business plan .... ideas ? - Page 2 - SV650.org

09-02-07, 03:49 PM

One thing that might we worth it's weight is taking a short course, evening classes or home learning or something, in Bookkeeping.

Even if you end up getting someone else to do your books it's really handy to know what they should look like - and therefore more easily spot mistakes.

If you can do them yourself too (though a great time swallower) it will save you money and you'll get to know the pure finacial state of your business much better too - can save you by noticing shortfalls or problems early on rather than waiting for a quarterly reprot or something.

A good bookkeeper is worth their weight in gold, but it's still a good idea to learn even just the basics.

10-02-07, 12:16 AM

I'm self-employed...

Life's one big lesson over the last 2 years - NEVER doubt your own ability. You will have do do the lot, turn your hand to everything, do things you ain't never done before, things you really don't want to do. You are adaptable, flexible, willing to do ANYTHING, and PASSIONATE about your business. You are better than the competition because [well why? - What competitive advantage can you bring? Not just caring about animals, that's a given, what can you do better then anyone else?] How can you convince some hard-nosed lending manager that this isn't simply self-indulgence, how are you going to service the interest and how is the bank going to get its money back? Look at pricing of similar businesses - but I don't think that this market is particularly price-sensitive. Are thet located in the right place? What staff do they have? How do they market themselves? How can you show that you have something to offer?

Don't be put off by all this. Generally there is always a market, it's just how good are you at exploiting it. For example, could you offer a pick-up and delivery service? Most people are rushed off their feet when going away, the last thing they want is a 20 mile round trip to bring the animal to the cattery/doggery, so a collection service would be terrific. 'And call me from the airport/when you get home and tell me when to deliver Fido home because I know that you've just stepped off the plane and you'll be too tired.'

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09-02-07, 03:49 PM	#11
K Guest Posts: n/a	One thing that might we worth it's weight is taking a short course, evening classes or home learning or something, in Bookkeeping. Even if you end up getting someone else to do your books it's really handy to know what they should look like - and therefore more easily spot mistakes. If you can do them yourself too (though a great time swallower) it will save you money and you'll get to know the pure finacial state of your business much better too - can save you by noticing shortfalls or problems early on rather than waiting for a quarterly reprot or something. A good bookkeeper is worth their weight in gold, but it's still a good idea to learn even just the basics.

10-02-07, 12:16 AM	#12
Ed Guest Posts: n/a	I'm self-employed... Life's one big lesson over the last 2 years - NEVER doubt your own ability. You will have do do the lot, turn your hand to everything, do things you ain't never done before, things you really don't want to do. You are adaptable, flexible, willing to do ANYTHING, and PASSIONATE about your business. You are better than the competition because [well why? - What competitive advantage can you bring? Not just caring about animals, that's a given, what can you do better then anyone else?] How can you convince some hard-nosed lending manager that this isn't simply self-indulgence, how are you going to service the interest and how is the bank going to get its money back? Look at pricing of similar businesses - but I don't think that this market is particularly price-sensitive. Are thet located in the right place? What staff do they have? How do they market themselves? How can you show that you have something to offer? Don't be put off by all this. Generally there is always a market, it's just how good are you at exploiting it. For example, could you offer a pick-up and delivery service? Most people are rushed off their feet when going away, the last thing they want is a 20 mile round trip to bring the animal to the cattery/doggery, so a collection service would be terrific. 'And call me from the airport/when you get home and tell me when to deliver Fido home because I know that you've just stepped off the plane and you'll be too tired.'