Badmovies.org Forum

My wife and I have made the decision to start our own business. She has over 10 years experience in all aspects of bookkeeping and accounting for small to medium businesses, and I just finished an MBA. Between us I think we have most of what we need to start small with an accounting outsourcing company. We're going to start small and grow slowly, working from home and see where it goes. We're going to focus on the accounting needs of small businesses as a niche market. A good client or two is all we would need to get ourselves going for almost no start-up costs and grow the business slowly. I wouldn't quit my job or anything, but with her being stay-at-home I could help run the business, market it, and if things go well perhaps break out as a fulltime business.

Does anybody else here have any entrepreneurial endeavors? It's scary because neither of us have ever started a business, but also very exciting. Sometimes it's good to feel nervous, and to take risks. It's what makes life worth living in my opinion. I like my job, but I'm tired of working for somebody else.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share, and was curious to see if anybody else does any working for themselves, whether fulltime or as a sideline, who can share any thoughts/advice/experiences/etc.

I owned an on-line newspaper which I officially closed February 1. My advice: if someone says they want to help with your venture do not take him/her at their word, get them to sign a contract. That's how I lost the bulk of people who said they'd be contributing for me and I ended up doing damn near everything myself.

I don't but my brother co-owns/teaches a Jujitsu school in Gresham.  He's got 20-some students right now; hopefully soon he can quit his regular job (bartending) and just teach, and still make decent money working less than 40 hours a week (and thus, still pay me decent rent money).

I have been self-employed (in varying degrees) for the last 5-6 years. I am a massage therapist. I still don't make what I would call a living, but I at least supplement my wife's income enough for us to get by. I love being my own boss, but I lack some business skills, so I'm not doing as much with it as I could. This is my third career (after graphic arts and teaching), and it seems to be the most fulfilling so far. It was a big decision to break off on my own, but, despite the small income, I think it was the right one for me. It sounds like you're doing it the right way--start small and build slowly. And NEVER count on a client to give you return business. People are fickle, and customer loyalty is almost always negotiable. Accounting may be a little different, but I think my advice is still sound.

I created Eastern Iowa Airsoft (http://www.eiairsoft.com/) in August of 2009.  Basically I plan, market, host, referree, shoot photos and video, and make sure everyone has a good time.

I started my own business because I hate working for other people.  99% of the time I would think, "I could run this place better and more efficiently than these idiots."  Pretty much every male in my family owns their own business or has done so at one point or another so it was only natural that I do the same.

Last year was awful for game attendance.  This year on the other hand is awesome!  Almost every game has had over 30+ players.  And at $15 a head, the money adds up quick.  I grossed $600 for about six hours worth of work yesterday and it wasn't even work to me.  I had a blast doing it!  Some people don't even make that in a week.

Ever play guns around your neighborhood when you were a kid?  Basically we're doing that only we're on private land, and we have way better guns.  And I get paid to do it.
Now I'm looking to make even more cash by offering extras like T-shirts, stickers & decals, custom dog tags, you name it.  If my EIA logo can be put on it, I'll try to sell it.

It's taken a lot of trial and error and many mistakes but it's going stronger than ever right now.  I sure hope it stays that way!  (knocks on wood)

By the way, like the new picture of me?  It was taken at the game yesterday:

(http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9827/me3hf.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/155/me3hf.jpg/)

And a nice logo it is. Wherever did you get it?  :twirl: :wink: :twirl:

My wife makes bows and crafts for little girls.  She does a decent side business. 

I work  three jobs, had my own businesses, thanks  to Govt. intervention, large cities  are  dead  end for small business. Try medium cities  to small municipalities, less  money for sure, but, try and build it over the internet. One of my jobs is  almost  solely online.

Gone?  Sorry to see you go. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRQ1qkGxoR0