Own my own business

I’m pretty sure this goal scares me the most. Every time I stop to think about opening a business I become overwhelmed. I know it will be a government contracting business, and I’ve decided on the name.

I’m reading the most boring but interesting book on federal contracting right now.

I want to complete grad school, get more management experience under my belt, and save a little more before tackling this challenge.

This goal will take a lot of time and preparation.

probably an internet of a software business

I want to find something I like and start small. If you work hard enough, you can make it in to a business that could eventually be your full-time job! I read a book that inspired me – it said that the key to life is making money off of others hard work! (while you are enjoying life) lol That’s what I want to do!

Having spent the past few months experimenting with some new crafts and finding out where my strengths are, I’ve decided to push forward with my Etsy business idea. I have many ideas for products, but I’m going to start by creating just three (the reason for this is that Etsy charges a listing fee for every item in your store) and using those to test the market, find out what’s popular. I’ve done a cost analysis (excluding p&p) and worked out my pricing strategy accordingly. The tasks that remain are as follows:

- Get to grips with payment methods
- Familiarise myself with Etsy policies and set up store
- Research postage and packing methods/costs
- Purchase supplies
- Make and photograph products
- List products

I hope to be up and running by mid-July.

... and since my venture is so new, I’m not ready to mark this one as complete just yet!

I’m working to market Digital Zoom Kids! in every way possible and learn from others who are here on 43things and operating their own businesses.

Nothing motivates someone to work for themselves more than having to work for/with crappy people. My mom and I are both fed up with our jobs so we’re currently brainstorming a business plan.

We understand that the economy will make it a challenge for us to succeed, but we have both wanted to do this for a while, and we have our motivation. So far we have our business idea, now we need a plan.

I’ve always wanted to work for myself, just don’t know what I want to own yet. But I do plan on becoming a small business owner at some point in my life.

I had a counseling meeting at my local SCORE office this weekend and now have some direction regarding a business permit and officially starting. It’s scary and sounds expensive, but it also sounds doable. My next step is to apply for a license, and look into liability insurance.

I have an idea…now to follow through.

My website is now up. I haven’t done any advertising or really told anyone, but it’s there. I’m not sure what my next step is, or what I’d even do if anyone contacted me, but I wanted to at least put myself out there. If anyone reads this, feel free to visit www.themoneymuscle.com and let me know what you think. Please only comment if you have constructive criticism. It’s pretty much just a posted business card right now.