Own business what do you do?

[A Party of Five]

I really would love to work from home or have my own business but have no idea what type of business I would run.

So what do you do?

I need some ideas :idea:

[belonna]

I am the sole owner/publisher/editor of a local newspaper which I recently restarted after almost a year off. On the side I also sell second hand clothing on Oztion which nets me several hundred per week easy. Somehow I find time to work on my Doctorate.

Here's my suggestion. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Then make a list of what kind of work you have had experience in. Then make another list of what you've always wanted to do for work. Take a note of your hobbies and things you've always wanted to get into. Take a good look at what's written down and have a serious think about what is viable in the short and long term and what you would need to do for each to achieve it. That's how I started down the publishing road and I've never looked back.

Start up cash can be a pain which is when I started selling second hand clothing online. I asked friends and family to pitch it what stuff they didn't need any more to help me on my way and they were only too happy to do so. I listed it all along with a good amount of clothing and items I'd bought second-hand for resale plus a stack of my own stuff I could do without. I kept around $100 to buy more clothing to resell and used the rest for my business. This gave me the money I needed to get my main business started and I still invest about 1.5 days per week purely on selling clothing online as it nets me a decent income on average. You could achieve this at your local markets as well if selling online isn't your thing.

One piece of advice - do a simple bookkeeping course whether it's through TAFE, a tutor or online. I often hear of businesses failing simply because they screwed their bookkeeping.

Hope that helps in some way. Depending on what you end up doing you will most likely want to read up on marketing and advertising strategies as well. Feel free to drop me a pm I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Here are two sites you may be interested in. Flying solo is an Australian site and forum for those who go into business on their own: http://www.flyingsolo.com.au

This site is overflowing with really great articles on marketing, advertising and sales - well worth the read. I learned a stack from it. http://www.myprofessionaladvertising.com/Media%20Strategies.htm

Hope you'll keep us posted! Good luck!

[Fuchsia!]

I dye and sell top quality yarn/wool. I have a little online store. It gives me a bit of cash on the side while still doing something i really love.

If i really wanted to make a go of it i could be pretty successful, but im quite happy to plod along as i am

[Nightwolf]

hubby & I run our own computer business & I run an online scrapping store.

I did the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) before we started the business & found it really helpful. they give you great ideas & info on advertising, budgeting, book keeping etc

[lovingbeingamum]

I sell little kids clothes and some other second hand goods online, but profits are hardly worth mentioning at the moment, at least for the clothes. Damn recession!

[Teena bop]

I am a family day carer and love it. Have four of my own all at school now and look after 11 different children over the course of the week having no more than four at a time. Best job for me as I can be home for my own children each day.

[Leisa21]

I've just started my own Tupperware business. I didn't think you could make much but you can:thumbsup:. There are great incentives too, I'm getting trained as a manager in a month and that means I'll get my own car all paid for. I'm only just starting out too so I'm very happy about that. Obviously it's not working from home as you'd have to go out of your home but it's completely flexible around you. The first month is a bit full on but after that you can dictate what hours you want depending how much you'd like to earn. Plus you don't have to outlay any costs to start up.

[afashionablelife]

I would recommend the NEIS sceme (you can find out about it at centrelink) as well, it will give you certificate 4 in business and help you understand tax and book keeping requirements as well as plenty more. I completed it 10 years ago and still find it relevent in my business life today.

You will need to come up with an idea that encompasses something you enjoy and can see yourself remaining passionate about for a long time (that way its not like a job at all).

Myself, I love designer clothes and accessories, so I import them and wholesale them to people who sell on ebay, in market stalls or have a shop and just want to add to their stock levels. It never feels like work, and I get a real thrill of checking out new merchandise when it arrives.

Good luck with your venture, I hope you find something you love.

Anne

[BabelFish]

I am the sole owner/publisher/editor of a local newspaper which I recently restarted after almost a year off. On the side I also sell second hand clothing on Oztion which nets me several hundred per week easy. Somehow I find time to work on my Doctorate.

Here's my suggestion. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Then make a list of what kind of work you have had experience in. Then make another list of what you've always wanted to do for work. Take a note of your hobbies and things you've always wanted to get into. Take a good look at what's written down and have a serious think about what is viable in the short and long term and what you would need to do for each to achieve it. That's how I started down the publishing road and I've never looked back.

Start up cash can be a pain which is when I started selling second hand clothing online. I asked friends and family to pitch it what stuff they didn't need any more to help me on my way and they were only too happy to do so. I listed it all along with a good amount of clothing and items I'd bought second-hand for resale plus a stack of my own stuff I could do without. I kept around $100 to buy more clothing to resell and used the rest for my business. This gave me the money I needed to get my main business started and I still invest about 1.5 days per week purely on selling clothing online as it nets me a decent income on average. You could achieve this at your local markets as well if selling online isn't your thing.

One piece of advice - do a simple bookkeeping course whether it's through TAFE, a tutor or online. I often hear of businesses failing simply because they screwed their bookkeeping.

Hope that helps in some way. Depending on what you end up doing you will most likely want to read up on marketing and advertising strategies as well. Feel free to drop me a pm I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Here are two sites you may be interested in. Flying solo is an Australian site and forum for those who go into business on their own: http://www.flyingsolo.com.au

This site is overflowing with really great articles on marketing, advertising and sales - well worth the read. I learned a stack from it. http://www.myprofessionaladvertising.com/Media%20Strategies.htm

Hope you'll keep us posted! Good luck!
You underachiever.

:D

[Foxy]

I call myself xxxx Business Services and mainly do bookkeeping (MYOB) and other "secretarial" stuff like typing, proof reading etc.

I work for one client in their office 2 x 6 hour days per week and work for others from home.

It pays really good $ and if you are good, you will be offered heaps of work through word of mouth.

Good Luck finding something that suits! :)

[mum2bmskaj]

Hi there,
I have a business that i run from home. It is MLM but its so easy, anyone can do it.

Its within the adult industry. Its a business and is going to take things by storm.

thanks