Starting a small home-based business...

[Manda22]

Hi all! :)

I am seriously thinking about starting a small home-based business specialising in computer consulting for other small businesses and individuals. I have a fair idea of where to start but would love to hear from others who have started their own home-based businesses and how they are going, regardless of what your area is.

I will be running this business along side my fulltime job (Public Servant for QLD Govt.) so at this stage, I’m not looking at ‘over-advertising’ as I don’t want to be swamped with business until I see how the initial first stages go.

Anyone willing to share their experience?

[MissieK]

I work from home, helping businesses start & grow!

The first thing you will need is a business name and an ABN. You don't need to register for GST until you have an annual turnover of $50,000, though registering does have some advantages, especially that you can claim back GST for things you buy.

A business plan is also an advantage, though I didn't have one when I started :blush:

I sell a great product that can help you get started with a business plan, etc, the Getting Started in Business Pack (http://busmums.greenbanana.com.au/?field=category&fieldID=46&itemType=49&itemID=196) - has a lot of useful information and templates.

I hope this helps you get started. All the best :)

Melissa

[Barbara]

Melissa has already given you pretty much what I would have said.

Although, I have one more thing to add - (and this is for anyone thinking about it). Just be sure to do your homework. What I mean by this is to make sure that you have done some research into the type of business you want to have just to ensure it is something that people and/or business are wanting or needing.

My reasoning behind this is that I know of a few people (yes, me being one of those) who have jumped in at the chance of having their own business without researching it and the business has either failed or not gone the way it was supposed to & ended up losing $$.

I definitely say work out a good business plan and take it from there.

[Ello]

I'm 18 years old and i have started a business called Bizarre Glamour, its an online Fashion Jewellery Store.

One thing i found useful was to ask as many questions as you can, friends, family anyone, it may be a scary task but learn to manage that risk and you will do fine, always make your customers number 1, if they win so will you!! i follow that by have low prices and great customer service so they get a great deal and i get business!!

Good luck - If you need any advice please feel free to email me at admin@bizarreglamour.com.au.

Kind Regards
ello

[MissieK]

:blush: I'm one of those who did very little research before starting... I've been VERY lucky, though my business has grown faster than I ever imagined.

If you can, find some seminars to attend. The federal government runs free starting a business seminars all around Australia. These should be able to give you information on GST, etc.

Melissa

[Manda22]

Wow! Thanks ladies! You've all been very helpful. And yes, I definately plan on doing some research before I jump into the world of business.

I used to do some computer consulting for friends & family and found I had a real knack for it and thought 'Hey, I could be using my skills to make me some moolar!' :) I don't want to quit my fulltime job though. Well, not until I've established a regular clientel and I know we can survive on one fulltime wage.

I like the idea of a business plan and thanks for the link Melissa! Definately something I should look into. The thing is with the area I have chosen, jobs will be very sporadic initially so I won't be able to do up a budget or anything until I've been doing the job for a period of time and know what the work load will be like.

I'm toying with names at the moment and I've come up with 'Kapow Computer Services'. It's a play on mine & hubby's names. K for Hubby, A for me and Pow is the first half of our last name. What do you think?

[Colby]

All the advise given has been great :) I like your name suggestion... so how are you going with it all?

[drdolly]

A few tips for you...

a lot of banks have information on writing business plans on their websites - also look at the bread tv website- it has lots of great free information and tips.
Have a look at the ATO website- there are great resources there as well.

google search starting a small business -there is lots of free information out there.
When starting my own business - i spent a lot of time researching and planning before I spent any money on the set up.



A good reference to get you started is a book called
"The Australian Business Start up guide. a one year plan for entrepreneurs."
David Bangs and Michael Halliday.

The was easy to read and written for the Australian context.

You need work out what yoour goal and vision is and plan for that. You also need to plan for the unexpexted. And trust me you will need to tripple your budget... the unexpected will pop up.
regards
drdolly