2009 Get Your Business Up and Running Challenge

**madhen** · 12-25-2008, 05:54 PM

I started a very small hobby business a few years ago (back in 2003). It has limped along, mostly because I don't put any time into it. I have been wanting to breathe some new life into it and get it going again, so I am going take the year to re-organize and start with a real sense of direction.

My first goal is something I have been saying I'm going to do for YEARS and have not yet started - write a business plan!! I'm giving myself until the end of February to get it done. I found a free template on the Small Business Administration site.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-25-2008, 06:05 PM

Another good challenge. We have a small business too (craft) and we haven't done much with it over the past couple years. I know dh would love to get back into it, so this just might do it.

**LastDragonfly** · 12-25-2008, 07:05 PM

I too started a small business in October. My dh got laid off so I had to put the $$ I had set aside for the biz to go towards bills. But I am going to work on it this year.

**madhen** · 12-25-2008, 07:08 PM

I make jewelry, but the business actually started out as a pet bird supply store. I didn't sell live animals, but sold toys, food, etc. Then I kept branching out, and it finally became too much for me, as I would constantly be under the gun to meet the demands of my customers. I got so stressed out, I just closed it with a notice that I was taking a hiatus. That was over a year ago, and I still occasionally get emails or phone calls asking me if I have something available. I have decided to back off and re-focus, maybe build up a small inventory of the most popular items, and then start back up in a very small way. I have a lot of projects that I want to explore, but can't do them all at once, or I'll be shut down again six months after I start, and probably in the hospital being treated for anxiety attacks!!

**homesteadmamma** · 12-25-2008, 07:15 PM

With ours, we had so many people calling and asking for items, dh couldn't keep up to it. I sorta lost interest in helping him so it was tough slugging. We did make enough money though that it really helped us through some tough times.

In starting up again, we will need to make sure that we have items ready long before others see the items, so it's not always rush jobs. I don't work well under time restraints. I prefer to enjoy what I'm doing rather than being rushed to do an order.

**tervsforme** · 12-25-2008, 07:49 PM

Well, I'm not starting an offical business, but I do want to start selling on E-Bay again, with a few larger things on Craigs List. I have lots of clothes and shoes and purses that I know will sell, so I just need to take the time to list the items. I have a couple of winter things, I wouldn't mind trying to sell now, I just really don't have time to do it until after my overtime is done, so the first part of February, I'm going to do it. I think I'll start taking pictures and gathering the measurements and such, to make listing that much easier.

Thanks for the inspiration!

**madhen** · 12-25-2008, 09:53 PM

Okay, found the SBA website and am reading up on designing my business plan.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-25-2008, 11:11 PM

Originally Posted by madhen

Okay, found the SBA website and am reading up on designing my business plan.

Good job madhen. That's a great start.

**Dave'sGirl** · 12-27-2008, 04:30 PM

This is a relatively new idea for me, but I do plan on retiring in less than 5 years and I'd LOVE to have my own business doing what I love, so I really am in on this challenge! I may only update occasionally, but I accept this challenge!

**madhen** · 12-27-2008, 04:47 PM

Dave'sGirl, I would strongly recommend going to the Small Business Administration website as a first step. It is chock-full of great ways to get your business planned and up and off the ground successfully.

I've had my business license for almost five years now, although I let my resale license lapse last year. I have to re-file my fictitious business name this year, but I think I'll hold off on the resale cert until I get my business plan done and get a game plan.

**MommyBliss** · 12-27-2008, 05:17 PM

I have a jewelry business and I was doing really good at the beginning of 2008, but got a little burned out. I want to go to the next level and hubby is focusing some time to help me get there. I just started getting more inventory in and will be restocking my etsy store. I'm also going to be selling my handmade cards, hubby thinks they would sell well. Mother's Day sales are our first big selling goal.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-27-2008, 05:21 PM

The first thing I'm going to do is re-register our business name. I'll call on Monday to have the papers sent out to me and then file again as soon as I get them.

**jollyquilter** · 12-27-2008, 05:31 PM

I also have a small business. And as was said here it really help during the bumpy times. Dh is retired now and can do more. And we also do several festivals and swap meets per year.

I am looking forward to following this thread. ( If I can remember how to find it)

**Mavourneen** · 12-27-2008, 05:37 PM

Accepting this challenge! I want my retail website http://dtacustomveils.com up and running this year!

Many years ago I had a successful bridal veil business out of my house. I'd like to move that to the web and sell veils worldwide.

What's holding me back? $$$. I need about $5,000 to fund it.

I have the website, I have the licenses. I need money.

**Debbie-cat** · 12-27-2008, 05:53 PM

I would like to join this one as well. Boy madhen you are going to keep me busy in 2009

I not only want to list items on craigslist, but have a booth at the local antique flea market. I have a ton of antiques that I could get rid of and make a few bucks.

This thread will help me keep motivated and accountable! Thanks!