Start my own business

Even though I’m still getting my bachelor degree and after that I’m going for my master I do want to start my own business eventually so there you go.

I owned a business 5 years ago with my husband and I loved being the boss. Since then I have worked under several awful bosses and have decided that I really want to have my own company again. I just have to figure out what I want to do and where. Oh and then I have to find some money. . . just a minor detail.

1st July 2009

Goals 0 – 1yr

• To see my first dollar within 30 days and then for 7 days straight
• To treble the first months profit within 60 days
• To profit $500 per month within 90 days
• To be less financially stressed within 120 days
• To have 3 products within 6 months
• To sell the other business within 9 months
• To be profiting $60,000 per yr within 1 yr

and to enjoy every moment while achieving :)

Sometimes you realize that what you want isnt necesarily whats right for you.

Just received my very first pay cheque for a freelance job I did, it’s not much, but it’s quite a proud moment, and means I can afford to get some new equipment.

My next steps are to get some business cards printed, continue working on my website and find more clients to do work for!

I handled the stall ok over the weekend. I realise I can do the same for myself. It was great getting positive feedback from customers, it felt like it was my own business for a while! I realised how great that would be if it was my own business!

I love dogs, i really do. Ive always given baths to my moms dog and groomed my own dog and well dogs are just such great animals, so friendly and loving, even the bad ones! My boyfriend just got a 6 month old aussie sheppard and he is snappy and scared, but he warms up quick and is very loving.

I’m currently doing small freelance web development projects for local businesses and individuals, I had an idea of starting out as a sole trader (self employed) and seeing how it goes.

I’ve always wanted to work for myself, I have a few thousand pounds in capital and a satisfied customer behind me and with two new projects ready to be undertaken, I feel this may be one of those small, but very significant forks in the road of life, take a humdrum 9-5 job doing mind-numbing user suppport and minor PC repairs for some large, faceless company or working for myself, doing what I love, making my own money and meeting new people….. in the words of Richard Branson – “Screw it, let’s do it!”.

I have registered my domain names and am currently developing the website. I’m also considering getting business cards made (a good idea even for Internet-based business) and setting up a PO Box at my local sorting office for receiving mail.

Ever since I can remember, I have always dreamed of owning my own business. I think the idea came from my parents, who were always going from one idea to the next. My mother used to always say to me that if you really want to make money, you won’t work for anyone else. It makes sense.

So, I’ve bounced around lots of ideas for a long time, never really acting on any of them. I’m an educated woman, and I can make this happen if I can just remain persistent. I plan to take one idea to start with, and run with it. I already know which it will be. I am in the process of coming up with a good business name, around which I will build my brand.

I will let you know when I make the Inc 500 (2010 is my goal), and subsequently the Fortune 500. Yes, my idea is that good : )

Have already registered as a CC. My business focus is:
HIV and lifeskills training, counselling, health and wellness services, assessment of outcomes based HIV unit standards. Target is all industries in private and public sector in South Africa initially and with an intention to extend services to Southern Africa. I have experience in the focus area already through education and work experience.

What i need right now:
Freelance work to help finance the business
Assistance to develop a marketing plan and strategy
Clients & Business contracts
To build an office from home
A business mentor