Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

I'm thinking of starting a small business that I can do in the summer and on school vacations (I work as a SLP in a school). It would be a consultant (but nothing educational, I need a break) service where I could take a client, do the project, and then be finished. I wouldn't have much in terms of costs for start up (maybe business cards and some marketing), besides whatever licenses, insurance, or whatever I would need. I'm not going to be depending on the money, it's just something I've wanted to do for a little while now.

The thing is, I have no idea where to start or what I need! I'm going to go to the library tonight and get a book. I went to the SBA's site, but felt it was not specific enough for me.

Any advice? Where should I start?

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

Does ASHA have any info?

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

I have a small business see my link and all i can say its definitely expensive to start up, and you'll work your a$$ off...... but the payback is great and very rewarding. If you're VERY lucky you'll even make money.

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

I do private consulting work (fundraising to be specific). I can tell you that my start-up was next to nothing. I work out of my house where I already have a computer, I upgraded to a multi-function (fax/scanner/printer/copier) and added an extra phone/fax line. I registered by business with Suffolk County, it's called a DBA (doing business as) as a sole-proprietorship which was like $40 and very easy. There is a web-site (do a google search) where you can see if your chosen business name is already registered. I ordered my business cards free from Vista Print . I have two clients which I got from word-of-mouth. I put in about 10 hours a week and I get a decent hourly rate, so it's a nice side job.

If you have any other questions let me know! GOOD LUCK!!!

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

That was VERY helpful, Halloweenbride! Thank you to everyone for your input too. BTW, it will have nothing to do with Speech so I won't be needing ASHA on this one! I need a speech break! I'm going to follow up on all you've told me! I may have some questions for you in the near future, Halloweenbride, if you wouldn't mind!

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

What I want to do is something I've chatted with you ladies about on the site before. I want to go in and organize people's homes (i.e. Clean Sweep!)! I've helped people before but want to do it as a business. People at work are encouraging me b/c they think I can do a great job of it.

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

halloween bride - i am considering doing the same thing. i was an annual giving/giving society manager for a long time and am still considering doing grantwriting/dm writing/ consulting. do u recommend it? any further suggestions?

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

Sasha,
Marketing is sooo important for a business, and for what you want to do word-of-mouth sounds like it could be very powerful. What you might want to do to increase the amount of clients is have a 'Refer A Friend' incentive program, where if people refer others to you, you would offer a discounted rate to them, etc. This would generate word-of-mouth for you.

Also something to think about is it sounds like you'll have many one-time-only clients. Once you organize their home, why would they need you to ever come back again? You might have to come up with something so you'll have repeat customers.

Just some things to think about! Good luck!

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

Thanks for the suggestions Lori! The referrals would be important. I'm really only considering doing this this summer for about 2 months, part time. If I like it very much then I may do it on some school vacations so at this stage i don't think i'll need so many repeat customers. If I get no customers at all it is really no skin off my back b/c I'm not depending on the money and I am currently estimating a small amount invested. Thanks!!!!!

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

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Posted by Sasha96

What I want to do is something I've chatted with you ladies about on the site before. I want to go in and organize people's homes (i.e. Clean Sweep!)! I've helped people before but want to do it as a business. People at work are encouraging me b/c they think I can do a great job of it.

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I was just talking aobut the same thing with someone else, small world.

Re: Thinking of starting a small business...advice anyone?

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Posted by bridget&jimmy

[I was just talking aobut the same thing with someone else, small world.

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ME too...what a small small world...hope we will all not be in competition...