Planning a Business

Thanks Judi, but have you done anything like this: make a business plan, etc. How did you go about it?

Good luck! And make sure the business you choose can do well in your area.

thanks arlene, any experience with coming up with a business?
Keep on going on

Take judi's advice, choose your target, go on the net and CHECK out all aspects of it.
I have had 3 businesses in the past few decades, all were good. The downfall? Finding good EMPLOYEES!!!

The SBA has some great resources. I put some resources online here at while back (some are Atlanta focused, but other's are not) http://www.angelfire.com/ga3/catsandjackets/smallbiz.html

thanks penni and shannon. I have a BA in business, I am educated in how to start a business and where to go. My question is "how to pick what business you want"?
Keep on going on ;-o

I have always owned my own business- two retail businesses that I owned with my husband...and then three that I have started on my own. One was retail, one was service related and the one I am doing now is an internet marketing franchise. And it is certainly the most worry free of them all.
I agree that employees are the very worst part of owning a business!

Melinda, what kind of Internet Business is it?
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good luck :)

thanks Denise
Do you have a passion that you would like to cash in on?
Keep on going on ;-o

Try this lady's stuff. She's great: Joyfully Jobless

Lydia, thank you for the website, checking it out right now. Maybe it help me combine all of my passions for a of making money that is fun and fulfilling
Keep on going on ;-o

thanks Judi
Keep on going on ;-o

Judi and the other have given you good advice so far. A business plan is essential and not just for showing to a bank to get a loan, but it provides you with a map of goals you need to complete in order to be successful. Having a life plan is also a good idea. I attribute my own small business failing for a number of reasons. (1) I am a skilled worker/artisan not a business man. If you have difficulty dealing with any of the "business' aspects of your small business look for others whose business it is do such things; accountants, printers, etc. You probably won't need them at first, but when your client list starts to grow you will need them. Advertise and network. I am an awesome draftsman, CAD operator and designer, but nobody knew it because I made no allowance for this kind of thing in my budget. Oh yeah have a budget. Probably the most insightful thing I can tell you is this. Early on decide whether your operating a hobby or a business. Make a concerted effort to keep your business a serious proposition. Everyone who opens a small business does it for a variety of reasons and usually the foremost is that they want to enjoy themselves while making money. This is very cool and at the same time a gateway into wasting a lot of time on selfish desires unless you have the self discipline to do keep your eyes on the prize while experimenting with your skills.

This is all good advice, and I do know how to do a business plan. I have created many business plans but people this is a question on how to pick what to do when you have a lot of passions to act on.
Keep on going on ;-o

I had the same dilemma at one time, so I decided to link into personality tests; Myers Briggs. There are a couple of sites that deal with it. Aside from the typical do what you like to do advice and what makes you happy, it gave me a qualifier for my aptitude and attitudes. It was funny. Since age 5 I have wanted to be an architect, have done a lot of different things, but every test I have ever taken has pointed me towards architecture.

Excellent idea Lance. Here are my passions: photography,dog training, yoga, reading, writing, poetry and of course drinking lots and lots of coffee. Now, how do I link all of that together LOL
Keep on going on ;-o

I would love to have my own business, but I am going to wait until the boys are a little older.