Congratulations! You are a part of the 25% of working Americans that dream of starting their own business and leaving their day jobs.

In viewing this website you will learn how to start a business. You will learn how to start a business whether it is home based or on location.

I am a serial entrepreneur! I have owned a government contracting business, a consulting business and for a very short time, an independent insurance claims adjuster…

…and now an infopreneur!

Whether you plan to start a business on a part-time or fulltime bases, it is a huge endeavor. I know from experience, it can take a lot of time, sweat equity and sometimes, money to build a successful business.

Over the past 8 years, prior to becoming an infopreneur, I was the Director of two federal programs. One was a Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) and the other was a Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Each program was aimed at providing one-on-one consulting and training to current and potential small business owners.

I absolutely loved my job! We served between 450 – 610 businesses per year while at the SBDC. Every one of those years at least one client’s business crossed the $1,000,000 mark. This excited me as if it were my business! That is one of the reasons why I loved my job!!!

Now I have decided to provide you with valuable business start up information via the Internet!

So lets get started!

Myths:

First, I will like to debunk a few popular myths about starting a business. These were the top myths I had run across while running the VBOC and the SBDC. This is not to discourage you, but lets say….give you a reality check!

1. There is a 99% chance that you will not earn $1 million in your first year!
2. I am sure there is a market for you; however, it is not everyone! Every single person that is introduced to your product or service will not be interested in purchasing it.

Starting a business:

How to start a business…a successful business takes a little more than simply obtaining a business license.

So...what type of business will you start?

Do you plan to start a product or service based business…or a combination of both? A product based business sells tangible goods, like books, electronics, etc. A service based business provides services, such as, bookkeeping or computer repair service.

An infopreneur business tends to provide both products and services.

Although there are ways to trim start up costs for product based businesses, service based businesses are usually cheaper to start up. This is highly due to the fact that there is no need for any inventory in a service based business.

One way for product based businesses to trim start up costs is to make arrangements with manufacturers and distributors to drop ship their products for you.

Affiliate programs operate in a similar way as drop shippers. Go to the Affiliate Marketing link on this site for more information.

Hmmm...Brick and Mortar vs. Click and Click:

So now we know the type of business…product, service or both. Where will your business be conducted? Will your customers purchase your products and/or services at a physical location (brick and mortar)?

Or

Will your customers purchase your products and/or services online (click and click)?

My government contracting and independent insurance claims adjuster businesses were both a home based business – brick and mortar. My consulting businesses has both a brick and mortar and a click and click platform. I offer consulting services on location and via the Internet...however, my infopreneur business is strictly a click and click business.

Starting On a Shoestring

The term starting on a shoestring means starting a business without a bankroll. In other words, without a 6 – 12 month cash flow cushion. Creating a successful business is tough as it is. It becomes even more difficult without any cash flow reserves.

Honesty Fact: All of my businesses began on a precarious financial footing. I started each of my businesses due to a lay-off or impending lay-off. Thus, I started each of my businesses without a bankroll.

Now economizing is a whole different matter!

Surviving the Economy

During these harsh economic times business owners must be very wise regarding every dollar earned and every dollar spent. In other words, your cash flow.

Business owners must be flexible with the market and they must be able to foresee the needs of their customers… before the competition does! Be willing to add or reduce your product or service offerings as the market dictates!

Many business opportunities have blossomed as a result of America’s Great Recession. Businesses, such as, foreclosure house cleaning and light repair companies, locksmiths, and informational websites….like this one!!

You can curb some of your start up costs by considering the following:

• Start your business from home before obtaining office space.

Check with your local City or county to see if any zoning laws may prohibit or limit you.

Honesty Fact: I have always worked from home. I meet with clients at local quiet restaurants, libraries, etc.

• Have you ever heard of the term – small business owners wear all of the hats?

Of course, this is done to save costs. You must become your business’ janitor, salesperson, bookkeeper, marketer, etc.

• Consider buying office furniture secondhand.

• Consider buying refurbished electronics – computers, copiers, printers, etc.

• Use energy efficient lights and equipment.

• If you use a vehicle for business, consider purchasing an energy efficient vehicle.

• Buy adequate insurance. It cost you today, but it may save you $ later!!

• Use online meeting resources to conduct trainings and meetings remotely.

An excellent service that I use is Gotomeeting at www.gotomeeting.com. Your clients can see your documents online while you conduct your meeting. You can even do a PowerPoint presentation. It is very interactive. You also use a Gotomeeting toll free number.