risky to start your own business but more rewarding at the end?

A. First, you need to develop a business plan: what is your idea/product? How will you make your product? How will you distribute your product? How will you find your customers? How will you finance your business? and so on.......

The two hardest things for a new business are finding the financing and getting the word out to potential customers.

A bank won't give you a loan just because you have an idea. However, if you show them a solid business plan that includes research on why people need your product, the current competition, and the expected sales AND they see profit potential in the business, you may be able to get a small business loan for start up. Or you can try to find an investor who will give you start up cash in exchange for a portion of the ownership of the business.

There are a LOT of steps along the way but it really depends on where you want to go. As a sole proprietorship (just you own the company), there aren't as many legal hassles but the company's income goes on your personal income taxes.

I'd recommend taking a couple of business classes in college. And accounting. Every business owner needs to know the basics of accounting.

Original Question

Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. Yes some do, unless you have a group of business people who group together to start a big one. Look at 3 the phone network, that came from nowhere.

Original Question

Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. Some do, some are started on a large scale by already-wealthy investors.
I can't speak for liberals, but I personally believe it is unethical to expand your business to the point where you no longer personally know your employees and customers. That is not a statement advocating regulations, but rather a personal ethical preference. Even the most ardent free market capitalist must admit that Mom & Pop's Corner Store is a better shopping experience than the fluorescent hell of Wal-Mart.

Original Question

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Questions about small business catering?

Q. Hello, my wife and I are thinking of starting a very small-scale catering business in southern California. It would be strictly a weekend thing, not even every weekend, just once in a while, maybe 1-2 events per month. Eventually we might like to make it a larger scale business, but to start, it would be smaller parties. My question is, what are the laws regarding business license? Does it depend on how much money generated? Will we need insurance? Any info is appreciated. Also, if we need legal paperwork done, where do we go and whats it called?

A. When you start there is almost no paperwork required. You can pay $10 at the Secretary of States Office to buy a name. But you don't have to do that. Since you won't be making much money in the beginning, the city and state don't worry about a license. You can visit City Hall and register as a business.... or you can wait to see if this business is a success.
The Health Department is swamped and understaffed. They don't care about you unless they get a lot of complaints. At some time you can register with them and they will send someone out to check that you don't have ant poison stored in the food shelves (don't laugh... this is common) and you don't have mouse droppings on the floor.
You probably don't need insurance unless you are providing a tent and chairs for a wedding or party. Once again, worry about this later when you get busy. Too many people spend weeks getting "ready" then never actually get any jobs.
You don't need legal paperwork. You don't need to incorporate or form a partnership. There are no assets to shield since you aren't investing $1Million in the business.

Original Question

Small business questions. Please answer?

Q. I have many questions to ask for small business, mostly involving how much money it takes. Please try and help me?

For a small business, how much money does it take to...
1. rent a place for a store
2. decorate the room (with curtains, furniture... etc)
3. buying 1 computer and 4 sets of tools
4. buying furniture
5. paying the workers (like, how much money should you pay the employees each month, assuming this is a small business)
6. putting ads into newspapers to promote the business

A. what kind of "small" business do u mean? how small is small?
renting a store, or godown? be specific, this can range from 2k - 10k. decor can be simple, upgrade as u go along. 20k can do simple stuff. PC can be cheap, depending on ur need, if ur business is IT based, then it's ur MAJOR expenses. i suppose tools are ur major thing, so allocate more for that.
furniture can be simple ones, nowadays those factory sales alot, 2k u can get nice couch, table and stuff.
pay, whereabouts is this 'business'? small towns, pay is lesser than city pay (difference can go up to 1k).
ads, u don't need newspaper just yet. try fliers instead, cheaper, and if u hv fds working in magazines, u can try get connection to get it featured... works well (provided u have something special to show).
so all in all, u need AT LEAST 50k for a small business, and i say AT LEAST, coz u may not come back even at the end of the month... give it some time before u see profit (at least, u're prepared).

Original Question

Can someone please answer these questions for me regarding the Small Business Administration?

Q. I am stuck on these 2 question about the Small Business Administration - can anyone help me out with answering these two? Please!

To whom, if anyone, does an agency report?

Where do the legislative and judicial branches come into play with investigation and enforcement of your identified agency?

A. Lisa got you what you asked.

Don't forget it's a bureaucracy, therefor; It is self serving.

Original Question

Small Business Questions.. I need 5 people to answer... IT'S EASY!?

Q. Please Answer these questions.
*INCLUDE YOUR FIRST NAME, IF POSSIBLE*


1.) Describe the reasons you prefer to buy from a small business.

2.) Describe the reasons you prefer to buy from a large business.

3.) What are the disadvantages of small businesses?

4.) What are the disadvantages of large business?



***PLEASE ANSWER ALL FOUR***

A. My first name is Nicole

1.) Describe the reasons you prefer to buy from a small business.

More personalized service, to keep "Mom and Pop" in business.

2.) Describe the reasons you prefer to buy from a large business.

Broader product offering, perhaps an online system that is easier to place orders on rather than going to the "small biz" shop.

3.) What are the disadvantages of small businesses?

perhaps their product selection is less than what the big guys are offering.. fewer bells and whistles if you will.

4.) What are the disadvantages of large business?

Getting lost in the shuffle with the lack of personal service.

Original Question

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Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. Some do, some are started on a large scale by already-wealthy investors.
I can't speak for liberals, but I personally believe it is unethical to expand your business to the point where you no longer personally know your employees and customers. That is not a statement advocating regulations, but rather a personal ethical preference. Even the most ardent free market capitalist must admit that Mom & Pop's Corner Store is a better shopping experience than the fluorescent hell of Wal-Mart.

Original Question

What people I need for a small business?

Q. I am a graduate of IT and I want to start a small internet business. My question is, what people I need to start? What knowledge I need to know first. I can do the technical but I don't know how to market internet business.

Any idea? Tips where I'm going to start? Forums? Links? Books? Thanks.

A. I own 2 companies now. My first one folded. It can be rough but I have learned a little bit about it now. First get incorporated or file the assumed name form at the court so your business name will exist and you can start opening a bank account and getting marketing materials together. One of the best things to do early on is join your local chamber of commerce. It costs about 200 dollars but you get free advertising, free referrals, and they put you into their directory of member companies so that other chamber members can do business with people in the organization. That will help you get a start. Email me if you want. I'll send you some more details.

Original Question

Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. Yes. Either that or they are bought out by a large company. I consider myself a moderate who wants smaller government and government spending. Both Republicans and Democrats in government are quick to spend other peoples money and give themselves huge salaries and perks. Get rid of them all.

Original Question

Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals a?

Q. Do Big Businesseses start out as Small Businesses the reason Im asking this question is because the Liberals and the Democrats seem to be Anti Big Business and anti Rich/Wealthy when the in fact many Rich/Wealthy people started out as poor or lower class lower income lower middle class and became Rich/Wealthy Rags to Riches and many Small Business Owners become Big Business Owners ?

A. of course they do but most were small companies decades ago and have become greedy buying out smaller companies to get rid of the competition.

i personally could care less about the whole thing what you Americans do over their is your own business

Original Question

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